Katherine applications for the NT Government's generous Home Improvement Scheme are still being assessed.
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The total of 551 applications for the popular coronavirus economic stimulus program were received from Katherine.
There are 3551 rateable properties within Katherine Town Council's boundaries.
The sceme provided homeowner and landlords with generous co-contribution grants to use in the upgrading of their residence.
Over 2400 applications were submitted in Alice Springs.
A total of 19,584 Home Improvement Scheme applications were received across the Territory and these are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Works range from a number of different trades, meaning a lot of Territory jobs and Territory businesses will be supported, including:
- Air conditioning installation
- Bathroom renovations
- Kitchen renovations
- Painting
- Joinery
- Plumbing
- Carports
- Concreting
- Roofing
- Electrical
- Windows and glazing
- Shade structures
- Fencing
This funding will support a variety of trades - including, construction, plumbing, painting, landscaping - allowing businesses to keep employees in jobs.
Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said the scheme has created a pipeline of work for the next 12 months to support local jobs and businesses.
Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro today called on the Government to address issues the Home Improvement Scheme has unwittingly created with work flow problems for tradies.
"Many tradespeople who had work lined up before the scheme was announced suddenly found those requests for jobs being cancelled because homeowners wanted to apply for works under the Scheme instead. Now these tradies have to wait possibly weeks or months before they find out if these clients receive funding," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"One of the main reasons for the scheme was to boost tradies' work during the downturn. With the time lag on job approvals, some tradies now have little work because they're waiting on the Government to approve works under the Scheme, which could take until September or October.
"This is an unintended consequence of the scheme's design, but it means many tradies are copping the reverse of what the Scheme intended.
"The government should dedicate more resources to approve works as quickly as possible, so tradies can plan work sooner rather than in months. The fact only 526 applications have been approved out on more than 19,500, shows more resources are needed.
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