Jobs, housingand infrastructure are at the core of a five-year action plan to build thecapability of town camps and community living areas (CLAs) throughout the NT.
The Buildingour communities together: Town Camps and Community Living Areas ReformFramework is a commitment to remodel these areas through five key aimsensuring:
– residentsand their communities are independent, safe and thriving;
– housingchoices and support services are people-centred, flexible and suitable;
– theAboriginal Community Housing sector is strengthened and developed through
capacitybuilding, regulation and transfer of housing and asset management;
– landtenure, infrastructure and leasing arrangements are fit for community purpose;and
– jobcreation and support of the local economy.
Newapproaches are required to create stronger, sustainable and independent futuresfor Aboriginal people living across our town camps and CLAs. The development ofthis sustainable model for town camps and CLAs is underpinned by Local DecisionMaking principles and an understanding of connections to family, culture andcountry whilst recognising the fundamental importance of safe and suitablehousing to the social and economic development of Aboriginal Territorians.
Aboriginalpeople and their organisations will guide the reforms with the investmentfocusing on capability-building as well as infrastructure improvement.
The TerritoryLabor Government has invested $35.5 million to address urgent housing andinfrastructure needs in response to the independent Town Camps review, LivingOn The Edge.
Quotesattributable to Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development,Gerry McCarthy:
Aboriginalpeople are critical partners of the Territory Labor Government in our quest toreform the NTs 43 town camps and community living areas.
We haveacknowledged genuine reform is required and we are determined to deliver thiswith a people-first approach.
Thats whywe are working in partnership with residents, Aboriginal organisations, towncamp owners and other stakeholders to improve homes, roads, street lighting,fencing and water infrastructure to make sure communities are safe,sustainable, thriving places for families.
Quotesattributable to CEO Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation, Leeanne Caton:
Over the past 16 months, Yilli Housing has collaborated extensively withthe Northern Territory Government to complete major housing and infrastructureupgrades to Top End town camps.
We are working with all communities where we provide services to assistin the establishment of leadership groups which can then help to establishmemorandums of understanding, community action plans and a sub-committee to theYilli Board.
The NT Governments Town Camp Futures Unit has played a pivotal role inensuring collaboration with stakeholders has been at the forefront of thisproject. Full and effective consultation with organisations, communities andindividual tenants has demonstrated how equal, respectful and effectivepartnerships can achieve positive outcomes.
