Jobs, housing and infrastructure are at the core of a five-year action plan to build the capability of town camps and community living areas (CLAs) throughout the NT.

The Building our communities together: Town Camps and Community Living Areas Reform Framework is a commitment to remodel these areas through five key aims ensuring:

-              residents and their communities are independent, safe and thriving;

-              housing choices and support services are people-centred, flexible and suitable;

-              the Aboriginal Community Housing sector is strengthened and developed through 

                              capacity building, regulation and transfer of housing and asset management;

-              land tenure, infrastructure and leasing arrangements are fit for community purpose; and

-              job creation and support of the local economy.

New approaches are required to create stronger, sustainable and independent futures for Aboriginal people living across our town camps and CLAs. The development of this sustainable model for town camps and CLAs is underpinned by Local Decision Making principles and an understanding of connections to family, culture and country whilst recognising the fundamental importance of safe and suitable housing to the social and economic development of Aboriginal Territorians.

Aboriginal people and their organisations will guide the reforms with the investment focusing on capability-building as well as infrastructure improvement.

The Territory Labor Government has invested $35.5 million to address urgent housing and infrastructure needs in response to the independent Town Camps review, Living On The Edge.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Gerry McCarthy:

“Aboriginal people are critical partners of the Territory Labor Government in our quest to reform the NT’s 43 town camps and community living areas.

“We have acknowledged genuine reform is required and we are determined to deliver this with a people-first approach.

“That’s why we are working in partnership with residents, Aboriginal organisations, town camp owners and other stakeholders to improve homes, roads, street lighting, fencing and water infrastructure to make sure communities are safe, sustainable, thriving places for families.”

Quotes attributable to CEO Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation, Leeanne Caton:

“Over the past 16 months, Yilli Housing has collaborated extensively with the Northern Territory Government to complete major housing and infrastructure upgrades to Top End town camps.

“We are working with all communities where we provide services to assist in the establishment of leadership groups which can then help to establish memorandums of understanding, community action plans and a sub-committee to the Yilli Board.

“The NT Government’s Town Camp Futures Unit has played a pivotal role in ensuring collaboration with stakeholders has been at the forefront of this project. Full and effective consultation with organisations, communities and individual tenants has demonstrated how equal, respectful and effective partnerships can achieve positive outcomes.”

Media contact: Jasmin Afianos - 0419361127