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Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek, Member for Parramatta Julie Owens and NSW Housing Minister David Borger today inspected a $6.3 million construction project in Parramatta which is a direct result of the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.
To be completed by the end of this year, the redeveloped site in Isabella Street will feature 24 two-bedroom units with 16 suitable for tenants with a disability or mobility difficulties.
“The Rudd Government is taking practical steps through its Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan to cushion the impact of the global financial crisis by supporting jobs in the construction sector. Housing and construction is a major employer in the Australian economy,” Ms Plibersek said.
“That’s why housing has featured so strongly in the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan – firstly through the First Home Owners Boost and then by the announcement to build 20,000 new social housing dwellings.
Mr Borger said the Rudd Government is investing $2 billion as part of its Stimulus Plan to deliver more than 6,500 social housing homes in NSW and on top of that, the NSW Government is also investing one billion dollars to deliver another 3,000 homes.
“The Stimulus Plan is all about securing jobs and since it kicked off in NSW more than 5000 jobs have been secured in the housing industry across NSW,” Mr Borger said.
“At a time when we are facing a global recession and there are job cuts nation wide, this is a tangible example that our massive investment in the construction industry is paying off.
“We are embarking on the biggest social housing infrastructure program in decades and the first stage of the project, which includes the construction of over 850 homes, is well underway.”
Ms Owens said the redevelopment is worth over $6.3 million and once finished will feature 24 two-bedroom units with 16 suitable for tenants with a disability or mobility difficulties.
“The units are being built by Boronia Estates Pty Ltd and a total of 90 people are involved including 10 apprentices,” Ms Owens said.
“It’s not just about jobs for builders and tradies but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the Australian economy ticking over.
“In addition, there is the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to people who need it the most.”
NSW Member for Parramatta Tanya Gadiel said another important part of the Stimulus Plan is the new investment in maintenance and NSW has been allocated $130.4 million from the Federal Government.
“The Commonwealth’s investment complements the NSW Government’s own funding and the record $200 million the Premier brought forward late last year for maintenance to further stimulate the economy,” Ms Gadiel said.
“Over $3.25 million is being invested in maintenance in Parramatta to upgrade 938 social housing homes as part of the Stimulus Plan.
“The maintenance includes projects such as installing new bathrooms and kitchens, painting, new carpet, plumbing and re-wiring.
“Because we undertake regular property inspections we have been able to immediately start work on properties and accelerate work which had been planned for future years.”