Building Industry News

Stimulus a boost for local builders

Central Coast builders are beginning to participate in the Federal Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan. In mid August both the Federal and NSW Governments announced details of housing projects in the Hunter and Central Coast as part of the Plan. NSW Minister for Housing, David Borger said, “In the Central Coast and Hunter regions, the Nation Building Social Housing program will see 1,300 new homes built worth around $366 million.

Local builder, Baxter O’Hara Building is currently constructing a $1.4 million social housing development at Everglades Crescent, Woy Woy and has also been awarded a project at Umina Beach worth around $1.9 million. “Baxter O’Hara Building has been able to employ additional key personnel staff including apprentices and trainees due to the additional work secured through the Stimulus Plan,” said Craig Baxter, Director of Baxter O’Hara Building. “Being a Government accredited builder, we have been able to assist in the fast tracking of the Stimulus Plan," he said. 

The Stimulus Plan has assisted our company to continue in achieving our sustainable growth pattern and milestones,” said Mr Baxter. In addition, Baxter O’Hara has just started work on a $2 million contract to build a multi-purpose school hall with amenities for the Holy Cross Primary School at Kincumber and a similar contract for St Cecilia’s Primary School at Wyong, both for the Catholic Schools Office. Baxter O’Hara is also carrying out refurbishment works for the Department of Housing throughout the Central Coast, Hunter and New England regions.

Infrastructure funding for Central Coast

Central Coast Community College will share in the Investing in Community Education element of the Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Vocational Education and Training, announced in early August by the Federal Government. The College will receive $1,480,400 to upgrade its existing teaching and administration facilities on the Central Coast Campus at Ourimbah. The College will add to the funding to complete the project to a total value of $1.68 million.

Executive Director, Mallory Mills said that the funding couldn’t have come at a better time. “The College has operated from this site for the past twenty years, and the facilities are desperately in need of refurbishment. The project will include internal refits to maximise space and increase capacity for training delivery. We will install new learning technology, a commercial kitchen, a simulated aged care room and upgrade all the student amenities. In total, five buildings will be refurbished and this will provide a bright, contemporary environment for our students and employees,” said Ms Mills.

The College currently services approximately 7,000 students per year from across the Central Coast and other regions. Ms Mills said that the funding would help the College improve its service delivery and reach more people. “A vital part of the work we do is in helping learners to build vocational skills that lead to a greater opportunity for gaining employment. This funding will provide the resources we need to continue that work,” she said.

The Central Coast office of APP Corporation has been appointed project managers for the work, which is expected to be completed by 30 June 2010.

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