31 new homes for older Australians in Chapman

Older Australians in Chapman will benefit from the opening today of a new social housing development built with the help of more than $4.8 million in Australian Government funding.

Member for Canberra Gai Brodtmann welcomed the opening of the Streeton Drive project in Chapman, funded through the Australian Government’s Social Housing Initiative.

“Finding an affordable and safe place to live in the local area not only gives you peace of mind, it is also an important part of staying connected with your community,” Ms Brodtmann said.

“This new development offers vulnerable older Australians in our local community the security of having a stable place to live.  The newly completed 31 unit facility consists of 28 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom apartments.

“All units incorporate six star energy ratings demonstrating sustainable technologies and sound environmental principles that are Class C Adaptable. This will assist tenants to remain in their properties as they age.

“I would like to thank Bellerive Homes for its involvement and management of the facility.”

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 the Australian Capital Territory, we have delivered over 394 of the 421 new homes we 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.”