Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Rudd Government delivers 48 new affordable homes in Fitzgibbon

Joint Media Release with:

  • Mrs Yvette D'Ath MP, Member for Petrie

Tanya Plibersek and Member for Petrie Yvette D’Ath today visited a new affordable housing project in Brisbane’s northern suburbs that will deliver 48 new homes when completed in December 2010.

The Brisbane Housing Company and Queensland construction company FK Gardner & Sons are building 48 studio, one and two bedroom units at Carselgrove Avenue, Fitzgibbon under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

The new homes will incorporate universal design guidelines, 13 of which will meet Class C Adaptability; and they have a six-star energy rating and are water efficient.

Around 70 jobs have been created through this project, and small to medium local contractors have been engaged to complete parts of the work.

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.

“I congratulate the Brisbane Housing Company for working with the Government to deliver 48 new affordable rental homes in an area of high need,” Ms Plibersek said.

Member for Petrie Yvette D’Ath said that new affordable housing was greatly needed in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

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

“The construction of this development has created around 70 jobs and has already provided a boost for local business.

“These homes are ideally situated near facilities like schools, child care and transport,” Ms D’Ath said.

The Rudd Government’s investment in social housing in Petrie will deliver 134 new homes at Clontarf, Fitzgibbon, Kippa-Ring and Redcliffe.

Construction is underway on 77 of these new homes.