Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Stimulus delivers 12 new affordable homes for seniors in Blaxland

Joint Media Release with:

  • Bob Debus MP, Member for Macquarie

Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek and Member for Macquarie Bob Debus today inspected a 12 unit development to provide affordable homes for seniors in Blaxland.

Local business Kurrajong Hills Bricklaying is building the two two-bedroom and ten three-bedroom apartments with funding from the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

The apartments have been designed specifically for seniors, with universal design features such as hand-held showers, bathroom and toilet grab rails, and wide corridors to accommodate wheelchairs.

They will also have six-star energy ratings, with features such as insulation, energy efficient lighting and draught proof windows and doors, to help keep power bills low.

Ms Plibersek said that around Australia, Rudd Government programs would increase the stock of affordable housing by 80,000 homes by 2012.

“The $5.6 billion social housing initiative is the single largest investment in social housing ever undertaken by an Australian Government.

“In total it will deliver over 19,300 new homes, repair more than 70,000 others and support more than 15,000 jobs around Australia

“The program is delivering great value for money with an average per unit cost across the nation of $270,000 – well below the $300,000 in the program guidelines.

“The new housing also contributes to the Government’s strategy to halve homelessness in Australia by 2020.

Mr Debus said the new apartments will be ideally located for seniors living, being close to parks, medical centres and Blaxland Train Station.

“I applaud the Rudd Government for its investment in new affordable housing for seniors in Blaxland.

“This project is also a terrific boost for the local economy as it is providing local jobs and creating opportunities for local suppliers,” Mr Debus said.

The Rudd Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new affordable housing in New South Wales will deliver over 6,300 new homes, with over 6,000 already started.

In the Blue Mountains, construction work has commenced on 29 of the 45 planned homes to be built under the Stimulus Plan.