Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Rudd Government delivers affordable housing for seniors in St Marys

Joint Media Release with:

  • Mr David Bradbury MP, Member for Lindsay

Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek and Member for Lindsay David Bradbury today inspected a 20 unit development to provide affordable homes for seniors in St Marys.

The 11 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom apartments, which are due for completion in August 2010, are funded through the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan and being built by Masterton Constructions.

The apartments will include universal design features such as hand-held showers, bathroom and toilet grab rails, and wide corridors to accommodate wheelchairs.

They will also have six-star energy ratings, with features such as insulation, energy efficient lighting and draught proof windows and doors, to help keep power bills low.

Ms Plibersek said that around Australia, Rudd Government programs would increase the stock of affordable housing by 80,000 homes by 2012.

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

“In total it will deliver over 19,300 new homes, repair more than 70,000 others and support more than 15,000 jobs around Australia

“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.

Mr Bradbury said that the new apartments would be well-located close to shops, parks and public transport.

“It is terrific that the Rudd Government is investing in new affordable housing for seniors in St Marys through the Stimulus Plan,” Mr Bradbury said.

“This project is also a terrific boost for the local economy as it is providing local jobs and creating opportunities for local suppliers,”

In total the Rudd Government’s housing programs will deliver nearly 600 new affordable rental homes in the St Marys and Penrith regions.

260 of the new homes are being funded through the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, with construction underway on 170 of these homes.