Massive boost for the Illawarra construction industry
Illawarra’s construction industry will receive a boost with seven social housing construction projects worth $11.5 million underway as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.
NSW Premier Nathan Rees, Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek and State Minister for the Illawarra David Campbell joined local State and Federal MPs at the construction site of one of the projects today.
Mr Rees said the new projects would provide a boost to the local economy and support jobs.
“NSW is well ahead of the game in delivering additional social housing as part of the Stimulus Plan,” Mr Rees said.
“Here in the Illawarra, these new projects will see an additional 44 extra social housing homes.
“This will provide a roof over the heads of people who need it most and see an $11.5 million injection into the local building industry.
“In total more than 300 jobs including 25 apprenticeships will be supported by this construction.”
Ms Plibersek said the Commonwealth’s Nation Building Stimulus Plan was supporting jobs and delivering infrastructure.
“The Federal Government is investing two billion dollars as part of its Nation Building Plan to deliver more than 6,500 social housing homes in NSW,” Ms Plibersek said.
“Nearly 70 per cent of the stimulus funding is for infrastructure, and when construction gets up to full steam there will be around 35 000 individual construction projects around the country.
“The social housing component of the Nation Building Plan has been estimated by Treasury to support 15 000 jobs across Australia over the next two years.”
Mr Campbell said the first stage of the Stimulus Plan in NSW which includes the construction of over 850 homes was well underway.
“This boost to the Illawarra’s economy is mirrored around NSW with a massive injection of job-supporting building work going on around the State,” Mr Campbell said.
“In Keira, properties at Angus Street, Fairy Meadow will be redeveloped at a cost of around $900,000 and once finished will feature four one and two-bedroom units.
“The units are being built by Ed Kelly Constructions Pty Ltd who estimate that 49 people will be employed at the site including four apprentices.
“That’s good news but this work is not just about jobs for builders and tradespeople but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the economy ticking over.”
Federal MP Sharon Bird said three sites in Wollongong will be redeveloped resulting in 23 new units worth six million dollars.
“One of the sites is at Graham Street, Unanderra and once finished it will feature 14 one-bedroom units,” Ms Bird said.
“These homes are being built by Alliance Network International and they estimate that around 55 people will be employed at the site including three apprentices.
“In Shellharbour there are three sites undergoing redevelopment that will result in 17 new homes worth $4.6 million.
“One of the sites currently underway is at Kings Way, Warilla and once finished this project will feature six two-bedroom units.
“The homes are being built by Ed Kelly Constructions Pty Ltd who estimate that around 48 people will be employed at the site including three apprentices”
Mr Campbell said another important part of the Stimulus Plan was the new investment in maintenance for social housing homes.
“NSW was allocated $130.4 million from the Federal Government as part of the Stimulus Plan which 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 Campbell said.
“Oveall around 7.6 million dollars is being invested in Keira, Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong on social housing maintenance.
“Projects include installing new bathrooms and kitchens, painting, new carpet, plumbing and re-wiring and 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.”