Dozens of families in Central Australia's Utopia homelands are now living in safer, healthier homes following a $12.4 million investment from the Finocchiaro CLP Government and Australian Government.
More than 40 homes have been upgraded across six Aboriginal homelands including Arlparra, Atheley, Indaringinya, Inkawenyerre, Inkwelaye and Iylentye.
Completed this month, the improvements include new kitchens, living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington said the upgrades were about building stronger communities and supporting a better future for Aboriginal Territorians.
"In our year of action, certainty and security, delivering upgrades to housing and infrastructure improves daily life, strengthens communities, and secures a sustainable future for Territorian families living on homelands," he said.
The six Utopia homelands were identified as key priority areas by the Central Land Council and Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory, the peak body for Aboriginal housing in the Territory.
Across the Northern Territory, more than 160 homelands are receiving repairs and upgrades to significantly improve the quality of life for First Nations families and communities.
This investment is part of the Homelands Housing and Infrastructure Program (HHIP), a joint initiative to improve living conditions and reduce the negative impacts of overcrowding in remote homelands.
The CLP Government contributes $40 million annually to support essential services in Aboriginal homelands including clean water, reliable power and sanitation, while the Australian Government is investing $220 million through the HHIP.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, said through the HHIP, the Australian Government is delivering targeted improvements to housing and essential infrastructure that support better health and wellbeing.
"The program plays a critical role in enhancing housing across the Northern Territory, working with Land Councils and communities."
