Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis to unveil major public housing project to create jobs as part of Midyear Budget Review
ONE thousand homes will be built in three years as the State Government embarks on a major public housing project to help kickstart the economy.
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ONE thousand homes will be built in three years as the State Government embarks on a major public housing project to help kickstart the economy.
The $208 million program — a centrepiece of Monday’s Mid Year Budget Review — will create hundreds of jobs for brickies, carpenters, painters and others in the housing industry by replacing dated public homes.
It will be funded by selling old Housing Trust stock and state-owned land, creating further opportunities for developers and the building industry at time when the state’s unemployment rate is 7.5 per cent — the worst in the nation.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said the scheme would build on the $65 million public housing package in the 2015-16 State Budget — and was one of the measures to be “accelerated” to create jobs. “By providing these opportunities for industry to build 1000 homes in 1000 days, it will deliver a boost to metropolitan and regional economies,” he said.
The scheme, starting next year, includes a major neighbourhood renewal project in the western suburbs.
Some homes will be demolished and replaced on site and other homes will be built on vacant land.
Funds will come from selling land and Housing Trust homes the Government regards as not meeting the needs of disadvantaged South Australians.
Mr Koutsantonis said there were too many three-bedroom homes with just one occupant.
These homes would be replaced with apartments and townhouses or homes better suited to large families.
Many new homes would be built in the northern and western suburbs and regional areas, including Mount Barker, Naracoorte, Goolwa and the Barossa Valley.
“SA’s economy is transitioning and the best way for us to get back to work is to accelerate the plans we have,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“This (housing scheme) is about jobs for plumbers, electricians, tilers, painters, brickies and carpenters.
“It’s a program that’s big enough to make a difference (and) will ensure the work goes to SA companies.
“We’re turbocharging an industry that needs ... assistance now.”
The scheme would create about 400 jobs next year, increasing to about 500 jobs in the next two years, Mr Koutsantonis said.
Urban Development Institute of Australia’s SA executive director Pat Gerace said the announcement was good news for builders and tradies.
“The UDIA is also looking forward to working with Renewal SA to develop new and innovative ways to ensure that this funding can deliver the maximum impact for the state with as much private sector involvement as possible,” he said.
The Advertiser and Sunday Mail, with support from the State Government, have launched a new campaign to highlight success in the small business sector.
One of the features will be a free employment advertisement offer from January 16 to February 27, which is open to companies that employ up to 50 workers.
Acting Premier John Rau said the 1000 homes program would not only create jobs but also provide better homes for Housing Trust tenants.
“A lot of the stock currently owned by the Housing Trust isn’t serving the needs of tenants, with more demand for smaller dwellings expected to increase as the demographic changes,” he said.
“This allows us to increase density in sought-after suburbs and locate people close to the services they need, like transport and schools.”
In State Parliament this week, Mr Rau revealed the Government had transferred 1100 Trust homes to the non-government community housing sector as part of the plan to transfer 5000 homes by the end of next year.
“Management responsibility for 608 former Housing Trust properties in Mitchell Park has now been transferred to Junction Australia,” he said.
“Management of 479 Housing Trust properties in Elizabeth Grove and Elizabeth Vale has also been transferred to Anglicare SA.”
The initiative adds to the Government’s pledge to renew Housing Trust houses built before 1968 during the next 15 years. That was revealed in February when Governor Hieu Van Le outlined Premier Jay Weatherill’s vision for SA.
At the time, he said more than 4500 homes within 10km of the city would be renewed by 2020.