Remote Housing NT

Remote Housing NT

Many houses in remote communities are overcrowded and in poor condition, impacting on the living conditions of many Indigenous Territorians.

The Australian and Northern Territory governments are investing $1.7 billion and working with 73 Territory communities and a number of community living areas (town camps) to deliver improved housing in remote areas of the Territory through Remote Housing NT.

Remote Housing NT is a new system to manage public housing in remote communities across the Northern Territory to ensure safer and healthier housing. The new system comprises a number of key elements to be implemented over 10 years. This includes:

  • the establishment of land tenure (leasing) agreements with Indigenous communities
  • construction investment through the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing that will deliver by 2013:
    • 934 new houses
    • 415 rebuilds
    • 2500 refurbishments.
  • the introduction of the Remote Public Housing Management Framework, that will see houses in Indigenous communities managed by Territory Housing under a public housing model
  • the transfer of responsibility for the delivery of all municipal and Indigenous essential services from the Australian Government to the Northern Territory Government (Territory Housing)
  • Employment and workforce development to establish sustainable jobs for Indigenous people.

What are the benefits?

Remote Housing NT will provide a consistent and fair remote housing system across the Territory.

Benefits of Remote Housing NT include:

  • more houses and improved housing standards to reduce overcrowding, and health and safety issues
  • the involvement of community people so decisions are appropriate to social, economic and cultural needs
  • allocation of housing based on need
  • an improved process for repairs and maintenance keeping houses safe, secure and extending their life expectancy
  • formalised tenancy agreements so tenants understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as the landlord's rights and responsibilities.
  • a fair rent system for tenants
  • support services for tenants on how to maintain a successful tenancy
  • sustainable employment and training opportunities.

Implementation and current status
Remote Housing NT has started delivering improved housing to remote Territory communities.

Seventy-seven Housing Reference Groups (HRGs) have been established across the Territory, including 16 for Alice Springs town camps. HRGs provide advice and recommendations to government and ensure local people have input to decisions about housing in their community.

Two construction company consortia, known as New Future Alliance and Territory Alliance, have been engaged to deliver the Australian and Northern Territory governments' construction program for remote public housing. The alliances comprise leading international and national construction and engineering companies working in the Northern Territory.

More than 30 per cent of the housing construction is complete. This includes new homes, rebuilds and refurbishments.

There are currently more than 250 Indigenous people employed in the delivery of the construction program for remote public housing. Additionally, the alliances are also subcontracting and using local companies and organisations where possible.

Tenants are now moving in to their refurbished, rebuilt or new homes and signing tenancy agreements. Territory Housing is working with tenants to help them understand the terms of their tenancy agreement and maintain successful tenancies.

For further information, see the monthly Remote Housing NT newsletter and latest news updates.