Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan supporting construction jobs in Sydney’s south-west
Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek and NSW Housing Minister David Borger today announced that the NSW Government and TAFE were jointly building homes worth more than $800,000 in Macarthur as part of the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.
The announcement was made in Campbelltown with Federal Member for Werriwa Chris Hayes, State Member for Campbelltown Graham West and State Member for Macquarie Fields Andrew McDonald.
“The Rudd Government is taking practical steps through its Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan to cushion the impact of the global financial crisis by supporting jobs in the construction sector. Housing and construction is a major employer in the Australian economy,” Ms Plibersek said.
“That’s why housing has featured so strongly in the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan – firstly through the First Home Owners Boost and then by the announcement to build 20,000 social housing dwellings.”
Mr Borger said the Australian Government is investing $2 billion as part of its Stimulus Plan to deliver more than 6,500 social housing homes in NSW and on top of that, the NSW Government is also investing one billion dollars to deliver another 3,000 homes.
“The Stimulus Plan is all about securing jobs and since it kicked off in NSW more than 5000 jobs have been secured in the housing industry across NSW,” Mr Borger said.
“At a time when we are facing a global recession and there are job cuts nation wide, this is a tangible example that our massive investment in the construction industry is paying off.
“We are embarking on the biggest social housing infrastructure program in decades and the first stage of the project, which includes the construction of over 850 homes, is well underway.”
Mr Hayes said the redevelopment in Campbelltown is worth over $420,000 and once finished will be a 4-bedroom home, which can be modified if there are any disability or mobility issues.
“The units are being built by South West Sydney Institute of TAFE and a total of 43 tradespeople and 30 apprentices are involved,” Mr Hayes said.
“It’s not just about jobs for builders and tradies but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the Australian economy ticking over.
“In addition, there is the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to people who need it the most.”
Dr McDonald said the redevelopment in Macquarie Fields is worth over $400,000 and is being built by TAFE students in a partnership between the Government and the Department of Education.
“Talented carpentry students have redeveloped an old 3 bedroom cottage into a 4 bedroom modifiable home for a family who really needs housing,” Dr McDonald said.
“More than $2.9 million is also being invested in Macquarie Fields to upgrade 616 social housing homes as part of the Economic Stimulus Plan.”
Mr West said another important part of the Stimulus Plan is the new investment in maintenance and NSW has been allocated $130.4 million from the Federal Government.
“The Commonwealth’s investment compliments the NSW Government’s own funding and the record $200 million the Premier brought forward late last year for maintenance to further stimulate the economy,” Mr West said.
“Over $4.7 million is being invested in maintenance in the Campbelltown area to upgrade 898 social housing homes as part of the Economic Stimulus Plan.
“The maintenance includes projects such as installing new bathrooms and kitchens, painting, new carpet, plumbing and re-wiring.
“Because we undertake regular property inspections we have been able to immediately start work on properties and accelerate work which had been planned for future years.”