Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan supporting construction jobs on the Central Coast

Joint Media Release with:

  • Belinda Neal MP, Member for Robertson

Tanya Plibersek and Member for Robertson, Belinda Neal today inspected a $2.6 million project in Gosford which is a direct result of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan. The development is worth $2.6 million and once finished will feature a total of 11 two-bedroom villas. The units are being built by Newbuild Developments and a total of 70 tradespeople are involved, including 5 apprentices.

Across the electorate of Robertson, 73 new social housing dwellings will be constructed as part of Stage One of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, at a cost of $19.6 million.

In addition, 476 dwellings will receive repairs and maintenance at a cost of $2.2 million. This includes minor works such as installing new bathrooms and kitchens, painting, new carpet, plumbing and re-wiring.

Ms Plibersek said the Rudd Government’s $6.4 billion investment to build 20,000 social housing dwellings and repair tens of thousands more across the country will stimulate the building and construction industry during the current tough global economic climate.

“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,” Ms Plibersek said.

“The social housing component of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus plan has been estimated by Treasury to support 15,000 jobs nationally over the next 2 years.

“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 Neal said the housing and construction sector is a major employer in the Australian economy.

“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,” Ms Neal said.

“It’s great to see local jobs are being protected during these tough global economic times. In addition, there is the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to people who need it the most.”