Page 1294 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 23 March 2010
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provides the basic foundation on which individuals and families build stable, healthy and productive lives. At 30 June 2009 there were 11,586 public housing dwelling units that gave people the opportunity to make a contribution and to share in the benefits of the community.
Most public housing is also being delivered through the stimulus package under which more than 400 new dwellings are expected to be constructed before the end of 2010. The national affordable housing partnership agreements include the “a place to call home” program and this is supported by the ACT government’s contribution of $2.5 million towards the purchase of land. The commonwealth provided $2 million for the construction component. Housing and Community Services will construct 10 houses, 50 per cent of which will be adaptable for tenants with disabilities. Contracts have been entered into for 10 sites and construction has been completed on a five-bedroom house and one four-bedroom house. The remainder of the properties will be completed by stages by the end of June.
Community centres such as the new Griffith centre will provide a home for community groups. These range from leisure and relaxation to food services for those who are most vulnerable in our community. As members would recall, the government initiated a program to redevelop four regional centres at Cook, Holt, Melrose and Weston to accommodate community organisations. And we are developing two new neighbourhood halls at Griffith and Bonython.
The regional community facilities project is assisting the ACT economy by providing local employment in the construction industries. Between these initiatives, approximately 50 non-government not-for-profit organisations delivering crucial services for the ACT will be provided with affordable and suitable premises to conduct their business. This initiative has many flow-on effects, including a stronger and more sustainable community sector.
I am pleased to report that these projects are progressing well. Refurbishments have been completed at three of the 10 sites and the regional community facilities projects. They include Rivett, Tharwa and Hall cottage and all of this demonstrates the significant investment that this Labor government has made in community infrastructure.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Mr Hargreaves?
MR HARGREAVES: The supplementary is: minister, how is the government investing in community infrastructure for children and families, though, in the ACT?
MS BURCH: Again, I thank Mr Hargreaves for his question. This Labor government is delivering for children and families in the ACT. We are engaging with our clients, providing outcomes for our clients and building better community partnerships. This is reflected in our continuing commitment to the development of a third child and family centre, in west Belconnen.
Members will recall that this Labor government established the child and family centres at Gungahlin and Tuggeranong town centres. These centres offer universal parenting information, targeted support services, specialist clinical services and
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