New homes in the West Arnhem community of Gunbalanya are making a positive impact on residents in the community, with 16 homes complete and six more under construction.
The delivery of these homes has meant an extra 52 bedrooms in the community of just over 1,300 people.
As works continue, many more families are set to receive new and upgraded homes. In total, 57 new homes will be built in the community and an additional 67 bedrooms added as home extensions.
The first round of works is worth $26.5 million and includes construction of 24 new homes under the HomeBuildNT program and the extension of 18 homes through the Room to Breathe program.
Works are being carried out through a joint venture by the Demed Aboriginal Corporation in Gunbalanya and Aboriginal-owned construction company Dice Australia (DDJV).
These works are jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Australian Governments through the $2.1 billion Remote Housing Investment Package Our Community. Our Future. Our Homes – improving Aboriginal housing in remote communities.
Housing designs and allocations are chosen by the community, through the local decision-making process.
Since 2016, a record 2882 homes have been built or upgraded, while a further 795 homes are underway across the Territory under all remote housing programs.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Housing and Homelands Ngaree Ah Kit:
“The Territory Labor Government is building more houses in the bush to alleviate overcrowding and support local jobs.
“Our unprecedented investment in remote housing, supported by the Australian Government, is making a positive impact on families right across the Territory, and there’s more to come.
“Gunbalanya is one of the prettiest places in the Territory and it will look even better with the upgraded homes painted in bright colours.
“Beyond Gunbalanya, further new and renovated housing will soon be rolled out in Gapuwiyak, Umbakumba, across town camps in Alice Springs and in the Barkly Region, with locals involved in every stage from planning and design through to construction.”
Northern Territory Government
