Ngukurr locals have become qualified plant and equipment operators as they help to build a new subdivision at their community.
The workers have been involved in site clearing, fencing and sewer works on location at the 17 additional-lot subdivision that will pave the way for future housing. Five other lots in the same subdivision are already construction sites.
Locals from Ngukurr and nearby Urapunga will receive their certificates in civil works at a special presentation organised by the subdivision contractor, Yingwati, this week.
The project is the latest development in works that have changed the face of Ngukurr under the Territory Labor Governments plan to build and improve housing and services in remote communities.
Recently, 13 new homes were built at the Roper River community - an enterprise that created dozens of jobs.
Notably, Ngukurr was site of the Territory Labor Governments first Local Decision Making Agreement.
The Yugul Mangi Aboriginal Corporation signed the Agreement with the Northern Territory Government in May and key actions of the implementation plan are underway.
There are now nine Local Decision Making Agreements, signed or underway, that validate principles of self-determination, community control, co-design and flexible place-based approaches.
As stated by Minister for Housing and Community Development, Gerry McCarthy:
Land servicing is critical for delivering new homes for remote Indigenous Territorians.
Our $1.1 billion remote housing program commenced without any serviced land for future housing works due to a lack of planning from the previous CLP government.
The works being delivered by the Territory Labor Government provide power, water, sewerage and storm water infrastructure as well as roads to support new homes in remote communities.
Land servicing, including new subdivisions, supports training-to-employment, creating skilled workers in civil construction in the bush.
As stated by Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo:
This Territory Labor Governments number one focus is jobs for Territorians and the achievement of these Ngukurr and Urapunga residents in completing these qualifications mean they will be well equipped for future employment opportunities.
This subdivision at Ngukurr is a fantastic example of providing jobs and homes for Aboriginal Territorians.
