The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its commitment to address the root causes of overcrowding and reduce the social housing waitlist, with 102 new homes to be built across the Territory.
A partnership with the Australian Government's Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) will see $79 million invested in social and affordable housing, with the CLP Government contributing land valued at $7.52 million to support the Round 2 rollout.
Under this latest round of funding, 82 homes will be built in Darwin and Palmerston, 14 in Alice Springs, and 6 in Tennant Creek. This brings the total number of social and affordable homes to be constructed under HAFF Rounds 1 and 2 to 162 in the Territory.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington said overcrowding and lengthy social housing waitlists have long been a challenge in the Territory.
"Some families have been waiting for up to 8 to 10 years for a safe, secure place to call home, and the delivery of more than 100 new dwellings is a big step forward in addressing the root causes of these issues," he said.
"These investments will help ease housing pressures, reduce public housing waitlists, and support local jobs and economic growth across the Territory."
Mr Edgington said these homes will provide safe and secure housing for people most in need, including key workers, older women at risk of homelessness, and women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
"I look forward to working with our sector partners to build on these investments in social and affordable housing to support vulnerable Territorians to have secure, safe, and stable accommodation," he said.
The Northern Territory has high building costs and relatively low land values, making it harder for Community Housing Providers to attract external financing for development projects.
Housing Australia supports projects with a combination of availability payments, concessional loans, and grants, representing a total funding commitment of $139 million across Rounds 1 and 2 for social and affordable housing in the Territory.
Mr Edgington said the CLP Government is delivering what matters for Territorians, and that means putting roofs over people's heads.
"This is our year of action, certainty and security, and that means building homes, not just making plans.
"These 102 new homes will bring relief to many families and reduce the pressure on our housing system.
"Social housing isn't just a roof over someone's head, it's the foundation for better health, education, and employment outcomes.
"We're getting on with the job because Territorians deserve certainty and dignity in their living conditions."
