Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Stimulus plan delivers 1000th home

Joint Media Release with:

  • Karen Struthers MP, Minister for Community Services and Housing

Construction has begun on the 1000th home to be built under the Australian Government’s $6.4 billion national, social housing stimulus package.

Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the $4 million project in Woolloongabba in Brisbane’s south was an important milestone in the Government’s social housing program.

‘The construction of these 18 one-bedroom apartments means people will be able to move off the social housing wait list and into new accommodation,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘As well, the local construction industry is getting the boost it needs to support jobs during the difficult times of the global recession.

‘On this project alone, Sunshine Coast developer, Rockwood Imports, is employing 16 local builders and, in turn, a further 15 sub-contractors are expected to be employed by the builders.

‘The roll out of new social housing began only three months ago with the construction in New South Wales of the first homes to be built under the stimulus package.

‘Reaching this milestone today demonstrates the Government is on track to deliver 20,000 homes across Australia by June 2012.’

Ms Macklin said as part of its Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, the Government was building more than 4000 new social housing dwellings in Queensland.

‘A further 22,000 existing social housing dwellings will be refurbished and upgraded in Queensland, at a cost of more than $80 million,’ Ms Macklin said.

Queensland Housing Minister Karen Struthers said there were exciting times ahead for people who rely on social housing.

‘More than 4,000 new homes are being built across Queensland. We’re building homes for people who need them most and we’re creating thousands of jobs for workers in the building industry.

‘It’s a win for people who need a roof over their head and a win for workers. Even in the face of the worst global economic crisis since the Great Depression, Labor will never give up the fight for Queensland workers.

‘We’re working in partnership with the Federal Government on the biggest-ever investment in housing infrastructure since the Chifley era.’