59 new affordable rental homes for Mackay

Tanya Plibersek and Federal Member for Dawson James Bidgood today announced that the National Rental Affordability Scheme would deliver 59 new affordable rental homes in Mackay.

Ms Plibersek and Mr Bidgood made the announcement at the site where 35 three-bedroom townhouses will be built in Stevenson Street, Mackay.

The new homes, which are scheduled to be completed in 2010, are expected to be rented out at $300 a week – a 25 per cent discount on market rates, and an annual saving of $5,200 per home.

The project will also support around 45 full-time equivalent jobs over the construction period.

Ms Plibersek said that the new homes showed that great results could be achieved when different levels of government work together with local industry to provide affordable housing.

“Around Australia so far, incentives have been awarded for more than 10,500 new homes under the National Rental Affordability Scheme.

“Each of these homes has to be newly constructed, which means that the Scheme is also supporting jobs for builders, tradespeople and their suppliers.

“Last month I launched the third round of the National Rental Affordability Scheme, which will deliver more affordable rental homes in the future.”

Mr Bidgood said that he was delighted that the National Rental Affordability Scheme was delivering 59 affordable rental homes in Mackay.

“It is terrific that the Rudd Government is investing in affordable rental housing in Mackay,” Mr Bidgood said.

“As well as these 35 townhouses, three other planned National Rental Affordability Scheme projects in Mackay will deliver a total of 24 two-bedroom units – a further boost to jobs and affordable housing.”

“I am also hopeful that more local developments will be delivered through the third round of the National Rental Affordability Scheme.”

State Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said that the shortage of affordable rental housing in Mackay had been a major problem for some time.

“I am pleased that the National Rental Affordability Scheme will increase the supply of affordable rental housing in Mackay,” Mr Mulherin said.

“The new work under the Scheme is also providing vital jobs for local tradespeople and their suppliers.”

The Australian Government is investing more than $1 billion in the National Rental Affordability Scheme over the next four years.

The Scheme will deliver 50,000 new homes across Australia by 2012, which will be rented out at a minimum 20 per cent below market rate.