Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Stimulus plan delivers jobs and 13 affordable homes for seniors in Nollamara

Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek today inspected the site of a $3.7 million housing project that will deliver 13 new homes for seniors in Nollamara.

Local building company BGC Construction won the contract to build the 13 new two-bedroom units under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

The site of the new units was selected for its proximity to local services and public transport, as well as the high demand for seniors housing in the area.

Construction of the new homes commenced in September 2009, with completion expected in June 2010.

The new homes meet Western Australia’s energy efficiency standards and include energy efficient lighting, heat confining ventilation and sound proofing.

BGC Construction was able to retain all staff to work on this project, and all tradespeople, sub-contractors and suppliers are locally based.

Ms Plibersek said the Rudd Government’s investment in social housing is building and repairing homes and creating jobs around Australia.

“Across the country, the Rudd Government’s $5.6 billion investment in affordable housing through the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan is supporting more than 15,000 jobs.

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

“This development in Nollamara demonstrates just how important the Rudd Government’s Stimulus Plan has been for jobs in the local community.

“I am delighted that a local business was engaged to do this project, and that it was able to retain its entire staff to undertake the building work,” Ms Plibersek said.

The Rudd Government’s $33.2 million investment in social housing in the electorate of Stirling will deliver a total of 197 new homes in Nollamara, Balga, Doubleview, Girrawheen, Mirrabooka, North Beach and Westminster.

Construction is already underway on 81 of these new homes.