The Territory Labor Government is boosting jobs and creating more remote housing, by backing a Darwin-based Aboriginal construction company.
Warle Construction has created innovative housing 'shells', inspired by IKEA kits and manufactured using innovative Howick FRAMA™ roll-forming technology.
The $1.55 million project has been awarded a $392,000 co-investment by the Territory Labor Government through its Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
It is expected the project will create 20 full-time jobs and generate up to $16.4 million in revenue within the first five years of operation.
A manufacturing facility for the homes will be created, which will also be used to train and upskill staff.
The multi-bedroom shells are easily assembled onsite and installed within days and made from light-gauge steel components, including wall frames, trusses and a cassette flooring system.
They are designed to withstand the harsh climates of the Northern Territory, including cyclones and also address housing affordability and availability for residents in remote communities and homelands.
Warle Construction is collaborating with Annge Consulting, Troppo Architects, Rapid Engineering, Stantec and Howick Group to deliver the new building system for the homes, as well as a manufacturing and training facility.
Warle, which takes its name from the Eastern Arrernte word for house, building or wall, is initially targeting demand for the rural and remote regions of Northern Australia.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:
"The Territory Labor Government established the AMEF in 2021 in partnership with the AMCG, to improve our manufacturing capabilities - since then our investment has helped create nearly 120 jobs and generated over $50 million for the Territory economy.
"We will always back local businesses and Territory ingenuity to grow our economy and create jobs, our support of Warle Construction is no exception."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands, Selena Uibo:
"We are actively addressing the availability and affordability of housing in rural, regional and remote areas of the Territory, because all Territorians deserve a roof over their head.
"Designed for the Territory by Territorians, these housing shells offer an innovative and competitive advantage over traditional methods, which supports more Territorians having a place to call home."
Quotes attributable to Warle Construction Director, Tilman Lowe:
"Warle was founded to address a growing need to provide sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions for remote areas of the Northern Territory.
"Our housing solution will also address the key issues of overcrowding, usability and durability for remote and regional communities.
"Through co-investment from the Northern Territory Government, the assistance of AMGC and the support of our project partners we will be able to commercialise more practical and affordable homes that can be quickly constructed and deployed to improve living standards while also generating jobs and new capabilities for the Top End."
Quotes attributable to AMGC's Northern Territory Director, Charmaine Phillips:
"Warle's project brings together local skills and knowledge to solve a growing issue - housing affordability and durability.
"Seeing innovative manufacturing in the NT deliver affordable, high-quality housing and create jobs is a win-win-win."
Northern Territory Government
