MOUNT Gambier’s Housing SA stock will share in $10m worth of maintenance upgrades under a State Government plan to keep contractors in jobs and support the construction and building industry during the COVID-19 crisis.
Work has started on 1000 Housing SA homes across the state, including 250 in regional South Australia and ranges from painting, lighting and roofing upgrades, as well as significant work including new kitchens and bathrooms.
The number of homes in Mount Gambier earmarked for upgrades has yet to be confirmed.
Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said the maintenance program would upgrade properties for vulnerable South Australians and support the economy and jobs at this crucial time.
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.
Ms Lensink said Housing SA would work 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,” she said.
“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.”