Stimulus delivers local jobs and affordable homes in Ashwood

Federal Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek today visited the site of a $9 million development that will deliver 25 new affordable homes in Ashwood.

The project will deliver nine three-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments on the site of an old nursing quarters on High Street Road, and is due for completion in November 2010.

The development will meet universal design guidelines, have a six-star energy rating, high levels of natural lighting, cross ventilation, water tanks and a communal orchard and vegetable garden.

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

“Across the country, our $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.

“Here in the electorate of Chisholm we are investing $41 million to deliver 138 new affordable homes,” Ms Plibersek said.

Federal Member for Chisholm Anna Burke said the new housing was a boost to the local area.

“This development at Ashwood shows just how important the Stimulus Plan has been for the local community.

“As well as creating 25 new affordable homes, an estimated 40 jobs will be sustained throughout the life of the project,” Ms Burke said.

State Member for Burwood Bob Stensholt said the new homes at Ashwood show that great results that can be achieved when different levels of government work with local industry to provide affordable housing.

“This project is delivering new affordable housing in an area where it is greatly needed.

“It is also supporting local jobs through the use of local supplier, contractors and tradespeople,” Mr Stensholt said.