Despite the soaring heat and wet weather, the West Arnhem community of Gunbalanya is a hive of building activity with the Territory Labor Government delivering ten new homes, and great progress being made on a new 24-lot subdivision.
Residents of Gunbalanya have seen positive changes to their community, with upskilling, employment and new homes as part of the $30 million invested for the construction and improvements of housing employment and upskilling for local labourers.
Works are being carried out through a joint Aboriginal Business Enterprise venture by the Gunbalanya-based Demed Aboriginal Corporation and Darwin-based, Indigenous-owned construction company Dice Australia (DDJV).
Since coming to Government in 2016, the Territory Labor Government has built 38 new homes in Gunbalanya with a further 17 homes currently under construction. An additional 12 new homes are also planned for Gunbalanya.
More than 60 homes in the community have been upgraded, and builders are working on the extension and upgrade of 40 homes as part of the innovative Room to Breathe program.
This means over 60 families in Gunbalanya are living healthier lives, combating overcrowding, stress, and associated disease.
Gunbalanya residents will have the homes as they want, with colours, house designs, and orientations are all part of local decision making with the community.
Works are delivered under the $2.2 billion remote housing investment package jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments to provide more housing and employment across Northern Territory remote communities.
The Territory Labor Government is also investing in a new health facility in Gunbalanya, with the tender to be released in the coming weeks.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney
“The Australian and Northern Territory governments are proud to deliver dozens of new homes for families in Gunbalanya. Our remote housing strategy is as much about job creation, training and skills development as it is about providing safe, healthy homes.”
“Delivering 17 new homes, and preparing the 24-lot subdivision to begin works in the drier months to come will ease overcrowding in Gunbalanya.
“It has also provided the community local employment opportunities as construction continues.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands, Selena Uibo
“Jobs and housing are key priorities for the Territory Labor Government, with the halfway mark of housing in Gunbalanya as an important achievement in the delivery of homes across the Northern Territory.
“The Territory Labor Government’s remote housing program is changing the housing and social landscape in remote communities across the NT, with Gunbalanya a great example of this positive change. That’s why we have made such a big investment in addition to replacement homes, extensions, renovations and refurbishments.
“Better homes mean better outcomes for health, psychological wellbeing, education and employment as well as improved living conditions and social status.”
Quotes attributable for Member for Arafura, Manuel Brown
“The Gunbalanya community has welcomed the Territory Labor Government’s housing investment as they have been highly involved in the planning, design and construction works.
“This has been a job-creating and upskilling project which has offered a number of certified training opportunities for locals of the community.
“Nearly half the homes have been completed, which means dozens of families now have safe, healthy homes. I have heard that this has made such a difference for families to have their own home.”