New jobs and new houses in Devonport, Tasmania

The coastal town of Devonport in Tasmania is witnessing a flurry of activity associated with the Social Housing Initiative, a key component of the Government’s Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan. Under Stage 2 of the Social Housing Initiative an extra 36 one and two bedroom units, from a total of seven projects, are being built aimed at increasing the number of social housing properties in the Devonport area.

With a population of just over 25,000 residents, the building projects in Devonport have seen a boost in local construction trade and manufacturing and supply to the area.

One particular Devonport business was successfully awarded a $2.4 million contract to build seven free standing two bedroom units on one block situated close to the town’s centre.

Building company TBS Projects Pty Ltd, the project arm of local company The Building Shop is currently building the seven units in Gunn Street.

Project Manager Phil Roberts said the Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan has been great for their business and the city of Devonport.

“There is no doubt the addition of Economic Stimulus Plan dollars in to the area is having a positive benefit,” Mr Roberts explained.

“We had a couple of apprentices on board prior to the Economic Stimulus Plan but the extra work has meant we could employ another two apprentices.”

“In total we have been able to employ an extra six people directly to work on the project,” Mr Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said the additional work has meant more than just new jobs and new houses.

“The flow on effect is quite substantial and it channels down and helps our families. The normal population is starting to rebuild and the dollar benefits keep flowing on through the community”.

Mr Roberts said keeping the dollars locally is vitally important for small communities.

“We source as much local supplies as we can buy. All of our suppliers are based between the North West and North of Tasmania”.

“We hope that the positive benefit the Economic Stimulus Plan is creating in communities continues after the funding package ends”.

“At the end of the day, it’s been great – as everyone knows, the construction industry is busy,” Mr Roberts explained.

The seven units in Gunn Street will all achieve a minimum six star energy rating and are of universal design.

Completion of the seven units is expected by June 2010.

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