Media Release by Senator the Hon Mark Arbib

New Housing for vulnerable people in Launceston

Joint Media Release with:

  • Dick Adams MP, Member for Lyons
  • Geoff Lyons MP, Member for Bass

People at risk of homelessness in the Launceston area will benefit from two new social housing developments built with $2 million in funding from the Australian Government.

The Member for Lyons, Dick Adams, and the Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons, today attended the opening of the social housing projects in Evandale and Ravenswood, which were funded from the Australian Government’s Social Housing Initiative.

“These developments will allow people to find a stable place to live, which we know is an important part of staying connected with your community, particularly in a regional centre such as Launceston,” Mr Adams said.

“I would like to pay tribute to Centacare, which provided the land for the units to be built on, and which provides essential services to many Tasmanians in need.

“Through support from the Australian Government, Centacare will deliver 55 social housing units across six sites in Tasmania.

“The Evandale project, located in my electorate of Lyons, received $1.1 million from the Australian Government and will provide five two-bedroom units.”

Mr Lyons said: “In my electorate of Bass, the Ravenswood project will offer two two-bedroom units and two one-bedroom units thanks to the $900,000 received from the Australian Government.

“Because of these projects residents will find it easier to access the support services they need, stay healthy and find work or study.

“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.”

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

“Under the Initiative, more than 19,300 homes are being constructed across the nation and will be completed by June 2012. Almost 12,000 have already been completed and tenants are being arranged,” Senator Arbib said.

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

“The homes built under this program are great places to live, meeting high standards for energy efficiency and access for people with limited mobility.”