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Central Australian business owners and operators will this week have the opportunity to hear about how they can benefit from a record housing and infrastructure program rolling out across the Territory.

 

Minister for Housing Rob Knight said the industry forums will begin in Alice Springs tonight, enabling businesses to learn more about the $672 million Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP).

 

SIHIP, a joint Northern Territory and Australian Government initiative, is a five-year program which will improve housing and infrastructure in 73 communities across the Northern Territory.

 

“Businesses will be able to hear about the service providers and suppliers that will be needed for the project as well as the Alliances delivering the works on the ground,” 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.

 

“A substantial workforce is going to be needed to get the job done and the Territory and Australian Governments are committed to ensuring local businesses are part of the project.

 

“This is great chance for small business, sub contractors and Indigenous enterprises to get involved.”

 

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

 

Other forums will be held in Darwin on March 10, Katherine on March 11 and Nhulunbuy on March 18.

 

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