Construction is complete on a new $2.22 million social housing renewal project in Dubbo, thanks to a partnership between TAFE NSW and the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC).
Through the partnership, local pre-apprenticeship construction students from TAFE NSW Dubbo worked alongside tradespeople and TAFE supervisors to build eight new social housing apartments at Short Street, close to the CBD.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the project generated a valuable economic boost to the region, and practical training for pre-apprentices.
“This investment came just at the right time for our community, providing jobs to established and up-and-coming tradespeople, and local businesses,” Mr Saunders said.
“It’s great to see plans are underway to identify new projects in Dubbo, which are expected to provide more local pre-apprentices with hands-on experience that will hopefully lead to them starting their own local businesses one day.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said the project was funded using proceeds from the $150 million sale of the Sirius building in The Rocks.
“Going forward, TAFE pre-apprenticeship students will build around 100 new homes across NSW as part of a broader $40 million NSW Government stimulus funding program,” Mrs Pavey said.
“This program not only provides young people with on-the-job training benefiting the whole construction industry into the future but also delivers diverse housing for vulnerable citizens and a shot in the arm for the State’s economy,” Ms Pavey said.
“After challenges with COVID-19, the Dubbo project shows the resilient spirit of Regional NSW, and that we are getting on with the job of building homes for people in need.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee welcomed the project’s completion and said TAFE was about to finalise one five-dwelling project in Fairfield and start construction on an eight-dwelling project in St Marys.
“Working on a real-life project like this gives TAFE NSW students the opportunity to further develop their skills that will translate directly into the workforce,” Mr Lee said.
The Short Street development is located near public transport and shops, 1.2km from the Dubbo town centre.