Social Housing boost for South Australia

South Australia’s social housing development is making headway, following the recent completion of four homes in Adelaide and one refurbishment in the coastal town of Ceduna.

The four completed homes in northern Adelaide were constructed under the new construction element of Social Housing Initiative of the Australian Government’s Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan in February 2010.

The new homes feature renewable energy facilities such as solar panels for the hot water system, insulation in the walls and roof, a 2,000 litre rainwater tank, as well as gas for cooking.

Local company, AV Jennings commenced the construction of the four, three-bedroom homes in July 2009 and handed over the remaining work to Housing SA in December.

“The Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan has been very positive for our company,” Mark Trepa, AV Jennings company representative said.

“The time lines for the approval process have been very good compared to the normal process. It has been very beneficial for the company and the sub-contractors whom we employ.”

“This represented an increase of about four per cent in workload to the company, which enabled us to employ an additional administration person’” Mr Trepa added.

Located close to Main North Road, the location of the new homes provides proximity to transport and community services as well as shopping centres at Muno Para and Elizabeth.

Beyond the municipality of Adelaide, the coastal town of Ceduna has also received Social Housing Initiative funding for the refurbishment of an existing home on the outskirts of the town.

The refurbishment in Ceduna included: removal of asbestos, replacement of old solar panels, insulation of the roof, renewing gutters and down pipes, window replacements, complete kitchen makeover, painting and replacement of bathroom and toilet fittings.

The refurbishment was completed in September 2009 and tenants were allocated in October.

Of the more than 500 homes to be renovated by Housing SA under the Repairs and Maintenance component of the Social Housing Initiative 300 are already complete across the state, with the remaining 200 due for completion by June 2010.

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