Renovations and home upgrades for more than 1400 public housing properties across SA will continue to be fast-tracked over the next few months as part of the Marshall Liberal Government's $1 billion economic stimulus package to drive jobs and local business in the wake of COVID-19.
Of the $10 million maintenance blitz - almost $6 million in works is set to be completed next month, with the remaining $4 million to be spent early in the new financial year.
The housing upgrades will include, for example, new lighting and security, paving, painting, gardens, as well as new kitchens and bathrooms.
Premier Steven Marshall said the works would support more than 160 jobs and 200 training opportunities for students and jobseekers.
"This economic stimulus will provide a much-needed shot in the arm for local contractors, helping to ensure our important construction and building industry is supported during the greatest economic challenge of our time,'' said Premier Marshall.
"Our $10m public housing maintenance blitz will sustain more than 160 jobs across Adelaide and regional SA and is a deliberate and targeted response to keep local contractors in jobs".
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the stimulus measure provides a welcome upgrade to hundreds of ageing Housing SA properties.
"The work is well under way and the upgrades are spread across metropolitan and regional South Australia in areas including Mt Gambier, Port Augusta and the Riverland," said Minister Lensink.
"Home upgrades include improving lighting and security, painting, rendering, replacing rooves and creating more energy efficient homes."
More than 200 training opportunities for Year 11 and 12 students and jobseekers have been created, with participants obtaining their Construction Certificate I and II and white card qualifications.
Some of the graduates will have the opportunity to transition into employment opportunities with SA Housing Authority contractors.
The $10 million stimulus is in addition to the $21 million maintenance budget announced as part of the 2019-20 State Budget.
The $10 million maintenance work includes:
* Rosslyn Court, Block 1, Parkside – replacing asbestos roof, internalising laundries, exterior resurfaced and rendered, painting, outbuildings demolished
* Rellum Court, Glengowrie – internalising laundries, lighting and horticulture upgrade, outbuildings demolished
* Berri – supply air conditioning and solar panels on 10 townhouses
* Anne Close, Christie Downs - improvements to public areas including lighting, horticulture and common driveways
* Stow Court, Fullarton - improvements to public areas including common areas, lighting and horticulture, common driveways, car park
* Avondale, Elizabeth – improvements to common areas, lighting and horticulture
* Drew Court, Oaklands Park - improvements to common areas, lighting and horticulture
* Bauhinia medium density site Port Augusta – public realm works
* Holbrook, Brooklyn Park - improvements to common areas, lighting and horticulture
* Mt Gambier medium density site – public realm works
The works are being undertaken by existing Multi-Trader Contractors, who are engaging locally based contractors to undertake the upgrade works to the sites.
