MORE HOMES IN MAITLAND

Housing Minister David Borger today announced two construction projects totalling $3.2 million are underway in Maitland as part of the Australian Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

“The Australian Government is investing two billion dollars as part of its Stimulus Plan to deliver more than 6,500 social housing homes in NSW and on top of that, the NSW Government is also investing one billion dollars to deliver another 3,000 homes,” Mr Borger said.

“The Stimulus Plan is all about securing jobs and since the NSW Government began working on the Stimulus Plan more than 5000 have been secured in the housing industry across NSW.

“At a time when we are facing a global recession and there are job cuts nation wide, this is a tangible example that our massive investment in the construction industry is paying off.

“We are embarking on the biggest social housing infrastructure program in decades – the first stage of the project which includes the construction of over 850 homes in NSW is well underway.

Mr Borger made the announcement with State MP for Maitland Frank Terenzini and Federal MP for the Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon one of the redevelopment sites currently underway at 217-221 George Street, East Maitland.

Mr Terenzini said the Maitland stage one includes the redevelopment of two sites that will result in 13 new units worth $3.2 million.

“This redevelopment is worth over $1.8 million and once finished will feature seven two-bedroom villas with three suitable for tenants with a disability or mobility difficulties.”

“The units are being built by Hunter Coast Homes and a total of 123 people are involved including six apprentices – that’s good news but this work is  not just about jobs for builders and tradespeople but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the economy ticking over.

“Another important part of the Stimulus Plan is the new investment in maintenance and NSW has been allocated $130.4 million from the Federal Government,” Mr Terenzini said.

Mr Fitzgibbon said that the Australian Government’s investment compliments the NSW Government’s own funding and the record $200 million the Premier brought forward late last year for maintenance to further stimulate the economy.

“Over $2.6 million is being invested in maintenance in Maitland to upgrade 366 social housing homes as part of the Economic Stimulus Plan.

“The maintenance part of the Stimulus Plan includes projects such as installing new bathrooms and kitchens, painting, new carpet, plumbing and re-wiring.

“Because we undertake regular property inspections we have been able to immediately start work on properties and accelerate work which had been planned for future years,” said Mr Fitzgibbon.

June 29, 2009