Mungkarta celebrates completion of $3.6 million housing and infrastructure upgrades

Locals celebrate as works to upgrade an Aboriginal homeland near Tennant Creek to improve housing and infrastructure are finished.

The final housing upgrades in Mungkarta were completed in May 2025.

An upgrade of housing and infrastructure – worth $3.6 million – has been completed in an Aboriginal homeland 80 kilometres south of Tennant Creek.

The final stages of works in Mungkarta were completed in May.

The investment is part of the Homelands Housing and Infrastrcuture Program (HHIP) which is a joint intiaitive to help improve living conditions in remote homelands across the Territory.

It aims to improve health and safety and wellbeing of residents by addressing the nine Healthy Living Practices which includes having access to washing facilities and reducing dust exposure.

The investment is part of the joint initiative HHIP.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, said the joint investment from the federal and NT governments is bringing about real change.

“This investment ensures families have access to safe and appropriate homes that support better health and wellbeing,” she said.

“Our joint investment is making a real difference, improving living conditions, strengthening community resilience, and supporting a better future for residents.”

Northern Territory Minister for Housing, Steve Edgington, visiting Mungkarta to see the final housing upgrades which were completed in May 2025.

‘We love the new verandas’

NT Minister for Housing, Steve Edgington, travelled to Mungkarta to see and inspect the newly upgraded homes with locals.

The community of Mungkarta holds deep cultural and historical significance, having been reclaimed by traditional owners through the Mungkarta Land Claim in 1988.

Mr Edgington said the work was a good example of working in partnership with homelands and Land Councils.

“While the Australian Government is investing in housing upgrades through HHIP, the Northern Territory Government continues its annual $40 million commitment to support essential services in homelands – helping keep communities strong, liveable and connected,” he said.

The works aim to improve living conditions in remote communities.

Mungkarta Traditional Owner, Mr John Dougie, said they were pleased with the result – particularly with a new feature.

“I am happy with all the houses,” he said.

“Barkly Plumbing Services did a good job and were good with the community. We especially love the new verandas.

“We thank you mob for making these houses for us, thank you.”

Originally published as Mungkarta celebrates completion of $3.6 million housing and infrastructure upgrades