NEW HOMES APPROVED FOR DEFENCE FAMILIES IN MCDOWALL

Wayne Swan MP, Federal Member for Lilley and Yvette D'Ath, Federal Member for Petrie welcomed the announcement today that the Government will proceed with the construction of 51 Defence family homes in McDowall.

The Public Works Committee (PWC) recommended the commencement of this project on 24 November 2009 and Parliament passed an expediency motion on 26 November 2009.

Mrs D'Ath is pleased the Gordon Olive Estate project will go ahead.

"This construction project by Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is great news for incoming Australian Defence Force personnel and their families. It will also assist in reducing pressure on the local rental market," Mrs D'Ath said.

"DHA has consulted closely with local residents in this area and this has resulted in a plan that better suits the needs of the community," she said.

Federal Member for Lilley Wayne Swan said the new development was great news for the community.

"In February the Rudd Government announced the Defence Housing Initiative - to provide an additional $246 million to assist Australian Defence Force families," he said.

"This means an extra 802 residential houses to be built across Australia.

"This development in McDowall will help stimulate the building and construction industry which will support jobs as we recover from the global financial crisis."

The construction of the homes will be sourced through a select tender process to pre-qualified builders and will meet Defence and community standards.

The residential construction development project in McDowall is one of many projects currently underway in South East Queensland to fulfil the need for quality accommodation for Defence members and their families.

Mrs D'Ath said "the development will be named in memory of former Brisbane born Battle of Britain pilot and distinguished community figure, Gordon Olive CBE, who died in 1987."

Construction of this development will commence in early 2010.

The primary function of Defence Housing Australia is to supply housing and related services to ADF members and their families in line with Defence operational requirements. DHA currently manages 17,300 properties across Australia worth about $7.8 billion.