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Keeping South Australians in jobs, boosting the economy and improving public housing is the focus of a $10 million maintenance injection as part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s $1 billion economic response to the impacts of coronavirus.

The $10 million maintenance boost will improve up to 1,000 Housing SA homes, including 250 in regional South Australia and forms part of the Marshall Government’s strong plan to protect South Australians from the impacts of the coronavirus virus.

The work, to begin immediately, will range from painting, lighting and roofing upgrades through to significant works including new kitchens and bathrooms.

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the maintenance program will upgrade properties for vulnerable South Australians, support the local economy and jobs at this crucial time.

“The Marshall Liberal Government’s $10 million maintenance stimulus is a deliberate and targeted response to keep local contractors in jobs and ensures our construction and building industry is supported at this unprecedented time,” said Minister Lensink.

“The work will begin immediately and the upgrades are spread across metropolitan and regional South Australia in areas including Mt Gambier, Port Augusta and the Riverland.

“Home upgrades include improving lighting and security, replacing rooves and creating more energy efficient homes.

“By replacing insulatation, installing LED lighting and increasing the use of solar power, we are reducing cost of living pressures for public housing customers at a time when every dollar counts.”

The works will be undertaken by existing Multi-Trader Contractors, who will be engaging locally based contractors to undertake the upgrade works to individual properties and larger sites, such as walk-up flats.

The $10 million stimulus brings forward spending under the $75 million committed for maintenance upgrades as part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s new housing strategy, Our Housing Future 2020-30 and is in addition to the $21 million maintenance stimulus announced as part of the 2019-20 State Budget.

“The Marshall Liberal Government has committed $96 million towards public housing maintenance – this will not only stimulate the construction and building industry and keep people in jobs, it will give people the opportunity to gain new skills and engage in education, training and employment in the industry,” said Minister Lensink.

Housing SA is working closely with contractors to ensure appropriate work, health and safety practices are followed to assess and minimise the risk of COVID-19.

“All contractors will be strictly complying with the latest heath advice to keep our public housing customers and themselves safe at this time,” said Minister Lensink.

“This will include reducing non-essential customer contact, working with Authority staff to screen customers for recent travel history and wellbeing before attending properties, and regularly sanitising tools and equipment before and after use.”

Contractors will be encouraged to engage South Australians in training and employment opportunities, including Aboriginal people and Housing SA customers.