Territorians get keys to new homes in Beswick as build completed
A $2.2 billion remote housing investment package, jointly funded by the NT and commonwealth governments, has so far delivered 1208 new homes.
Northern Territory
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The Territory government has completed a major housing build and handover in the community of Wugularr (Beswick) with the addition of 28 new homes.
The $2.2 billion remote housing investment package, jointly funded by the NT and commonwealth governments, has so far delivered 1208 new homes and upgraded close to 1700 more since September 2016.
In this latest handover on Thursday, a mix of 11 two, three and four bedroom homes were finalised and are now easing overcrowded conditions in the community.
Housing designs, locations and tenant allocations were chosen by the community, through the local decision-making process and housing reference groups.
Investment in housing in remote communities like Wugularr helps the local economy, with this project delivering local jobs and contracts for Aboriginal-owned companies like Yingwati, which worked on preparing the land for the first subdivision stage, and Katherine-based business NJ Homes, which constructed the homes.
New tenant and mother of five Tarsha Kennedy, who works at the community store said all her children were excited to have already chosen their own rooms.
Remote Housing and Homelands Minister and Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo said the government was proud of its work on remote housing since taking office in 2016.
“Wugularr residents have been waiting a long time for these new homes, which will reduce overcrowding and contribute to the overall wellbeing of this gorgeous community on the banks of the Waterhouse River,” she said.
“Housing is at the centre of our reform agenda and getting housing right is critical to closing the gap.
“More houses in our remote communities means stronger communities and jobs for Aboriginal Territorians.”
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said the Albanese government was committed to improving housing in remote NT communities.
“I am so pleased these new homes have been handed over in the Wugularr community,” she said.
“The new homes will help ease overcrowding, which we know is a major barrier to closing the gap.”
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