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Minister for Housing Rob Knight today inspected upgrade work taking place on the Tiwi Islands as part of the $672 million Australian and Northern Territory Government Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP).

 

Mr Knight said $53.8 million is being invested on the Tiwi Islands to undertake work at Milikapiti, Pirlangimpi and Nguiu.

“The Territory Government and Australian Governments are committed to working with Indigenous Territorians to deliver housing that will last,” Mr Knight said.

 

“Twenty-nine new houses will be built on the Tiwi Islands and extensions are taking place to 25 houses.  155 houses will also be refurbished and upgraded.

 

“Indigenous employment and workforce development is a fundamental aspect of SIHIP and a minimum target of 20% Indigenous employment has been set for the Tiwi Islands.

 

“Decent housing is the key to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage, reducing overcrowding and increasing employment opportunities.

 

“While I was at Milikapiti I met some of the six local Indigenous men who are working to bring homes back on-line for locals to move into.

 

“Work is well underway on the homes which are being upgraded and work on new homes is expected to begin in coming weeks.

 

“At the moment, seven homes are being upgraded and work is focusing on good installation and using quality products.

 

“In the past, the absence of secure, long term tenure across the Territory has meant inferior repairs and maintenance, which exacerbated by overcrowding, has meant houses become unliveable well before they should.

 

“We have to get this right.  We will not repeat the failings of the past.”

 

Media contact: Katie Woolf 0420 972 505