Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Stimulus supports North West Tasmanian business with $4.5 million housing contract

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Lin Thorp, Tasmanian Minister for Human Services
  • Mr Sid Sidebottom MP, Member for Braddon

Tanya Plibersek, and Tasmanian Minister for Human Services, Lin Thorp, today announced that Vantage Group Pty Ltd had won a $4.5 million contract to deliver 19 new affordable homes at nine sites across Northern Tasmania.

Ms Plibersek and Ms Thorp made the announcement during a visit to a Vantage Group construction project in Devonport with Federal Member for Braddon Sid Sidebottom.

The new two-bedroom units on Lawrence Drive, Devonport have been designed by local firm Jason Van Zetton Building Design and are being built by local builders JPO Building Contractors.

Construction of the energy and water efficient homes is well underway and is expected to be completed by June 2010.

Vantage Group are also contracted to build another 17 two bedroom units in Ulverstone, Romaine, Park Grove, St Leonards and Newnham.

Ms Plibersek said that building projects in Northern Tasmania are supporting jobs for local builders, tradespeople, suppliers and associated industries such as manufacturing.

“They also have the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to those who need it the most,” Ms Plibersek said.

“These social housing projects will help the Government reach our goal to halve the rate of homelessness by 2020,” Ms Plibersek said.

Ms Thorp welcomed the Government’s investment of $125 million for the construction of over 500 new social housing dwellings across Tasmania.

“A total of 147 new houses are currently under construction across Tasmania, with the full program expected to be completed by July 2011.

“It is an excellent example of State and Federal Governments working together to increase housing availability,” Ms Thorp said.

Mr Sidebottom said the Devonport development was great news for the local building industry and will support jobs for tradespeople and suppliers on the North West Coast.

“The Stimulus Plan is delivering nearly 100 new homes across the North West Coast in an area where affordable housing is greatly needed.

“This project is also a great example of how the Stimulus Plan is supporting local business and local jobs,” Mr Sidebottom said.