Australia: Santos GLNG, HHS Ink Housing Development Contract

Santos GLNG and Horizon Housing Solutions (HHS) have announced the signing of a $1.1 million housing development contract to boost the availability of affordable accommodation in the Roma area.

Work is scheduled to start in February on the 16 fully-furnished studio apartments which will deliver an affordable rental option targeted at key workers and apprentices wanting to live and work in the Maranoa.

Santos GLNG Social Performance Manager John Phalen said Santos initiated the project as part of its $5.8 million housing commitment to the region. Not-for-profit housing company HHS has been engaged to carry out the construction and operation of the facility.

“We received feedback from community leaders that there was a shortage of affordable accommodation to support low income workers. We believe this will make a considerable difference to help ease housing pressure for these workers,” Mr Phalen said.

“This project will help with the attraction and retention of critical workers in the region.”

HHS Chief Executive Officer Jason Cubit said the new apartments would feature an innovative design appropriate for the area and include a range of energy saving features.

“The design is based on a ‘co-housing’ model, which incorporates self-contained dwellings with shared domestic facilities, which reduces utility bills and promotes a great community atmosphere,” Mr Cubit said.

“Providing safe, well managed and affordable accommodation is a vital step in the process of attracting and retaining skilled workers in the Surat Basin region, and thus ensuring the continuation of key resources and infrastructure projects.”

The apartment project is expected to be completed by June.

It will comprise of two secure complexes with eight studio apartments with shared living, kitchen and laundry areas.

[mappress]
LNG World News Staff, December 12, 2012; Image: Santos