Maroochydore green thumbs take out prizes

Maroochydore’s green-thumbed social housing tenants have been recognised in the Queensland Government’s Social Housing Garden Awards today.
Community Services and Housing Minister Karen Struthers said the annual awards recognised tenants who took pride in their gardens and helped improve not only their homes but neighbourhoods and communities.
These gardens, and the time, effort and care taken with them, are a great example of how social housing tenants contribute to their communities,” Ms Struthers said.
“This year’s winners were selected from 71 entries in the Maroochydore region. A total of 1138 entries were received across Queensland.
“I congratulate all the tenants for taking part in the awards which have been running for the past 15 years.
“I particularly commend Suncoast Regional Tenant Group Inc for helping the government manage the awards and make them so successful.
Ms Struthers said the awards contributed to building stronger, greener, healthier communities.
In 2011-12, the Queensland Government will allocate more than $1 billion to social housing programs and infrastructure.
“This is the biggest investment in social housing this state has ever seen, and it’s great to see tenants taking care of these properties and pride in their homes and gardens,” Ms Struthers said.
The Maroochydore region has 3145 government-managed social housing tenancies. The Queensland Government’s investment in the region includes a maintenance and upgrade budget of approximately $11,122,544 in 2011-12.