One hundred homes have been built in one hundred days in the Northern Territory as part of the Labor Government’s efforts to close the gap for First Nations peoples.
Families from 20 communities across the region have recently moved into brand new homes on the northeast island of Galiwin’ku, through Jilkminggan and Kalkarindji, down to Amoonguna in the south.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said these homes will help close the gap in the region by easing overcrowding.
“The Albanese Government is committed to improving housing as an important practical step to delivering a better future for Indigenous communities in the NT,” she said.
“We are getting on with the job of delivering for Indigenous Australians and driving progress on closing the gap.”
Several major construction contracts worth over $256 million have recently powered a “building blitz” across Central Australia, with a pipeline of works rolling out across dozens of remote communities.
The building program is jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Australian Governments through the $2.2 billion Remote Housing Investment Package Our Community. Our Future. Our Homes.
Member for the Gwoja community, Chansey Paech, said the communities were closely involved with the planning, design and allocation of the houses throughout the entire process.
“This has been a job-creating project which is building sustainable communities and better lives for our Aboriginal Territorians,” he said.
“It’s always exciting to see how happy families are to receive the keys to their new homes and how much decent housing has improved the lives of people in the bush.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the milestone of one hundred homes in one hundred days is proof of the Government’s commitment to helping improve the lives of First Nations people.
“We came to Government with a clear agenda to improving remote housing across the Territory,” she said.
“Local decision-making is at the core of the planning, designing and construction process and this has encouraged remote community residents to be involved every step of the way from planning and design to allocation.”
According to Minister for Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo, the Labor Government has built and upgraded nearly 3000 homes across the Territory since 2016.
“I am really proud of the progress we have made in delivering homes to Territorians in our remote communities,” she said.
“Our $2.2 billion remote housing program is reducing overcrowding, improving health and social outcomes, and supporting local economies.
“The ongoing work not only makes a huge difference to the many families who finally have a home to call their own, it has provided local businesses with contracts running several years and created opportunities for Aboriginal Territorians to complete formal training including certificates and apprenticeships.
“These opportunities benefit everyone and help to create sustainable communities.”
