The Australian and Northern Territory governments are continuing to deliver housing and infrastructure improvements to Territorian First Nations communities, as part of the $2.2 billion Remote Housing Investment Package.
Completing another major housing build and handover milestone, the community of Wugularr (Beswick) received 28 new homes – supporting the local community with the housing infrastructure they need to achieve better outcomes.
The Remote Housing Investment Package, jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments, has so far delivered 1208 new homes and upgraded close to 1700 homes since September 2016.
In this latest housing handover, 11 dwellings – a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes – have been finalised, and are now delivering improved conditions throughout the community.
Ensuring local communities are front and centre in decision making processes, designs, locations and tenant allocations for new homes are led by the community and Housing Reference Groups.
Investment in housing in remote communities like Wugularr delivers a boost to local businesses and local jobs, including Aboriginal-owned Yingwati Pty Ltd, which worked on preparing the land for the first subdivision stage, and Katherine-based business NJ Homes (NT) Pty Ltd, which constructed the homes.
Attributable to Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney:
“The Albanese government is committed to improving housing in remote Northern Territory communities.
“I am so pleased these new homes have been handed over in the Wugularr community. The new homes will help ease overcrowding, which we know is a major barrier to closing the gap.”
Attributable to Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands and Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo:
“Wugularr residents have been waiting a long time for these new homes, which will reduce overcrowding and contribute to the overall well-being of this gorgeous community on the banks of the Waterhouse River.
“Our Territory Labor Government is proud of our work on remote housing since coming to government in 2016. We have built an incredible 1200 new remote homes and upgraded around 1700 more.
“Housing is at the centre of our reform agenda and getting housing right is critical to closing the gap. More houses in our remote communities means stronger communities and jobs for Aboriginal Territorians.”
Attributable to new tenant Tarsha, mother of five children who works at the community store:
“All the children are excited and have already chosen their own rooms.”