More social housing will be fast-tracked across the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory will receive $50 million from the Federal Government as part of the Social Housing Accelerator payment, which will fund up to 100 new urban social homes.
Around half of the 100 homes will be built in Darwin, with up to 24% in Alice Springs, 21% in Katherine and five per cent in Tennant Creek.
The construction of these homes will also see a boost for local workforces throughout Northern Territory urban centres.
Homes will be built to adaptable standard, meaning they are accessible and more people with disability or mobility issues will be able to stay in the same home as they age.
Of the $50 million total investment, it is proposed that $37.5 million is used to construct around 75 homes for government to manage with $12.5 million for the community housing sector to construct the remaining 25 homes.
Consultation with the community housing sector will occur in December, with a tender process for the first eight homes expected to commence before Christmas.
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Minister for Urban Housing, Ngaree Ah Kit:
“Secure and affordable housing for all Territorians is one of our Government’s highest priorities and having this demand recognised by the Federal Government is integral to achieving our social housing targets.
“This much needed Social Housing Accelerator funding will see 100 new homes being built in partnership with the Albanese Government in urban centres across the Northern Territory. This will result in more Territorians having access to affordable homes.
“The accelerated funding will also create a boost to the Northern Territory economy and deliver job opportunities for Territorians in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“This is a good start in an area we know needs attention.
“It doesn’t matter whether you live in Darwin, Alice Springs or Tennant Creek, housing affordability has been a real issue for many years now.
“The Albanese Government made the commitment at the election to address this problem and now I’m pleased to see we are delivering in the Territory.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling:
“The Albanese Government has committed to an ambitious housing agenda – delivering more public and social housing, more affordable housing, more homes to rent and more homes to buy for vulnerable, at-risk and low-income Territorians.
“I have worked very closely with my federal colleague Julie Collins Minister for Housing and Homelessness and the Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour, and this $50 million Social Housing Accelerator payment represents far in excess of the per capita distribution for the Northern Territory (5x per capita).
“Over the next year our National Housing and Homelessness Agreement will also deliver $21.9 million to build more homes, including $1.55 million to support frontline homelessness services. This is in addition to a total $21.1 million delivered in 2022-23.”
Quotes attributable to NT Shelter Chief Executive Officer, Peter McMillan:
“It’s fantastic to see the Commonwealth Government partnering with the Northern Territory Government to deliver much needed social housing.
“Every additional house that this program delivers will make an enormous difference for a family in need and provide them with a place to call home.”
Northern Territory Government
