Australia: Work on Santos GLNG Housing Project Reaches Halfway Mark

Construction has reached the halfway mark on a highly-anticipated affordable housing project in Roma, with project partners Horizon Housing (HH) and Santos GLNG expecting the development t o be ready by late August.

The Roma Community Housing Project, located on Acacia Road, will feature 16 fully-furnished studio apartments to house key workers including apprentices, trainees and customer service staff.

Santos GLNG Social Performance Manager John Phalen said the $1 million project is the first development underway as part of Santos GLNG’s housing commitment s to the region, and he was thrilled to see it happening in record time.

“These apartments will make a considerable difference to ease housing pressures for key workers and we’re looking forward to the first tenants taking occupancy in the coming months,” Mr Phalen said.

HH Chief Executive Officer Jason Cubit said the project had been fast-tracked, reaching the halfway mark in only eight weeks.

“We began construction in May and the first tenants will move in around the start of spring – which is welcome news to many key workers,” Mr Cubit said.

“It’s really vital to provide opportunities for these workers in order to foster a sustain able workforce for the future.”

The Roma Community Housing Project itself has been a source of new employment, with Sandsky Developments engaging 14 local sub-contractors.

One of these contractor workers is Andrew Stansbie, a local civil works contractor for Sandsky.

“It’s a great project because it provides employment for local contractors, and once complete the development will help other locals undertake trades here without having to worry too much about housing costs, so its win – win,” Mr Stansbie said.

“I’m one of many local contractors set to benefit from other affordable housing projects that are in the pipeline which is another boost for the local economy.”

Santos GLNG has contributed $4 million towards other affordable housing initiatives in t he region and is currently working with the Maranoa Regional Council to deliver these housing solutions.

HH has over 50 affordable properties which it aims to deliver in the Western Downs and Maranoa over the coming years. The company has now established a new office in Roma to help manage these projects .