Nation Building funding keeps construction moving and families happy

Funding from the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan is beginning to reap benefits for both the construction industry and Victorian families in need.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd visited the first homes built with Nation Building funding recently, and was shown a prime example of how the plan is now coming to fruition.

The visit was to Tullamarine, where two units were constructed through Nation Building funding; the money has since allowed CHG Property Group the leverage to build another three units on the same street, also to be used for affordable homes.

Mr Hinton, of CGH Property Group, said that in the past he has focussed mainly on doing small to medium residential renovations. However, last year with a buoyant economy, the company decided to do some housing of its own as an investment.

"We purchased the block in Tullamarine, and subsequently purchased another on the same street. A few months into the first project, at the start of 2009, the economy started to go bad and lending tightened up," he said

"The project was put on hold and we considered selling the second block. One Saturday evening in March, I was leafing through the paper and saw the ad to register interest to deliver new housing for the economic stimulus package.

"I did so and found the process very streamlined: the project was back on the road by April and has now helped fund the second project."

Anthony Cook, a new tenant who gave the Prime Minister a tour of his unit, said moving in was a dream come true.

"The kids haven't had a chance to check out what other kids are in the neighbourhood but are over the moon about the house as their old one was in poor condition. My son has been using the grounds of the primary school opposite us to ride his bike around," he said.

For Janice Stead, who moved into another of the units, it's a huge relief.

Miss Stead is a full-time carer to her 16-year-old son who has Asperger's syndrome.

"I can't believe we've been given the opportunity to live here. It feels safe and my son will be able to get to school by public transport," she said.

"I can't wait to show my parents where we are living.

"We will be able to put up Christmas decorations this year without fear of someone ripping them down. We¿ll have bells up and all," she said.

Another new tenant, Barca Radmilo, said his new house was something beautiful.

"The lounge is so big and light. And as I don¿t have a car, it is a great location for shopping and is walking distance to public transport which is about 100 meters away."