The Plan - In Focus

Social Housing Initiative continues to have a positive impact at many levels within the region of New South Wales

The Social Housing Initiative, under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan (NB-ESP), continues to provide positive outcomes at many levels within the region of New South Wales (NSW), from gaining recognition through awards within the construction industry to providing cleaner greener social housing options.

Housing NSW picks up Urban Development Institute of Australia Concept Design award

A NB-ESP property has been recognised at the prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Awards for Excellence.

The 2010 ‘Concept Design’ category was awarded to Housing NSW for a 44 unit seniors living complex in Fairfield.

The Fairfield project is Housing NSW’s first example of the innovative ‘Central Living’ model, developed through a productive partnership with the private sector to deliver a best-practice social housing concept using local expertise and resources.

Employing a revolutionary concept for a vibrant social hub for seniors, Smart St includes a lobby with concierge desk for enhanced security, a rooftop meeting place and a ground floor common room.

In addition the site also features a retail outlet which can provide employment for older residents and support community enterprise as well as two consulting rooms for visiting doctors or aged care nursing.

Housing NSW also received a special commendation from the UDIA for a medium density complex at Isabella St Parramatta.

Hadcon Constructions receives MBA Excellence in Housing Award

A building company involved in the NB-ESP has received the 2010 Excellence in Housing (Public Housing) award by the Master Builders Association of NSW.

Hadcon Constructions received the award last week for their work on a NB-ESP project at Adrian Ave, Lurnea.

Robert Haddad, Director of Hadcon Constructions, was honoured to receive the award, which acknowledged the high quality work as well as effective management and ability to respond to a clients needs.

“Our company feels honoured and excited to receive such a prestigious award from the MBA, we feel that it gives us great recognition and satisfaction,” Mr Haddad said.

“The Stimulus assisted our business by allowing us to employ extra tradesmen and expand our company.”

Mr Haddad, an experienced builder and manager for over 15 years, has enjoyed a range of new challenges as a result of his experience in the program.

“The program has given our company the opportunity to work on a vast variety of projects and increase our experience in different aspects of the industry as well as learning the dedication required in every aspect of operation in order to produce great quality finishes.”

NB-ESP provides carbon neutral homes in Kurri Kurri

In a first for the NB-ESP, Housing NSW recently announced the completion of six new carbon neutral units in Kurri Kurri.

“Emerald Mews” was certified under the National Carbon Offset Standard as carbon neutral by International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance member ‘Climate Friendly’.

Each unit designed to be environmentally sustainable also provides tenants with water harvesting features such as rainwater tanks for gardens and toilets.

The units also come with a 5 star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) energy rating, which is substantially higher than the average home, helping to reduce energy costs in the long term.

Craig Riddle, Managing Director of Living Green Designer Homes was pleased with the environmental achievement.

“Properties like Emerald Mews represent the future of social housing in Australia,” Mr Riddle said.

“The collaboration between Housing NSW and Living Green demonstrates how government and industry can work together to create high quality social housing underpinned by sustainable technologies and innovation.”

Knopwood Lane, Huonville, TAS

Elderly residents in Huon get housing boost

Elderly residents in Huonville in Tasmania will have more housing options as six new purpose-built units near completion under the NB-ESP.

The six units at Knopwood Lane, Huonville, have been made possible by a grant of $1.46 million from the NB-ESP, which is managed in Tasmania through the State Government.

The units were constructed by the not-for-profit organisation Huon Eldercare, which has local experience in the provision of residential accommodation for the elderly.

Purpose-built for elderly residents, the units include easy-turn taps, easy maintenance, safe access, and shower and toilet fittings for tenants who may have mobility difficulties.

Energy efficient with a 6-star rating, the units include a heat pump hot water system, heat confining ventilation and energy efficient lighting.

There are a further 28 units being constructed in Pine Lane, Huonville, which will also accommodate elderly persons.

More than 530 dwellings in Tasmania will be constructed at a cost of more than $125 million provided under the NB-ESP.

Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan