Remote housing supply increases by 222 on way to target of 2700 homes by 2034

A further 222 remote homes have been built as part of the $4bn Federal-Territory remote housing program, with the government claiming it’s a win against ‘overcrowding’.

From left: Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington, Ampilatwatja Traditional Owner Geoffrey Morton, and Les Oppermann from Remote Build NT. Picture: Supplied

The NT government says it has completed a further 222 new homes in remote communities this financial year as part of the $4bn federal-territory remote housing project.

Announced in 2024, the $4bn project aims to build 2700 new homes across 73 communities and 27 town camps in 10 years.

In 2023-24, 206 homes were completed, marking an increase, but still short of the 270 new-builds required per year to reach the 10-year target.

Housing Minister Steve Edgington said the new homes would not only tackle overcrowding, but would also create jobs.

“This is a game changer for the Territory,” Mr Edgington said.

“It empowers remote communities to share directly in the benefits, through better homes, stronger local employment, and real opportunities to build a secure, sustainable future.

“It is not only building new homes and improving existing housing but also creating jobs for local communities, including support for Aboriginal business enterprises.

“Recently, I visited Ampilatwatja to inspect eight newly completed homes, and it was clear how much this investment will mean to local families.”

Indigenous Australians Minister Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said increased supply would reduce overcrowding in remote areas.

“Too many people in remote communities are living in overcrowded and run-down houses, which is why we’ve made our landmark investment to build 2,700 over the next decade,” Senator McCarthy said.

“New homes for families in remote communities is critical to easing overcrowding and improving health outcomes.”

The joint $4bn funding arrangement is in addition to the Northern Territory Government’s annual $40 million commitment to essential services in Aboriginal homelands, which includes supporting investment in housing, infrastructure, and services.

Originally published as Remote housing supply increases by 222 on way to target of 2700 homes by 2034