Results Roll Out Under Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan

The first of 510 new housing units to increase the supply of social housing in Tasmania have been completed.

The Federal , Tanya Plibersek, and Tasmanian Minister for Human Services, Lin Thorp, today announced that the first new homes built in Tasmania under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan had been completed.

Ms Plibersek made the announcement while visiting the three new units at Prospect in Launceston.

The Prospect units are part of the Australian Government’s $125.5 million investment to build 510 new homes across Tasmania as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

Ms Plibersek said: “The unprecedented Government investment in social housing will result in 19,200 new homes Australia.

“Our successful repairs and maintenance program will also result in more than 10,000 homes being returned to stock – homes that would have been lost if it were not for this new investment.

“This program is also stimulating the building and construction industry at a time of global recession.

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

Ms Thorp announced the purchase of a number of new units on 30 June 2009.

“These two and three bedroom units at Prospect have been tenanted since the announcement in June, helping to address the State’s need for social housing,” Ms Thorp said.

“The Prospect units represent 3 of the 65 new dwellings purchased or constructed under Stage 1 of the NBESP.”

“Stage 2, which Minister Plibersek announced yesterday, will deliver a further 435 new dwellings. These will lead to a direct increase in social housing stock in Tasmania.

“In addition, a further 17 dwellings purchased under the Social Housing National Partnership will be handed to Housing Tasmania. Of these, 16 have already been tenanted.”

Ms Thorp said these units are located around the State, including locations such as Kingston, Devonport, and Legana.

“This is an excellent example of State and Federal Governments working together to create positive outcomes such as increasing the availability of dwellings in areas where housing demand is high,” Ms Thorp said.

Labor Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley, who accompanied Ms Plibersek on the visit said: “I’m pleased that the Australian Government is making such a significant new investment in northern Tasmania under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

“It’s great to see so many local jobs being protected during these tough global economic times.

“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,” Senator Polley said.