Visiting a building site yesterday, Housing Minister Gerry McCarthy has urged the construction and property development sector to put forward proposals to provide residential houses for use as social housing.

A meeting will be held in Katherine on Thursday, August 10 at 1pm in the conference room of the NT Government Centre in First Street to discuss the scheme.

Mr McCarthy said the government was guaranteeing six year leases to provide financial security for property developers to get construction underway, which will create jobs for Territorians.

He said the initiative will work and was underpinned by a similar previous NT Government housing scheme.

“The Territory Labor Government was elected on the promise of creating jobs which is why this lease announcement is so positive - it will drive innovation and future economic opportunities,” Mr McCarthy said.

“We are seeking 200 properties to lease for six years, with a possible three-year extension, to increase social housing stock and create local jobs.

“This will increase the availability of housing and reduce the public housing waitlist, for low income earners, seniors and people living with a disability.”

The Department of Housing and Community Development will offer long-term six years leases at market rent.

Tenants who qualify for social housing will be allocated dwellings that are appropriate to their needs.

“We want every Territorian to have access to affordable and safe housing – a good home leads to a good education, good health and good community outcomes,” Mr McCarthy said.

“We are really keen to hear from property developers who have construction underway, or a development that can start soon and be completed prior to June 2020.

“Not only will this initiative boost construction and create jobs, but it will create more housing options that currently don’t exist – we want all Territorians to have access to a good home and to do this, we must address the waitlist.

“This offer of long term leases and guaranteed rental income will provide confidence for the property and construction sector to encourage new developments and importantly create jobs.”

Proposals can also be submitted for existing properties that are less than five years old.

The Department of Housing and Community Development opened ‘Requests for Proposals’ earlier this week, which close on August 31.

Information sessions will be held over the next two weeks in Katherine, Darwin, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek.

For more information visit https://dhcd.nt.gov.au/news/opportunities-for-builders-and-developers or email housing.projects@nt.gov.au.