Media Release by Senator the Hon Mark Arbib

98 New Social Housing Units for Doncaster

Joint Media Release with:

  • Senator Gavin Marshall, Senator for Victoria

Vulnerable Australians in Doncaster will benefit from the opening today of a new social housing development built with the help of over $26 million from the Australian Government.

Senator for Victoria Gavin Marshall welcomed the opening of the Tram Road project in Doncaster, funded under the Social Housing Initiative.

“Finding an affordable and safe place to live in the local area not only gives you peace of mind, it is also an important part of staying connected with your community,” Senator Marshall said.

“This new development offers vulnerable Australians at risk of homelessness in our local community the security of having a stable place to live.

“The newly completed 98 unit facility consists of 20 three-bedroom, 57 two-bedroom and 21 one-bedroom apartments.

“All units incorporate six star energy ratings demonstrating sustainable technologies and sound environmental principles.

“All of the units incorporate universal design principles and six apartments are Class C Adaptable which means they are easily modified for tenants with a disability.

“I would like to thank Haven for its involvement and management of the facility.”

Federal Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib said the $5.6 billion Social Housing Initiative was the single largest investment in social housing ever undertaken by an Australian Government.

“The Social Housing Initiative, delivered under the Government’s stimulus package, is designed to assist low income Australians who are homeless or struggling in the private rental market,” Senator Arbib said.

“Under the Initiative, around 19,600 homes are being constructed across the nation and will be completed by June 2012 – 15,700 of these have already been completed.

“In Victoria, we have delivered over 3,480 of the 4,600 new homes we committed to deliver under the Social Housing Initiative, and repairs and maintenance have now been completed to over 9,300 homes across the state.

“Through the Initiative, the Australian Government has supported more than 15,000 jobs nationally, and helped shield Australia from the recession that hit most other economies.”