Rudd Government Stimulus Delivers More Social Housing

The Federal , Tanya Plibersek, and Tasmanian Minister for Human Services, Lin Thorp, today announced the proposal to build a new homelessness facility in Campbell Street, Hobart.

The project will be funded from the $109.3 million being allocated through Stage Two of the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan – Social Housing Initiative.

“This new funding will deliver at least 445 new homes to be built across Tasmania to boost the stock of public and community housing,” Ms Plibersek said.

Across Stage One and Stage Two of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, a total of $125.5 million will be spent in Tasmania to construct 510 new homes. Stage One was announced in April.

Ms Plibersek said the social housing construction component of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan was now well underway.

“Nearly 70 percent of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan is infrastructure and when the stimulus package gets up to full steam, there will be around 35,000 individual construction projects around the country,” Ms Plibersek said.

“The social housing component of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus plan has been estimated by Treasury to support 15,000 jobs nationally over the next two years.

“This work is not just about jobs for builders and tradies, but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the economy ticking over.

“There is also the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to those who need it the most.”

Ms Thorp said the proposal for the new facility close to the central business district and adjacent to educational facilities is a major drawcard of the project.

“The Campbell Street project will see a 50 bed facility constructed at 87-91 Campbell Street, to cater for medium to long term accommodation for homeless and low income residents,” Ms Thorp said.

“The facility will also include excellent amenities for residents with internal and external communal facilities such as kitchens and common rooms to aide in social interaction, consulting rooms for the provision of support services and car parking for at least 40 vehicles.”

“It is anticipated the new units will be ready for occupation by needy Tasmanians by early 2011.

“The next step for this project is to address all the necessary planning and approval stages to ensure this project provides the best outcome for the community.”

Ms Thorp reiterated the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to tackling homelessness issues.

“We are on track to meet our target of halving the rate of primary homelessness by the end of 2010 and I expect to announce further projects in the near future,” Ms Thorp said.