The newly-elected Bligh Government has announced the biggest-ever investment in housing infrastructure since the Chifley era, Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said today.

Mr Pitt said under the Nation Building and Economic Stimulus Plan, the Rudd and Bligh Governments had committed $1.3 billion to build around 4,000 hew homes right across the state.

“It’s a billion dollar package from the Federal Government that will lead to thousands of jobs for local workers in the construction industry,” Mr Pitt said.

“This comes at a time when jobs and job security are more important than ever before. That’s why the billion dollar package is so crucial. It will kick-start the local economy and generate local jobs.

“Even in the face of the worst global crisis since the Great Depression, Labor will never give up the fight for Queensland workers.

“We’re getting on with the job of building 4,000 new homes right across the state. It’s a win for workers in the local building industry and it’s a win for people who need a roof over their head.

“With these funds we’re able to fast track projects. Our commitment to Queenslanders is to have most of the new homes built in the next three years.

“It’s an ambitious target, and it’s an important target because we believe that nothing should stand in the way of jobs for Queenslanders and homes for people who need them most.”

Mr Pitt said the Department of Communities was seeking proposals for new social housing from builders and developers, and not-for- profit organisations.

“They want to see proposals for modest two, four and five-bedroom houses, and one and two-bedroom unit developments. There is a particular need to increase the supply of one-bedroom accommodation,” Mr Pitt said.

“All builders and developers will have to demonstrate that apprentices make up 10 per cent of their total workforce on the job, and for projects in Indigenous communities, Indigenous workers must represent 20 per cent of the total workforce.”

Additional information will be available from the Department of Communities website: www.housing.qld.gov.au