The effects of the Nation Building plan flow through the construction industry

Tucked away in a quiet street, off the much busier Kissing Point Road in Dundas, Sydney builders from Academy Construction and Development are busy working on the second stage of Defence housing developments as part of the Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan (NB-ESP).

The 20 NB-ESP homes in Dundas are not only providing Australian Defence Force members and their families with new quality homes but have also provided a safety net for part of the construction industry in Sydney.

Ronnie Beaini, Director and one of three founders of Academy Construction and Development has thanked the NB-ESP for helping his business continue to flourish throughout the past year.

“We were fortunate to be tied up in a lot of government work, so we didn’t feel it too much [the economic downturn]” Mr Beaini said.

Mr Beaini, who has worked in the construction industry for over 10 years, did notice other companies seemed to be struggling.

“We certainly noticed a change, in the private market there was a lot of stress out there” said Mr Beaini.  

By picking up work with Defence Housing Australia through the NB-ESP, Academy Construction and Development have been able to pass on the benefits of the stimulus plan through the construction industry and in particular have continued to hire new apprentices throughout the past 12 months.

“We were able to put on new apprentices and hold on to them which was great” Mr Beaini said.

“We mainly target the kids that are in building courses or studying at TAFE then we train them up and do our best to teach them the right way forward in the construction industry.”

This also aligns with the Australian Government’s employment objectives and highlights where the NB-ESP has had a flow-on effect for the construction industry.    

Academy Construction and Development, who have swiftly established themselves as a quality building company, are already looking to the future where they can continue to work on quality projects in the Sydney region.

“We have a good relationship with Defence Housing Australia” said Mr Beaini who is already looking for future opportunities in which Academy Construction and Development can be involved.  

The houses in Dundas are expected to be completed in June 2010.

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