New $1.6 Million social housing units for Smithfield Plains

Tanya Plibersek and Member for Wakefield, Nick Champion, today met with builders and apprentices who are constructing seven new social housing units in Smithfield Plains, South Australia.

The project is part of the Australian Government’s $51.8 million investment in South Australia for Stage One social housing construction.

The two-bedroom units will be built by Devine Homes, at a cost $1.6 million. They will be energy efficient and include insulation and rain water tanks.

Ms Plibersek said the Government’s $6.4 billion Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, nation-wide, will build 20,000 social housing dwellings and repair tens of thousands more.

“This will stimulate the building and construction industry during the current tough global economic climate,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Nearly 70 percent of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan is infrastructure and when the stimulus package gets up to full steam, there will be around 35,000 individual construction projects around the country.

“The social housing component of the plan has been estimated by Treasury to support 15,000 jobs nationally over the next two years.”

Devine Homes Managing Director, Steve Weightman, said the affordable homes being constructed here are a testament to the value of this program.

“These units will provide accommodation for many ordinary Australians on low and moderate incomes,” Mr Weightman said.

“At the same time, the project is ensuring work for a range of trade people who might otherwise be doing it tough because of the slowdown in the building industry.

“This is a great example of the way that business and government can work together to ensure positive outcomes for everyone.”

Ms Plibersek said the aim of the stimulus package was to get people into work and keep them there.

“It’s not just about jobs for builders, tradespeople and their apprentices but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the Australian economy ticking over,” Ms Plibersek said.

Mr Champion said the housing and construction sector plays a vital role in the Australian economy.

“The Australian 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 industry.

“I am pleased that the Government is investing over $14 million to create 78 new social housing dwellings in my electorate.

“As well as stimulating the local economy, this project is a terrific boost to affordable housing stock in an area where it is greatly needed,” Mr Champion said.