The Federal and Northern Territory governments are delivering on the $100 million Restoring Funding for Homelands program, with families on Central Australia’s Utopia homelands returning to refurbished homes.
In the remote community of Atheley, about 230 kilometres north east of Alice Springs on Utopia homelands, father and son Charlie and Zachariah have received the keys to their restored homes.
It’s the first of more than 80 properties to be refurbished under the $100 million program.
The last of 6 homes in Atheley will be completed later this month as works continue on Paru in the Tiwi Islands.
Construction is soon to commence at Kurrajong Bore (Utopia) as well as Groote Eylandt in Mawulyumania (Thomson Bay), Akwalirrumania (Four Mile) and Yedikba (Emerald River).
The Commonwealth’s $100 million Restoring Funding for Homelands is being delivered under a national partnership agreement with the Northern Territory Government.
It is also in collaboration with local communities including Elders and Traditional Owners, who have provided valuable input in the priorities, design and implementation of restoration projects.
Also part of the Australian Government’s $100 million commitment is essential infrastructure work on power, water and sewage systems, with works already underway in Big Rivers, Barkly, Central Australia, East Arnhem and Top End regions.
The Commonwealth’s $100 million Restoring Funding for Homelands not only honours the Government’s pre-election commitment; it also recognises the significance of homelands for Aboriginal Territorians.
Restoring Funding for Homelands is supported by all four Northern Territory Land Councils, as well as Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory.
Community consultations local decision-making and community priorities remain at the forefront of delivery.
Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:
“We are getting on with the job of delivering for Indigenous Australians.
“We know that overcrowding and poor-quality housing are barriers to closing the gap and this Government is committed to improving housing in NT homelands.
“That’s why we’ve dedicated $100 million to homelands to provide long-overdue upgrades and repairs to homes for growing families.
“What’s been delivered for Charlie and Zachariah families in Utopia homelands demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the lives of Aboriginal Territorians.
“Our partnership with the Northern Territory Government as well as local Land Councils, Aboriginal Housing NT, communities and leaders is central to the success of the Commonwealth’s $100 million commitment to Restoring Funding to Homelands.”
Quotes attributable to Marion Scrymgour, Member for Lingiari
“Housing on Aboriginal Homelands is a top priority.
“During the election I committed to major investment into our bush communities – and these new homes demonstrates the commitment of the Albanese Government to rebuilding the bush.
“I have always said – when our remote communities are strong and supported, our people thrive.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Uibo:
“This is important progress that is happening in homelands right now.
“The work being done has been prioritised by Aboriginal Land Councils who have identified these regions as being in urgent need of critical upgrades.
“I’m proud that we have been able to deliver upgrades to the first few homes under this package knowing more are on the way and will make a huge difference in providing homelands residents with appropriate housing supported by essential services.”