Australia: Work Starts on Santos GLNG Housing Project

Work has now commenced on the $1.1 million Santos GLNG-funded accommodation complex in Roma for people including apprentices, trainees and customer service staff who want to live and work locally.

Santos GLNG and Horizon Housing (HH) today turned the first sod at the Acacia Road site.

The site will feature 16 fully-furnished studio apartments as an affordable rental option for key workers who can play an important role in the community wanting to live and work in the Maranoa.

Santos GLNG Social Performance Manager John Phalen said the accommodation project is part of Santos GLNG’s $5.8 million housing commitment to the region.

“Santos GLNG believes this accommodation project will make a considerable difference to the hard workers who play a crucial role in the community,” Mr Phalen said.

“Santos has been operating in the Maranoa Region for more than 50 years and we look forward to operating here for many years to come.

“This key workers facility will go a long way to supporting businesses in this town and Complements the $16 million Santos GLNG has already spent on social infrastructure in the Maranoa.”

Not-for-profit housing company HH will carry out the development and operation of the facility.

HH Chief Executive Officer Jason Cubit said: “This project was announced at the end of 2012 and the quick turnaround in terms of moving on site and starting construction is a credit to all parties involved, and of great benefit to locals who will be able to move into a new, more affordable home by midyear,” he said.

“Now that work has commenced on site, we will soon start to take applications for rentals, and we expect there will be plenty of demand, as there is literally nothing else like this project on the market in Roma at the moment.

“Tenants will have the opportunity to secure a fully-furnished studio apartment – complete with quality fittings and finishes and supplemented by open plan shared living spaces.”

The apartment project is expected to be completed by October this year, weather permitting.

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

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LNG World News Staff, May 1, 2013