Record $51m contract awarded to Bukmak

More than $51 million will be spent constructing homes to address chronic housing issues in a remote East Arnhem community.

MORE than $51 million will be spent constructing 87 new homes to address chronic housing issues in the remote East Arnhem community of Galiwin’ku.

The $51.52 million contract is the largest-ever single contract awarded under the Territory Government’s Remote Housing Investment Package.

The contract was awarded to Bukmak, the 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned and operated construction business based in Arnhem Land.

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The construction of the 87 assorted dwellings will generate 42 new positions with Bukmak bringing the workforce to around 50.

Bukmak will begin by offering five carpentry apprenticeships and one plumbing apprenticeship.

The company is looking to get the majority of the remaining workforce into traineeships within sub trades such as painting, tiling, concreting and landscaping.

Remote Housing and Town Camps Minister Chansey Paech said the works will be delivered over a five-year period to facilitate a community based training program for apprenticeships and local business opportunities.

Forty four dwellings will be completed within the first two years, with the balance over the next three years.

“The head contractor will facilitate and provide mentorship for new local business development opportunities and sustainable subcontracting companies,” he said.

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“Because of the size of the delivery, this opens up opportunities for associated support industries like mechanics and catering.

“Bukmak has a proven track record of delivering major government contracts such as new housing builds, housing upgrades, and associated maintenance works to community housing. It will be utilising local services, materials and products from the region along with potential for a manufacturing and assembly business on the island.”

Originally published as Record $51m contract awarded to Bukmak