The handover of 11 homes in Gapuwiyak this week represents a significant milestone in the Territory Labor Government's remote housing program.
The target of 1950 bedrooms has now been met, less than five years since the National Partnership for Remote Housing Northern Territory (NPRHNT) was signed on 30 March 2019.
This is despite challenges such as: the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted access to communities; flooding events; building cost increases; labour shortages; and supply chain interruptions.
The building blitz in the community of Gapuwiyak on the shores of Lake Evella will yield 38 new homes, with 29 completed, and a further nine underway. Five homes have also been extended and improved under the innovative Room to Breathe program. A 27-lot subdivision currently under construction will pave the way for more homes in the future.
Works in Gapuwiyak have been carried out by WTD Constructions, which has a team of ten on the ground.
The Territory Labor Government is now focusing its efforts on the delivery of 157 new homes in 2023-24 under the Northern Territory Remote Housing Federation Funding Agreement (FFA) agreed to by both governments. To date, 97 homes have been completed, which is well ahead of schedule.
The FFA provides for $111.7 million in Commonwealth funding, which is matched by the Northern Territory, bringing the joint contribution to $223.4 million in 2023-24.
Since coming to government in late 2016, the Territory Labor Government, in partnership with the Australian Government, has delivered 3750 new and upgraded homes, including homes underway across all remote housing programs. This translates to 4295 bedrooms across 73 remote communities.
Housing works in Gapuwiyak are being delivered as part of the $2.2 billion Remote Housing Investment Package, jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Australian Governments.
Attributable to Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands, Selena Uibo:
"Our Territory Labor Government is proud of the progress we've made with improving remote housing since coming to government in 2016.
"The 3750 new and upgraded homes that we have so far delivered are helping to ease overcrowding, which we know is a major barrier to closing the gap.
"It is heart-warming to see families in Gapuwiyak moving into their new homes just in time for Christmas. Delivering 38 new homes also provides local employment opportunities as construction continues."
Attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
"Delivering more and better housing for the Territory's remote communities is a top priority for the Albanese Labor Government.
"The 11 new homes in Gapuwiyak will make a real difference to the lives of those families.
"Whilst 73 remote communities have received new houses, we know there is still a lot more to do. The Federal Labor Government will continue to put housing in remote communities to address the chronic overcrowding resulting from the chronic neglect of the former Government."
"The Albanese Labor Government will also look at affordable housing in our regional towns."
Attributable to NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"It's great to see the government's investment in housing making a difference on the ground.
"As a result of this building blitz, more Aboriginal Territorians have a secure place to call home. This means safer, healthier families and communities.
"Delivering more houses out bush is absolutely critical in closing the gap and improving other important life outcomes in health, education and employment."
Northern Territory Government
