Social housing works underway in Oatlands, Tasmania

Thursday, 5 November 2009

The construction of six new two bedroom units in the town of Oatlands, in Tasmania, is underway as part of the Social Housing Initiative under the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan.

Planning for new social housing units in Oatlands had been underway prior to the announcement of the Economic Stimulus Plan however, as Project Manager Mr Jim Griffiths explains, the project was originally much smaller in scope.

“We wouldn’t have been able to construct six units – it would have only been two,” said Mr Griffiths, a volunteer from Oatlands District Homes Association.

With plans already developed, construction of the units began as soon as contracts were signed in mid-September, and work is well underway.

For Oatlands, an historical Tasmanian town of approximately 500 people, Mr Griffiths explains the social housing project “is a big deal.”

Local builder Dale Figg has been engaged to carry out the works, and up to ten local sub-contractors from Oatlands and surrounding areas will be involved in the project.

The site of the new units is in walking distance of local shops and services, and will incorporate sustainable design features, including solar hot water.

The units are expected to be complete by June 2010.

View all News