Aboriginal Business Enterprises (ABEs) have received over $55 million worth of NT Government housing, repairs and maintenance and land servicing contracts.
The milestone is part of the Territory Labor Government's $1.1 billion remote housing investment that is changing the housing landscape across the Territory with 1600 homes built, extended and upgraded so far.
Further, we have invested $426 million in land servicing and head works to increase the number of serviced lots and related infrastructure to provide for more houses and support the Territory's civil construction industry.
To date, more than 320 lots have been completed and there are around 640 in the pipeline.
The Territory Labor Government is committed to developing ABEs and implementing Local Decision Making initiatives that will cede decision-making powers and service delivery to remote communities.
This includes Remote Contracting Framework Agreements that support Aboriginal employment and business opportunities through government contracting to increase regional economic development.
So far agreements have been signed with Aboriginal corporations at Wadeye and Ngukurr.
As noted by Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Gerry McCarthy:
"The Territory Labor Government supports Aboriginal Business Enterprises to offer local employment and sustainable apprenticeship opportunities.
"This how we are building capacity in the bush to build and manage housing.
"It's about offering training and creating jobs and long-term economic prosperity for Aboriginal people in their own communities.
"We are working with 20 ABEs to deliver our remote housing program, provide housing repairs and maintenance as well as land servicing."
