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The Northern Territory Government and the Federal Government – with the support of teachers and the Australian Education Union – are fast tracking the delivery of up to 50 new houses in nine remote communities.

 

Northern Territory Education Minister Paul Henderson today announced the $18.2 million housing project – the largest single teacher housing program ever delivered in the Territory.

 

“If we have quality teacher housing, we’ll attract and retain quality teachers and improve educational outcomes in the bush,” Mr Henderson said.

 

“A stable teacher workforce in our communities is vital to closing the gap of Indigenous disadvantage and helping ensure we become a Smart Territory.

 

“This is about doing things differently to deliver houses quicker and more economically through innovative design.

 

“The Australian Education Union has endorsed the design of the new modern homes, which are cyclone-coded and have split-system airconditioning, verandas and a shed.

 

“Working in partnership with the Australian Government will provide better economies of scale and value for money to deliver teacher housing.”

 

The nine communities to receive housing under the new program are Galiwinku, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Ngukurr, Ntaria, Ramingining, Umbakumba, Yirrkala and Yuendumu.

 

“These communities are part of our 20 growth towns. They have been identified as priority locations based on availability of land, leasing arrangements, cost of land development, existing housing needs and teacher housing requirements,” Mr Henderson said.

 

“The program aims to deliver two-bedroom homes at a cost of $200,000 to $300,000. The $18.2 million also includes the cost of land preparation.

 

“We are looking for innovative and cost effective solutions to construct pre-fabricated buildings that can be transported to the communities, with teachers expected to be moving in during Semester II next year.

 

“The final number of dwellings in each of the nine communities will depend on the availability of serviced land and other project costs, which will be determined in the tender process.”

 

The tender for the project is advertised today and closes on November 18.

 

The Northern Territory Government’s contribution to the program is $7.5 million.

 

 

 

Media contact: Geoff Fraser 0407 360256

Related files:
091022 Remote Teacher Housing.pdf ( 364.3 kb )