Four older three-bedroom and four-bedroom houses suitable for families in Jensen St, between Grantala St and Enmore St, are being demolished to make way for 30 one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.
The Department of Housing and Public Works is refusing to identify the properties but Cairns Local News has seen demolition crews at 72 and 76 Jensen St while there are boarded up houses at 53 and 56 Jensen St which appear to be abandoned and overgrown.
A department spokeswoman said the Queensland Government would deliver about 30 one-bedroom and two-bedroom social homes at a new development in Manoora.
“The Jensen St homes will replace four ageing social housing dwellings and are currently under design,” she said.
“We’re unable to further identifying information about the specific properties.
“Planning for the new social housing development is underway and the project costs are not known yet.
“The units will become home to vulnerable Queenslanders from the social housing register.
“Former tenants from those properties have accepted alternative accommodation.”
It is understood a social housing site left vacant after a fire more than three years ago is not part of the redevelopment.
A house full of asbestos was demolished after the fire on September 7, 2022. Despite a no trespassing sign, a Holden Commodore car and a boat and trailer, as well as other items have been dumped on the site.
“The Department of Housing and Public Works is aware of items remaining at an address in Jensen St and will have these removed as soon as possible,” the spokeswoman said.
At 71 Jensen St, which has been boarded up with trashed items dumped in the front yard, is to be renovated.
“Another property on Jensen St was voluntarily vacated by a long-term tenant late in December 2025 and vacant maintenance will be undertaken before new tenants move in,” the spokeswoman said.
A street resident, who has owned a private property in the area for many years, said he feared the unit blocks would become ghettos.
His biggest fear was late night-time parties, with music and yelling through to the early hours of the morning.
“It’s difficult to get a response from the department. They are always too busy, there is always someone different to talk to and they appear to be so young,” the man, who asked not to be identified, said.
Another nearby resident said the units would not be suitable for families.
“Where are families supposed to live now in this housing crisis?” he said.
