The Queensland government has joined prospective homebuyers on the private market after ditching a plan to convert disused university beds into emergency accommodation.
Getting the Griffith University campus beds up to scratch will be too costly, and it's better value to buy existing homes and apartments, Deputy Premier Steven Miles told parliament.
The repurposing of 200 student beds for emergency accommodation at a Brisbane campus was among the measures announced at a state government housing summit last year.
Cost estimates found "substantial works" would be required to bring it up to fire safety standards, especially considering its location near bushland, Mr Miles said on Tuesday.
Instead, the state government has signed contracts to buy 64 properties to be used as social housing, at a total value of about $25 million.
"After consulting with Queensland's leading housing advocacy group QShelter, we've made the decision to purchase homes directly on the private market, to get more people into accommodation quicker," Mr Miles said.
"Accommodation that will remain in the state's social housing stock permanently."
The homes comprised 165 rooms, more than the 100 rooms anticipated at the Griffith campus, Mr Miles said.
The university beds were a temporary option, and this decision delivers better value for money with more homes available sooner, he said.
