New Homes Rollout to Communities

NT Government

Construction work on a prefabricated housing project continues with homes now rolling out to remote communities.

Despite the challenges during the coronavirus crisis – including travel restrictions to protect people living in remote areas – building works were able to continue at sites in Darwin and Alice Springs.

The project represents a $68 million investment through the Territory Labor Government’s Homebuild program. Funding covers all aspects of the project including design, land servicing and on-site installation.

Darwin companies, Northern Transportables, PTM Group and NT Link; and Murray River North in Alice Springs were last year awarded contracts to build 134 homes for delivery to Aboriginal communities across the NT. To date, 74 homes have been completed.

Through Local Decision Making, communities have participated in the planning and design of the houses to ensure they suit the needs of residents, with provisions for elderly tenants, people with disabilities and extended family groups.

Prefabricated housing provides an alternative to the on-site construction model, offering flexibility in delivery and ongoing transportability.

As stated by Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:

“The Territory Labor Government is investing in remote housing as part of our plan to improve communities and create jobs across the NT.

“The coronavirus crisis has changed so much about our world but it hasn’t changed the Territory’s housing need. Being able to continue building homes when access to communities was restricted meant we could maintain a level of productivity.

“As well as providing better, safer, healthier homes and building sustainable communities, this project has created jobs and boosted the capacity of dozens of Territory construction businesses.

“Our jobs-led recovery is strengthening the Territory economy, helping us become the comeback capital of Australia.”

As stated by Minister for Remote Housing and Town Camps, Chansey Paech:

“The construction of these prefabricated homes is well underway and several have already started to roll out to remote communities.

“I know there are many families who are looking forward to moving into their new homes, while some have already settled in.

“I am particularly pleased to see Sentenced to a Job participants have been gaining skills, confidence and ongoing work opportunities through their involvement in the construction of these homes.”

/Public Release. View in full here.