Public housing waiting lists blow out - 4-6 years in Katherine

At the same the NT Opposition has revealed a four year waiting list for public housing in Katherine.

For some people in Katherine, the waiting period is six years.

Housing and Community Development Gerry Minister McCarthy today announced a $69 million housing repairs and maintenance program to boost the construction industry, create local jobs and improve living standards across the Territory.

The funding is part of the Government’s record $1.7 billion spend this financial year on infrastructure.

“We are doing everything we can to create and retain jobs for Territorians,” Mr McCarthy said.

“We know times are tough for many local businesses and that’s why these investments are vital.

“Starting immediately, this stimulus package will deliver $69million in major and minor works across the Territory supporting hundreds of local jobs.

“A major component of this package will see a large amount of repairs and maintenance work carried out on public housing across the Territory.

“From construction, plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing, fencing, security installations, pest control – many businesses and trades will benefit.

“We currently have 260 businesses registered to receive work and we continue to encourage more tradies and small businesses to apply.”

This package will provide much needed revitalisation and restoration to public housing.

“The Territory has an aging public housing stock with critical need,” Mr.McCarthy said.

“This package will see a lot of those repairs fast tracked, getting vacant stock ready for tenancy.”

For more information or to register your interest, please visit: dhcd.nt.gov.au and follow the links.

The Opposition said it welcomed the announcement to improve housing for some of the Territory’s most disadvantaged people and stimulus for Territory-based businesses, however, how much money will be spent in which locations remains unclear.

Speaking from Alice Springs, Leader of the Opposition Gary Higgins said the Labor government should continue to explore the opportunity to work with the private sector to decrease the public housing waiting list.

“The Northern Territory is in a very tough economic landscape and it is important that the government continues to encourage private investment.

“While today’s announcement was light on detail, it should be noted that the government continues to drag the chain on its much-lauded capital works program, which the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics report, to 31 January 2018 shows a significant underspend of just $434.9 million of the $1.87 billion capital works program.

“It is also imperative that all of these works take place through consultation with local communities and Indigenous stakeholders, such as Tangentyere Council in Alice Springs.

“Addressing housing will assist in remedying the chronic disadvantage of some Territorians,” said Mr Higgins.