Governments working together to deliver more affordable housing

Western Australian Minister for Housing and Works, Troy Buswell, and Federal , Tanya Plibersek, today announced a new $23 million affordable housing development at Success in the Cockburn Central Regional Centre south of Perth.

This new funding – from Stage Two of the Commonwealth Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan – will be used by the WA Department of Housing to purchase 78 units at the development to accommodate low-income earners.

$479.7million from Stage Two of the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan – Social Housing Initiative will deliver at least 1,704 new homes across Western Australia.

Across Stage One and Stage Two of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, a total of $550 million will be spent in Western Australia to construct almost 2000 new homes.

“Stimulus funding has been instrumental in protecting jobs in the Australian economy during the worst global recession in 75 years,” 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 two years.

“It’s our builders, tradies, manufacturers and suppliers who keep the economy ticking over.

“There is also the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to those who need it the most.”

Mr Buswell said the joint efforts of the State and Federal Governments provided an important boost to Western Australia’s affordable housing stock.

“The Federal Government’s investment in Stage 2 of the Stella Orion Apartments will ensure the continued development of this suburb and help deliver a range of social and affordable housing,” Mr Buswell said.

“Purchasers of these units are living in a well designed community and can easily access the Freeway, public transport, shopping centres and schools.

“This funding will help us reach our goal of providing 20,000 new affordable dwellings by 2020.”