A major social housing development in Cairns has been rocked by revelations of extensive water damage affecting multiple buildings, with an insider describing the situation as a "complete fiasco" that could cost millions to repair.
Construction Defects Exposed
The water intrusion issues have been discovered at the 294-unit complex on the former Cairns Square site in the CBD, which represents Queensland's largest social housing project. According to documents obtained by The Cairns Post, the problems are widespread and affect numerous apartments across the development.
An industry insider with detailed knowledge of the construction defects revealed that water has been penetrating the building envelope, causing damage to internal structures and creating potential mold risks. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the issues stem from fundamental construction flaws in the waterproofing systems.
The $120 million project, developed by the Department of Housing under the Queensland Government's housing program, was intended to provide much-needed affordable accommodation in the Cairns region. Instead, it has become the center of a major building quality scandal.
Systemic Problems Emerge
Multiple experts have been brought in to assess the damage and determine the full extent of the problems. Preliminary reports indicate that the water penetration issues are not isolated incidents but rather systemic failures in the building's design and construction.
The development, which comprises several multi-storey buildings, has been under scrutiny since residents began reporting leaks and water damage shortly after moving in. The situation has raised serious questions about building standards and quality control in major government projects.
A spokesperson for the Department of Housing acknowledged the issues, stating that they are "working diligently to address the concerns" and ensure all apartments meet the required living standards. However, they declined to provide specific details about the number of affected units or the estimated cost of repairs.
Broader Implications for Social Housing
This revelation comes at a critical time for Queensland's social housing system, which is already under pressure from growing demand and limited supply. The Cairns project was meant to be a showcase of the government's commitment to addressing housing affordability in regional centers.
Local housing advocates have expressed concern about the impact on vulnerable residents who depend on social housing. "This is deeply disappointing for people who were counting on these homes being safe and secure," said one community representative.
The construction company responsible for the project has not publicly commented on the specific allegations, but industry sources suggest that rectification work could take months to complete and may require significant structural interventions.
As investigations continue, questions remain about how such significant defects could have passed through multiple layers of quality assurance and building inspection processes. The situation has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of building standards for all social housing projects across Queensland.
