$21 Million for more Affordable and Social Housing

NT Government

1 December 2021

The Territory Labor Government is investing $21 million into more social and affordable housing to improve liveability, boost our economy and drive investment right across the Northern Territory.

Having a home provides better outcomes for the community, creating generational change, safety and security for Territorians.

Improved liveability plays an important role in attracting and retaining people who contribute to our economy and call the Territory home.

The $21 million will be invested into housing stock in the areas of:

New builds across Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek;Developing an Affordable Housing rental subsidy program;Investment into building additional Affordable Housing units in Palmerston and Katherine;Releasing the first land packages for Community Housing Projects; andReleasing additional land packages for Specialist Disability Accommodation.

The first $7 million of this spend will be rolled out immediately with the Territory Labor Government partnering with Venture Housing to supply 41 affordable homes across the Territory.

These Community Housing growth projects include $4 million to increase housing supply and $3 million for a rental subsidy scheme.

The $4 million affordable housing program will include:

The transfer of Government owned land in Katherine with capital grant funding to build eight brand new homes for local families. A co-contribution towards eight affordable homes in Palmerston that Venture Housing has recently acquired.Construction of 25 innovative micro apartments in an existing underutilised building in Palmerston CBD, targeting singles and couples.

An additional $3 million is being invested in a rental subsidy scheme for eligible Territorians on low to medium incomes to relieve the financial burden of renting a home in the private rental market. This initiative aims to relieve workforce shortages currently experienced by many local businesses across the Territory, by offering valuable incentives to retain and attract essential staff.

The scheme is currently being developed by Venture Housing and will include a rental subsidy range from $6,000 – $12,000, for up to twelve months. The amount provided will be dependent on the size of the household and the market they are renting in.

The program will be administered in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

The Territory Economic Reconstruction final report recommended planning for future population demands, and establishing a sustainable community housing industry to deliver affordable and available housing and this is what we are delivering.

Quotes from Chief Minster Michael Gunner:

“This investment will see new builds in Darwin, Palmerston and regional centres across the Territory, making living in a home more accessible and affordable.

“Securing affordable homes that are ready to go will benefit our economy, in attracting more workers to help industry grow and keep business ticking over and unlocking.”

Quotes from Minister for Territory Families and Urban Housing, Kate Worden:

“Good housing creates better communities, and better outcomes in education and health. We have a vision for our housing sector and we are reforming the way it operates. Venture Housing was established by the Northern Territory Government in 2011 in response to the need for Affordable Housing for key and essential workers in the Territory.

“The Territory Labor Government will be hitting the ground running with the roll out of the $21 million program, we want new homes built and local jobs supported.”

Quotes from the CEO of Venture Housing Company Karen Walsh:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the NT Government, the Private Sector and industry to increase housing opportunities and services to people in need across the Territory. Venture is committed to delivering social and economic outcomes for the Territory and affordable housing is critical to making this happen. Too many Territorians are finding themselves at risk of homelessness and struggling to make ends meet. We believe that this much needed investment from the Government will have a really big impact and make a difference in people’s lives.

“Stable and affordable housing is essential for thriving communities. We congratulate the NT Government on its Community Housing growth strategy which recognises the capability and opportunities that can be delivered through Community Housing Provider partnerships.”

Northern Territory Government

/Public Release. View in full here.