Opportunities for Business from Record Housing Program

Business owners and operators are being encouraged to attend free industry forums to hear how they could benefit from a record housing and infrastructure program being rolled out across the Territory.

Housing Minister Rob Knight said the forums were a great opportunity to learn more about the $672 million Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP), a joint Northern Territory and Australian Government initiative.

“This five-year program will improve housing and infrastructure in 73 communities right across the Northern Territory, and will need a substantial workforce to get the job done.” Mr Knight said.

“Access to adequate housing, along with infrastructure and essential services, provides the basis for healthy families, healthy lifestyles, strong communities and economic growth.

 “The industry forums will give local businesses the chance to meet with the Alliances delivering the works on the ground and hear more about the service providers and suppliers that will be needed.

The forums will be held:

·                    Alice Springs, Monday 23 February: Crowne Plaza, 5pm to 6:30pm

·                    Tennant Creek Tuesday 24 February:  Training Centre, 5pm to 6:30pm

·                    Darwin,  Tuesday 10 March: Airport Resort, 5pm to 6:30pm

·                    Katherine, Wednesday 11 March: Knotts Crossing Resort, , 5pm to 6:30pm

·                    Nhulunbuy, Wednesday 18 March: Location to be advised, 4:30pm to 6pm.

“The Northern Territory and Australian Governments are committed to involving local industry in the program and creating job opportunities for Territorians - this is great chance for small business, sub contractors and Indigenous enterprises to get involved,” Mr Knight said.

Appropriate land tenure has been secured in Tennant Creek, Groote Eylandt, Bickerton Island and the Tiwi Islands and major works are expected to start this dry season.

Work in Galiwin'ku, Gunbalanya, Maningrida and Wadeye will start later this year following community consultation.

For further information about the forums phone 08 8999 8852, visit www.nt.gov.au/sihip or email sihip@nt.gov.au.

Media contact: Katie Woolf  0420 972 505