Stimulus delivers new affordable housing in Matraville

Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek today officially opened a new affordable housing development in Matraville.

Degree Constructions has built a total of 13 new one and two bedroom homes as part of the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

The new homes will be managed by St George Community Housing, the largest community housing provider in New South Wales.

The townhouses incorporate universal design features like bathroom and toilet grab rails, detachable handheld showers and wide corridors to accommodate wheelchairs.

Ms Plibersek said that around Australia the Rudd Government’s investment in social housing was building 19,300 new homes, repairing 70,000 others and supporting 15,000 jobs.

“The $5.6 billion social housing initiative is the single largest investment in social housing ever undertaken by an Australian Government.

“The program is delivering great value for money with an average per unit cost across the nation of $270,000 – well below the $300,000 in the program guidelines.

“The new housing is also contributes to the Government’s strategy to halve homelessness in Australia by 2020.

St George Community Housing Nazha Saad said that her organisation was proud to be involved in the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

“St George Community Housing is delighted to have the opportunity to own and manage these 13 new apartments and villas in Matraville – an area where there is a very high demand for this type of housing,” Ms Saad said.

Mr Garrett said the Matraville homes were located near shops, parks and medical practices.

“As well as providing new housing, this development shows just how important the Rudd Government’s Stimulus Plan has been for jobs in the local community.

“I am delighted that the builder was able to employ up to 40 workers on site during the construction period, including five apprentices,” Mr Garrett said.