Government praises housing ‘blitz’ as more than 100 homes built in the Barkly over seven years

Dozens of residents have moved into new builds in remote communities across the Barkly, as the government ‘navigates many challenges’ to deliver 103 homes in the region over seven years.

A recent building boom in the Barkly means 21 families have recently moved into homes at the remote community of Alpurrurulam.

Just over 100 new homes have been built in remote communities across the Barkly since the government came to power in September 2016, with another 27 currently under construction.

At Alpurrurulam the modular homes, built by Territory company Demountable Sales and Hire, were installed by Wilga Indigenous Corporation, providing employment opportunities to Alpurrurulam locals.

Eight homes are under construction in Elliott and 10 builds were recently completed at Ali Curung.

Tenants Arana and Jerry Rice from Lot 203, Ali Curung. Picture: Supplied.

Ali Curung residents of Lot 203, Arana and Jerry Rice, said they were enjoying their new place.

“Everything is okay and good. Lots of space,” Arana said.

“Yes happy as more room for grandchildren to live here with us,” Jerry said.

At Ampilatwatja on the Sandover Highway, a contract has been awarded for eight new homes with construction works expected to commence in January, while procurement is underway for eight homes in the Davenport Ranges community of Canteen Creek.

In Pmara Jutunta five homes have been built with another three under construction, and north to Borroloola five new builds will add to the pool of 34 new homes.

In total 103 homes have been completed in the Barkly Region, and 126 homes will be extended and improved as part of the Room to Breathe program, with more than half already finished.

Twenty-one families have recently moved into homes at the remote community of Alpurrurulam. Picture: Supplied.

Across the entire Territory works have begun or been completed on 3750 homes in remote communities during the government’s term in office.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney attributed an uptick in builds to the Remote Housing agreement, jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments.

“This housing blitz will significantly ease overcrowding and demonstrates our commitment to improve housing in remote NT communities,” she said.

Remote Housing Minister Selena Uibo said the Territory government had navigated “many challenges” to build and upgrade homes in the Barkly’s 443,000 sqkm expanse.

“I hear first-hand accounts of families who have struggled for many years in overcrowded conditions, and I see tears of joy and relief when we hand over the keys to their new homes,” she said.

Originally published as Government praises housing ‘blitz’ as more than 100 homes built in the Barkly over seven years