The Australian and Northern Territory Governments are continuing to deliver more housing in remote communities, with 14 new homes handed over to tenants in Maningrida in Arnhem Land.
The latest handover includes six three-bedroom duplex dwellings, three four-bedroom homes, one five-bedroom home and four one-bedroom units.
It brings the total number of new homes delivered in Maningrida under the Northern Territory Remote Housing Agreement to 34.
The new homes are helping meet housing demand and reduce overcrowding in one of the Northern Territory’s largest remote communities, while giving families access to safe, secure and quality housing.
The homes delivered through the Maningrida Stage 2 subdivision are also creating local employment and participation opportunities, supporting the community's long-term social and economic development.
The investment is part of the Australian and Northern Territory Governments' shared commitment to improving housing in remote Aboriginal communities.
The $4 billion 10-year Remote Housing Agreement will deliver up to 2,700 homes for families in remote communities across the Northern Territory, helping to halve overcrowding.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“With 34 new homes now delivered in Maningrida, we are making progress to reduce overcrowding for families.
“We know demand for housing in remote communities remains high, and there is more work to do.
“We will continue to work with the Northern Territory Government, the four Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal Housing NT, to deliver safe and secure homes for Territory families in remote communities.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour:
“We are making strong progress in Maningrida on housing, but like everywhere in the NT, we have a lot more to do.
“Severe housing shortages and overcrowding in remote Northern Territory Indigenous communities continue to drive health, social, and economic disadvantages.
“Decent housing is critical, and we must keep going with our commitments to ensure we deliver more homes for our people.”
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Minister for Housing, Steve Edgington:
“We said we would deliver for the bush, and we are delivering – 34 new homes completed for families in Maningrida.
“These homes are about more than four walls and a roof. They give families safe, modern places to live and stronger foundations for better health, education and employment.
“This is the Finocchiaro Government delivering real outcomes for Territorians in the bush.”
Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chair, Matthew Ryan:
"As one of the biggest remote communities in the NT, and where I call home, it is fantastic to see these housing upgrades finished in Maningrida.
"Overcrowding leads to health issues such as rheumatic heart disease and impacts safety and wellbeing. Making sure there are enough houses is a big part of addressing this issue.
"It is critical that the Commonwealth and Territory Governments continue to invest in building homes - not only in communities but in homelands too. Our people must be able to live and thrive on Country."