The Territory Labor Governments focus on jobs and housing is highlighted in Galiwinku where Territory-based contractors have teamed up with local workers on several housing projects.
Minister for Housing and Community Development Gerry McCarthy is in Galiwinku today to meet with contractors, local workers and residents who have recently moved into new and refurbished homes on the remote island.
Since coming to Government two years ago, the Territory Labor Government has delivered 20 new and replacement homes at Galiwinku.
A further 33 houses will be constructed over the next four years under the Territorys $1.1 billion remote housing program - Our Community. Our Future. Our Homes. Scoping works will soon begin to extend and improve 35 homes under the Room to Breathe program - also part of the Territorys largest-ever housing investment.
Additionally, eight cyclone-replacement homes have been completed; a contract has been recently been awarded to build a further 16 and planning is underway for another nine houses.
Tenders for the construction of a 24-lot subdivision closed this week and will be awarded next month.
Around a thousand homes have been built and upgraded in remote areas throughout the Northern Territory in addition to urban housing programs.
As noted by Minister for Housing and Community Development, Gerry McCarthy:
The Territory Labor Government is delivering on our key priorities of jobs and housing right across the NT.
Galiwinku locals have been involved in building projects as part of our Local Decision Making policy which gives locals a say in the planning and design of their homes and communities.
Galiwinku was devastated by Cyclone Lam and our government is committed to helping the community. The construction and refurbishment works are helping to replace homes lost during the cyclone, build and improve homes and create jobs.
As noted by Probuild Project Manager Gary Bell whose company built eight cyclone replacement houses at Galiwinku where 10 Galiwinku locals joined the team of 30:
The locals who joined our team were a great asset to the project and were involved in most aspects of the works including groundworks, brick-laying, plumbing, painting and landscaping.
The locals were given lots of training and skills development opportunities. We worked alongside them and, where possible, we delegated authority to them.
Our team welcomed the Galiwinku locals on board and we developed a strong rapport with them. We became friends as well as workmates so these past six months have been quite a journey for us all.
