The new master planned community of Zuccoli is taking shape with 144 homes now completed and a new park providing all-inclusive access for children with disabilities officially opened today.

Chief Minister Adam Giles said the Northern Territory Government was committed to delivering affordable homes and a quality lifestyle for Territorians, with Zuccoli an important part of that plan.

“The more than 400 hectare suburb of Zuccoli is an example of the Territory Government’s land release policy in action,” he said.

“Labor refused to free land for housing and as a result the cost of buying a home in the Territory surged. Palmerston is a thriving community and this development will enable more families to buy affordable homes.”

Mr Giles today officially opened The William Kirkby-Jones Memorial Park in Zuccoli - the Territory’s first all-inclusive disability and able-bodied access park.

Work on a commercial precinct  that will include a convenience store, café and gym is due to start later this year and be completed in 2016, while construction of a further 105 homes in Zuccoli Village is also under way now.

Zuccoli Village is a joint venture development between Urbex and the Land Development Corporation.

The Chief Minister said Mr Kirkby-Jones, who passed away on 29 May this year, was recognised as one of the great leaders of the housing industry both in the Northern Territory and across the country, and it was fitting the new park was named in his honour.

“William chaired the Northern Territory Land Development Corporation Advisory Board for over three years from 2010 to 2013. Under his guidance, the new Palmerston suburb of Zuccoli became a reality,” he said.

“Through every project, no matter how big or small, William provided a steady hand and a sheer drive and commitment to achieve the best outcomes for the Corporation and for Territorians.”

Urbex General Manager Wayne Rex said he was pleased to be able to pay tribute to a pioneer of the land development industry and was delighted to welcome Mr Kirkby-Jones’ wife, Maggie, and daughter Karen Sokolovic to today’s ceremony.

“William was a true visionary and a champion for sustainable development. His skills, knowledge and leadership played a pivotal role in the housing industry across Australia and I am honoured to have worked with him to establish the suburb of Zuccoli,” Mr Rex said.

Blain MLA Nathan Barrett welcomed the opening of the new park today and said he was pleased to see how the new suburb of Zuccoli was progressing.

“The Country Liberals Government is rolling out land in record time, planning for the future of this growing area,” he said.

“The average price point per lot of about $160,000 across the suburb of Zuccoli makes these some of the most affordable pieces of land in Palmerston.”

Mr Giles said the Territory Government had invested $45.5 million in this year’s Budget for land release programs with the aim of delivering land for 6500 homes over 10 years.

“My Government will keep working hard to do what we can to ease the cost of living and ensure Territorians can buy a new home at a fair price,” he said.

The suburb of Zuccoli is a multi-stage, master planned community that when complete will contain over 3000 homes for more than 7000 Territorians.

The suburb will include two schools, two commercial centres, social housing and substantial open space including walking tracks and parks.

Media Contact: Scott Whitby 0438 531 583