Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

$138 million boost for Queensland social housing and jobs

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
  • The Hon Karen Struthers MP, Minister for Community Services and Housing

Queensland’s social housing stock will be boosted and construction jobs supported with an Australian Government investment of $138.6 million.

The Australian and Queensland Governments have committed to deliver 444 new social housing dwellings across the state by July 2010.

The Federal , Jenny Macklin, said the investment was part of Stage One of the $6.4 billion social housing component of the Government’s $42 billion Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan. Stage one comprises $692 million nationally.

“We are determined to do everything we can to support jobs and apprenticeships in the construction industry in these turbulent economic times,” Ms Macklin said.

“This will also have positive flow on effects to suppliers, small businesses and local economies. “The Queensland Government has provided us with a list of high priority projects that can begin immediately, providing instant stimulus to the economy.

“This funding will make a significant dent in the Rudd Government’s plan to halve homelessness in Australia by 2020.

“It will also provide social housing to people who need it most.”

The Australian Government investment will flow over two years to Queensland for Stage one construction for the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan.

Further homes will also be constructed under the much larger Stage 2 of the package to be announced later this year.

The Australian Government will also provide $80 million for the maintenance and upgrade of more than 9,400 social housing dwellings in Queensland.

The Queensland Minister for Housing, Karen Struthers said it was a win-win situation for the building and construction industry as well as people requiring social housing.

“This measure comes at a critical time for our economy and will fast track important building and construction projects, which will support jobs,” Ms Struthers said.

“Building and infrastructure projects are high on the priority list for the Queensland Government, and with a large number of construction projects in the pipeline, the stimulus plan could not have come at a better time.”

For more information on the social housing plan, visit the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website