More than 40 new units will be built as part of the federal government’s National Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

Tenders are being accepted for two new projects, a complex of 28 units on Hollingworth street and nine units in Golf Street.

The developments will cost $9.5 million.

A Wauchope-based company also has won the tender to build a $2.6 million complex at the corner Platt and Hindman streets, Port Macquarie, and work is about to start on five more units in Lane St, Laurieton.

Port Macquarie MP Peter Besseling said the much of the new accommodation would be for the elderly and people with disabilities.

“These projects are part of the nation’s biggest-ever investment in social housing, a much-needed initiative in communities such as ours, where family incomes are stretched due to housing stress and public housing waiting lists are very long,” Mr Besseling said.

“The investment in public housing stock will also help kick-start the local construction industry and provide some job security for local tradespeople and apprentices.”

But not everyone was happy about the proposed developments.

Residents in Hollingworth street said they are yet to be told anything about the construction of the new units.

“I would have liked to have been approached on the subject,” said Margaret McDonell, who lives next door to the planned construction site.

“I’d want to know who they were, what kind of people, and what kind of buildings.

“Would it devalue my property?” Ms McDonell asked.

“Everybody needs a home, but I just have to see what sort of buildings they were and if they’d encroach on our quietness here.”

Other residents echoed her concerns.

“Surveyors have been down here, so we have wondered about it,” said Trix Anderson.

“I haven’t been told anything, so it’s quite a surprise.”

But Paul Vevers, co-ordinator of the economic stimulus plan for Housing NSW, this week assured residents they will not be denied the chance to have their say.

He said a design is being developed, and that meetings have been set up with the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to discuss the designs.

Once these discussions have taken place, letters – including the designs – will be sent to neighbours.

Concerned residents will then have 21 days to send their comments to an independent planner, who will examine the development proposals to ensure they comply with planning laws.

“We will not build anything that does not comply with planning rules,” Mr Vevers said.