NSW: Rudd social housing program will house 17,000 in NSW: govt
04 Feb 2009 5:00 AM
Eds: Embargoed to 0500 AEDT Wednesday, February 4
SYDNEY, Feb 4 AAP - A federal government plan to invest $6.4 billion in Australia's social housing will help create homes for up to 17,000 people in NSW, and create 8,700 jobs in the state, the NSW government says.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced on Tuesday the government's second economic stimulus package, a $42 billion plan to strengthen the economy and support jobs over the next two years.
As part of the package - which also includes $12.7 billion in bonus payments for workers, families and farmers - $6.4 billion will be allocated for the building of 20,000 social housing units across the country.
NSW Housing Minister David Borger said the investment would help create 9,000 homes in the state, or accommodation for 17,000 people, when combined with the state government's housing program.
It could also create 8,700 jobs in the state's construction industry, he said.
"If the funding is distributed to states on a per capita basis then NSW would be entitled to receive approximately one third of the $6.4 billion," Mr Borger said in a statement.
"At a time when more families are in financial distress and we are receiving greater call from the community, this serious investment in social infrastructure is wonderful news."
