$18m boost for remote housing
THE two Northern Territory islands of Nguiu and Groote Eylandt will be given $18.5 million to build houses and repair old properties under a Rudd government plan to provide incentives for Aboriginal people to sign private leases over their townships.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin, who will announce the funding today, said the 40-year township leases for three communities in Groote Eylandt marked the start of a new era of economic development for the area. The Government will spend an extra $10 million on new housing and infrastructure in the three communities. This is on top of the $33 million committed under the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program.
And the Government will invest $8.5 million to improve indigenous housing on Nguiu, in the Tiwi Islands, after the locals signed a 99-year lease with the Howard government last year.
Ms Macklin said the funding would boost the area’s economy and provide jobs during the construction of the housing and refurbishment phase. Work on the first new houses for Groote Eylandt and nearby Bickerton island is expected to start in the dry season next year, which begins in April.
About 80 extra houses and 55 upgraded houses in the communities of Angurugu, Umbakumba and Milyakburra will help to reduce overcrowding and improve the health of adults and children.
Ms Macklin said the negotiation of the township leases, which have an option to renew for an additional 40 years, meant local people on Groote Eylandt and Bickerton island would be able to attract private investment and business development, and would support indigenous home ownership.
On Nguiu, work is expected to begin in the dry season next year and will be undertaken by Territory Alliance, one of three building industry consortiums that are delivering housing across the Northern Territory.
Following consultation with the Nguiu community, about 90 new houses will be constructed to reduce overcrowding. In addition, about 145 existing houses will be upgraded.
Ms Macklin said the leases were signed under a joint federal and Territory government program to improve housing in indigenous communities.
She said it was one of the largest investments in indigenous housing by governments, and was central to the commitment to close the gap on indigenous disadvantage.
Anindilyakwa Land Council chairman Tony Wurramarrba said the lease agreement made it easier for the public and private development of town areas.
“With the upcoming construction of public housing that is tagged to this agreement, our people can now look towards starting to access services many other Australians take for granted,” Mr Wurramarrba said.
“Through this agreement, we are looking forward to a more positive social and economic environment for our people. We are all hoping for a new and a better future for our children and their children to come.”