The Albanese Government, in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, has delivered a $12.4 million upgrade of housing for Utopia in Central Australia.
More than 40 homes have been upgraded across six Aboriginal homelands including Arlparra, Atheley, Indaringinya, Inkawenyerre, Inkwelaye and Iylentye.
The improvements were completed this month and include new kitchens, living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms.
These homelands were identified as key priority areas by the Central Land Council and Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory, the peak body for Aboriginal housing in the Territory.
More than 160 Homelands across the Northern Territory are receiving repairs and upgrades to significantly improve the quality of life for First Nations families and communities.
The investment is part of the Homelands Housing and Infrastructure Program (HHIP), a joint initiative to improve living conditions in remote homelands across the Northern Territory.
The Albanese Government is investing $220 million through the HHIP, while the Northern Territory Government contributes $40 million annually to support essential services in Aboriginal homelands including clean water, reliable power and sanitation.
Delivered in close collaboration with Land Councils and local communities, the HHIP ensures upgrades reflect the needs and priorities of residents.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“These upgrades are much more than bricks and mortar – they are about improving the quality of life for First Nations families living in homelands, as part of our commitment to Closing the Gap.
“Through the HHIP, the Albanese Government is delivering targeted improvements to housing and essential infrastructure that support better health and wellbeing.
“The program plays a critical role in enhancing housing across the Northern Territory, working with Land Councils and communities.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“All across Lingiari our government is improving housing and critical infrastructure.
“I welcome the investment in the HHIP and the long term impacts it will have on the residents of these homelands.
“Providing remote Territorians with access to suitable housing is the first step in building strong, vibrant communities.”
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Minister for Housing, Steve Edgington:
“We know that better housing leads to improved wellbeing across the board — children perform better in school, and communities experience better health and employment outcomes.
“In our year of action, certainty and security, delivering upgrades to housing and infrastructure improves daily life, strengthens communities, and secures a better long-term future for Territorian families living on homelands.”
Quotes attributable to Central Land Council CEO, Les Turner.
“Homelands housing upgrades across the CLC region through the HHIP have been a welcome contribution.
“The funds have turned tin sheds into liveable dwellings and provided essential infrastructure like bathrooms and kitchens enabling many people to live more healthily and happily on their ancestral lands.”