Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan supporting construction jobs in Brisbane’s north

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Karen Struthers MP, Queensland Minister for Housing
  • The Hon Yvette D'Ath MP, Member for Petrie
  • The Hon Lillian van Litsendburg MP, Queensland Member for Redcliffe

Federal and State Ministers and local MPs today inspected works in Brisbane’s north, where over $1.58 million is being invested to upgrade 374 social housing dwellings as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

The Rudd Government is spending just over $80 million by mid 2010 right across Queensland on social housing repairs and maintenance.

In this instance, close to $200,000 worth of internal refurbishment is underway on kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and laundries at five homes in Edwin Street, Redcliffe.

Ms Plibersek said the Rudd Government’s $6.4 billion investment to build 20,000 social housing dwellings across Australia will stimulate the building and construction industry during the current tough global economic climate.

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,” she said.

“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 Struthers said the upgrades included refurbishing kitchens and bathrooms, installing wardrobes and privacy screening, repainting, and roof restoration.

“I’m pleased that residents are enjoying these upgrades to their homes. We’ve fast-tracked the repairs and maintenance program so we can start generating local jobs for workers in the building industry,” she said.

“They’ll be out there with their sleeves rolled up, fixing up homes and carrying out repairs for people who rely on social housing.”

Mrs D’Ath said the repairs and maintenance program comes at a time when the Rudd Government is doing what it can to cushion the impact of the global recession.

“It’s not just about jobs for builders, tradespeople and their apprentices but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the Australian economy ticking over. There is also the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to those who need it the most,” she said.

Ms van Litsenburg said the stimulus package will see great benefits for local jobs as well as tenants.

“There will be an immediate flow-on effect for suppliers, small businesses and the local economy. This money will also result in the inclusion of features to make life easier for elderly tenants or tenants with a disability, along with practical ways to give social housing dwellings more street appeal,” she said.