A prefabricated housing project in the Northern Territory has hit a new milestone as homes begin to be rolled out to remote communities.
Building works have progressed during the COVID-19 pandemic at sites in Darwin and Alice Springs.
It is part of a $68 million investment through the Northern Territory Government’s Homebuild program. Funding covers all aspects of the project including design, land servicing and on-site installation.
Darwin companies, Northern Transportables, PTM Group and NT Link and Alice Springs based firm Murray River North were awarded contracts to build 134 homes for delivery to Aboriginal communities across the NT. To date, 74 homes have been completed.
Communities have participated in the planning and design of the houses to ensure they suit the needs of residents, with provisions for elderly tenants, people with disabilities and extended family groups.
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Prefabricated housing aims to provide an alternative to the on-site construction model, offering flexibility in delivery and ongoing transportability.
NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the government was investing in remote housing as part of its plan to improve communities and create jobs across the NT.
“The coronavirus crisis has changed so much about our world but it hasn’t changed the Territory’s housing need. Being able to continue building homes when access to communities was restricted meant we could maintain a level of productivity,” Gunner said.
“As well as providing better, safer, healthier homes and building sustainable communities, this project has created jobs and boosted the capacity of dozens of Territory construction businesses.
“Our jobs-led recovery is strengthening the Territory economy, helping us become the comeback capital of Australia.”
Remote Housing and Town Camps Minister Chansey Paech said the construction of the prefabricated homes is well underway.
“I know there are many families who are looking forward to moving into their new homes, while some have already settled in,” Paech said.
“I am particularly pleased to see Sentenced to a Job participants have been gaining skills, confidence and ongoing work opportunities through their involvement in the construction of these homes.”