A state government injection of $100 million into social housing is expected to be a boon for local tradies, including a small development in the Waterford West area.
Member for Algester and minister for communities and housing Leeanne Enoch said money would build 215 homes by te end of 2021.
“This Works for Tradies funding is in addition to the $1.6 billion Housing Construction Jobs Program scheduled to build over 5500 social and affordable homes over 10 years,” Ms Enoch said.
“This will support 600 full time building and construction industry jobs each year for Queensland Tradies.”
New construction would start at Waterford West, Morayfield and Rockhampton.
“Heavy machinery and construction workers will be starting on site with plans finalised for these exciting new projects,” Ms Enoch said.
The two Waterford West houses would cost $510,000.
“The new homes will provide safe, secure and affordable housing for Queenslanders in need,” Ms Enoch said.
Ingenious Homes director Heath Burns said the construction industry had been critical to the functioning of the economy during the COVID-19 crisis, pushed along by the government stimulus programs, the first home buyer’s grant scheme and the downturn in interest rates.
“When the crisis struck, we saw many developers hit the stop button, however programs like the Works for Tradies enabled them to continue to operate and has kept the wheels turning,” Mr Burns said.
“Ingenious Homes has 15 permanent staff and uses subcontractors extensively – we have around 10 chippie crews each of three to five tradespeople and apprentices, as well as electricians, plumbers and all the other trades.
“The flow-on effect of the construction sector has also kept dozens of other industries alive.
“We have been extremely fortunate to remain open and keep all our crews working throughout the crisis.”
