First ACT Stimulus Home Built

The first of 57 social housing homes to be built in the ACT as part of Stage One of the Federal Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan has been completed.

Tanya Plibersek and ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope were shown through the house today by the new tenants – a family with three children, one of whom has special needs.

This four bedroom house built by Vogue Constructions received $270,372 in stimulus funds and features a six star energy rating.

Vogue Constructions has successfully tendered to build seven properties in the ACT under Stage One of the Social Housing Initiative, having employed one additional full-time and one additional part-time staff member as a result of the stimulus funding. Sub-contractors have employed nine apprentices.

This home features wide hallways and doorways that are suitable for tenants with a disability or mobility difficulties. The six-star energy rated home also features ceiling insulation and solar hot water.

The Federal and ACT Governments have committed in Stage One of construction to deliver 57 social housing homes by July 2010, with 14 already having commenced construction.

“The Social Housing Initiative is the biggest ever investment in affordable housing, which together with other stimulus initiatives will support 15,000 jobs over the next two years,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Investment in social housing creates jobs for builders, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, brickies, carpet-layers, kitchen manufacturers and many more in the building and construction industry.”

Mr Stanhope commended the Rudd Government for committing $11.1 million to deliver 57 social housing homes in the ACT as part of Stage One.

“The ACT Government understands the urgency of the Stimulus Plan, which is why we have moved quickly to deliver the first stimulus home in the ACT,” Mr Stanhope said.

“The ACT Government is making a significant contribution to this project, both in land and investments, to the value of $11.9 million.

“As well delivering social housing for Canberrans most in need, this important partnership between the Federal and ACT Governments is supporting jobs during these difficult economic times.”

The stimulus plan also invests $6.4 million to repair 243 homes in the ACT. Renovation jobs increase the quality of the housing stock and lengthen its life.

Nationally, the Social Housing Initiative has seen 16 homes completed, over 1,000 homes commenced, over 10,000 approved for construction and over 30,000 homes repaired.