Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Upper Coomera development delivers jobs and affordable homes

Joint Media Release with:

  • Brett Raguse MP, Federal Member for Forde
  • Margaret Keech MP, State Member for Albert

Tanya Plibersek today launched an innovative Gold Coast Housing Company project that will deliver 22 affordable homes at Upper Coomera.

Ms Plibersek was joined at the launch by Gold Coast Housing Company Chief Executive Jason Cubit, Federal Member for Forde Brett Raguse and Queensland Member for Albert Margaret Keech.

The $7.6 million development will include five National Rental Affordability Scheme homes and six homes funded through the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

The remaining eleven homes will be sold at affordable prices for home buyers – with some available under a shared equity scheme with the Gold Coast Housing Company. The building work will support 17 jobs in total and be completed by October 2011.

Ms Plibersek said the Upper Coomera development showed the importance of the Rudd Government’s housing programs in supporting local jobs and creating affordable housing options.

“This project is a great example of how economic stimulus is supporting jobs in the construction industry during the global recession,” Ms Plibersek said.

“It is also terrific that the Rudd Government’s housing programs are supporting innovative projects that deliver a mix of affordable housing in areas of high need. I congratulate the Gold Coast Housing Company for its vision in getting this innovative project off the ground.”

Mr Cubit said his team is proud to be part of a project that will set a new benchmark for affordable housing in Australia.

“What sets this development apart is the fact that it meets the needs of a range of different demographics – everyone from first home buyers and families looking for affordable rental accommodation to people on the social housing waitlist can find a property here,” Mr Cubit said.

“Importantly, it also addresses the difficulty those with a disability often face in finding an inexpensive, fully modified home.”

Mr Raguse said: “I am pleased that the Rudd Government is making such a big investment in affordable housing here at Upper Coomera. This is a high growth area that needs more affordable housing – so it is great that the Government’s housing programs are meeting this need.”

Mrs Keech said: “This project shows that great results can be achieved when governments work together with local industry to provide affordable housing. The new construction work is also providing vital jobs for building workers and their suppliers in this region.”

Across all affordable housing programs, the Rudd Government will increase the stock of affordable rental housing across Australia by more than 80,000 units over the next four years.