Minister for Housing and Community Development Gerry McCarthy today said the Government is seeking proposals from non-government organisations (NGOs), in partnership with the construction sector, to redevelop and manage sites in Alice Springs, Darwin and Palmerston.

Other projects underway to expand community housing include the transfer of property and tenancy management rights of public housing assets in Katherine and Alice Springs to NGOs to manage.

Katherine developers have been called on to consider leasing homes to the NT Government for use as public housing.

The government wants to lease 200 homes across the NT for six year periods to reduce the public housing wait list.

“We promised to restore trust in Government and creating jobs, boosting the economy and providing better housing options for vulnerable Territorians is key to building safer, fairer and stronger communities' right across the Territory,” Mr McCarthy said.

“We understand a secure and rewarding job and a good home are important to improve our quality of life, which is why we are investing in job creation and better housing options.

“It’s critical we support some of the most vulnerable people in our community to access safe and secure accommodation and help them get back on their feet – community housing offers far more than just housing, with wrap around services tailored to each tenants needs to access financial, health, employment and education support.

“Every Territorian needs a good job and a good home to achieve a good education, good health and good community outcomes.”

NGOs and the construction sector can partner to put forward proposals to redevelop the sites and construct new dwellings, including properties that cater for supported and disability accommodation.

“This is a significant opportunity for joint ventures to put forward innovative ideas to develop the three sites, which will create a lot of new employment.”

Mr McCarthy said growing community housing in the Territory will reduce the public housing waiting list and cost to taxpayers and the Government.

“Community housing gives tenants access to more financial support via the Commonwealth Rental Assistance scheme, not available to Territory public housing tenants, which brings more money into the Territory and reduces the overall cost of managing public housing for the Government and ultimately the tax payer,” he said.

“Community housing providers can access additional Commonwealth funding – investing in community housing is a smart decision for all Territorians.”

Mr McCarthy said community housing in other jurisdictions has been hugely successful, innovative and cost effective for other governments.

An urban community housing strategy for the NT is also being developed and a draft will be released in early 2018.

For information to submit proposals and details of information sessions visit www.dhcd.nt.gov.au.