The Territory Labor Government is delivering on its key priorities of jobs and housing with the completion of five new homes at Gunbalanya, just east of Kakadu.
These works have supported Aboriginal jobs with locals making up more than half the GT Builders' team. Territory-based subcontractors also benefited from the project.
The Homebuild NT houses are part of the NT Government's $1.1 billion job-creating remote housing investment package which aims to build, extend and improve homes across the NT.
Since coming to Government, 23 new homes have been built at Gunbalanya - with another seven planned – and 54 homes have been upgraded.
Additionally, two homes have been built for government employees and a further six homes upgraded.
Further, Gunbalanya is set to benefit from the Territory Labor Government's $426 million investment in serviced lots with plans to develop 38 lots in preparation for more houses. Twelve have already been completed.
As noted by Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development Gerry McCarthy:
"The latest construction work at Gunbalanya is a good example of how the Territory Labor Government is building better homes and creating generational change across the NT.
"Not only has our investment strengthened infrastructure at the community, it has also resulted in jobs and skills development for locals.
"We came to Government promising to invest in the bush and we have proudly delivered on our pledge.
"So far more than 1650 homes have been built or fully upgraded in remote communities across the Territory and the tally continues to climb.
"In comparison, the CLP built just one new remote-area house in the last two years of its reign. This was a disgraceful and shameful legacy to deliver to some of our nation's most vulnerable people and it's a sore point that people in the bush will not forget."
As noted by Member for Arafura Lawrence Costa:
"New homes have made a big difference at Gunbalanya and the community is happy with the results.
"It's always heartening to see locals working on construction jobs, helping to build homes for their family and friends because not only are they gaining important skills and experience, working to build a better community gives them a sense of pride.
"In more good housing news for Gunbalanya, the Territory Labor Government has plans to build 57 more houses.
"Both the CLP and Territory Alliance will put a stop to our remote housing program but Territory Labor cares about Aboriginal people and we will continue to invest in building better, safer, healthier homes across the NT."
