Local WA business benefits from the Economic Stimulus Plan

The Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan has been a welcome boost for Geoff Howard and his business Country Leisure Centre in Perth, Western Australia.

Country Leisure recently won the tender to refurbish a social housing property in Koongamia, as part of the Repairs and Maintenance Program under the Social Housing Initiative.

The economic downturn began affecting Geoff’s business early in 2009, and for the first time in many years it became necessary for him to actively look for work for the business. Country Leisure Centre had successfully tendered for Government work in the past, but because it had been kept busy with other clients for a number of years, Geoff didn’t need to seek government tenders.

The twelve week contract in Koongamia involved extensive refurbishment work with all internal plaster, including the ceiling, replaced and painted, and a new kitchen, bathroom and driveway installed. New fencing was also installed on the property.

In addition, the carpets throughout were removed to reveal a hardwood timber floor, which was polished and has become one of the striking features of the refurbished home.

“It was in a pretty poor state,” said Geoff.

“To complete the job I used roughly 12 tradesmen on the site.”

“Six of those are full time staff with Country Leisure Centre and the other six are regular subcontractors,” he said.

According to Geoff, the best part about getting the Social Housing Initiative work has been keeping all his skilled staff busy during the economic downturn.

“Even though the construction industry has slowed over the last 12 months, there are still only a limited number of skilled tradesmen available in Perth,” said Geoff.

“Maintaining the work for my loyal and valued staff means that when the economy eventually turns around I will be in a great position to take advantage of it.”

It is expected that over 10,000 existing social housing dwellings across Australia that are either uninhabitable or would become so over the next two years, will be retained as social housing stock as a result of the Repairs and Maintenance Program.  

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