27 new social housing units for Labrador

Vulnerable Australians in Labrador will benefit from the opening today of a new social housing development built with the help of the $8.1 million from the Gillard Government.

Senator for Queensland Mark Furner welcomed the opening of the Hunter Avenue project in Labrador which was funded by the Australian Government’sSocial Housing Initiative.

“This new development offers vulnerable Australians in our local community the security of having a stable place to live,” Senator Furner said.

“The newly completed 27 apartment complex consists of 15 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units, including six Class C adaptable apartments for households with a disability.

“All of the apartments incorporate six star energy ratings demonstrating sustainable technologies and sound environmental principles.

“I would like to thank Churches of Christ Care for its involvement and management of this complex.”

Federal Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib said the $5.6 billion Social Housing Initiative was the single largest investment in social housing ever undertaken by an Australian Government.

“The Social Housing Initiative, delivered under the Government’s stimulus package, is designed to assist low income Australians who are homeless or struggling in the private rental market,” Senator Arbib said.

“Under the Initiative, around 19,600 homes are being constructed across the nation and will be completed by June 2012 – 14,800 of these have already been completed.

“In Queensland, we have completed over 2600 of the 4034 new homes we have committed to deliver under the Social Housing Initiative.

“Through the Initiative, the Australian Government has supported more than 15,000 jobs nationally, and helped shield Australia from the recession that hit most other economies.”