Arnhem Land communities benefit from new housing

Arnhem Land communities are benefiting from new housing infrastructure and the skills it brings with it. See who’s getting new homes.

A social housing boom in Arnhem Land is seeing dozens of new homes built or renovated in remote communities.

New homes are being built, repaired or both at Maningrida, Gunbalanya and Minjilang.

Maningrida has 75 new or replacement homes, with 20 more to come along with a 30-lot subdivision and another 30 lots under way.

Minjilang on Croker Island will receive 10 new or replacement homes, with three already completed and four of these currently under way.

In Gunbalanya, a new 24-lot subdivision and half of the 57 homes set for the community are completed, 12 of which are in a new subdivision.

Sonya and Mikayla in front of improved home in Warruwi.

Darwin companies GT Builders and Elite Interiors as well as Aboriginal Business Enterprise Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) have worked on the project.

GT Builders have delivered 36 new or replacement homes, and are currently working on upgrading and expanding 10 existing homes and BAC will upgrade 23 homes, of which 17 are completed.

BAC employs eight Aboriginal staff, including six local Maningrida apprentices who are completing a Certificate III in Carpentry, Air Conditioning and Plumbing.

Darwin business Elite Interiors is currently delivering stage two of the subdivision works to release another 30 lots in the community.

Local Aboriginal Business Enterprise, Maningrida Progress Association, are providing repairs and maintenance services to 331 houses in Maningrida, 43 houses in Minjilang and 70 houses. The works, in the Arafura electorate, were welcomed by local MLA Manuel Brown.

“The Arafura region is bustling with works and training through the Lawler Labor government’s remote housing program,” Mr Brown said.

“These works mean locals can complete trade programs, be a part of the construction of new homes and have repair works in their communities.”

Remote Housing minister Selina Uibo said the new homes would be in addition to $4bn for NT remote housing promised by the Commonwealth.

“Our Lawler Labor government has made great achievements with nearly 3800 new and upgraded homes under way and complete across the Territory, and we are ready to continue that work with the new $4 billion investment with the Australian government,” she said.