National Building Economic Stimulus Plan supporting construction jobs in Maitland

The Australian and NSW Governments today outlined details of housing projects in the Maitland area as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

NSW Housing Minister David Borger today announced three construction projects totalling $4.8 million are underway in Maitland, as part of the Australian Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

“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 $1 billion to deliver another 3,000 homes by June 2012,” Mr Borger said.

“We are embarking on the biggest social housing infrastructure program in decades.

“These three projects will deliver 19 new homes in Maitland, which are part of the first stage of the construction works across the state which will deliver 858 new homes.”

Mr Borger made the announcement with Member for Maitland Frank Terenzini MP while inspecting the construction of six two-bedroom units at Morton Street, East Maitland, worth around $1.4 million.

“These units, two of which will be suitable for tenants with a disability or mobility difficulties, are being built by Maitland-based builder, Valley Homes. Once finished, they will be available to support members of the community most in need,” Mr Borger said.

“Valley Homes has estimated this project will provide work for 60 tradespeople and five apprentices.

“This is a great example of what Stimulus is all about, boosting social housing and generating local jobs for local people.”

“In the Newcastle and Central Coast region, Housing NSW will spend an estimated $389 million on construction and maintenance, which will support around 1,400 full time equivalent direct and indirect jobs per annum,” Mr Terenzini said.

“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.

“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,” Mr Terenzini said.

The other redevelopment sites in Maitland are:

• Fieldsend Street, East Maitland worth more than $1.5 million and once finished will feature six two-bedroom units, with four suitable for tenants with a disability or mobility difficulties.
• George Street, East Maitland worth more than 1.9 million and once finished will feature seven two-bedroom units, with three suitable for tenants with a disability or mobility difficulties.

Federal Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon said that more than $2.6 million is being invested in maintenance in Maitland to upgrade 366 social housing homes as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

“Another important part of the Stimulus Plan is the new investment in maintenance and NSW has been allocated $130.4 million from the Australian Government,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The Australian Government’s investment complements 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.

“The maintenance part of the Stimulus Plan includes projects such as installing new bathrooms and kitchens, painting, new carpet, plumbing and re-wiring,” Mr Fitzgibbon said

“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.”