More than $10 million will be spent refurbishing the Katherine Government Centre to improve access to health clinics, upgrade office spaces and centralise Territory Families, Housing and Communities services.
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The major overhaul to the hub for government services in the Katherine region amounts to one of the largest revamps since it was opened.
The centre houses the Primary Health Care Branch and Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug premises as well as the Motor Vehicle Registry.
Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, Paul Kirby said the massive facelift will deliver improved services, provide better access to clinics for the Katherine community, and create around 200 local jobs.
"The Territory Labor Government continue to back our local businesses with the refurbishment tender being awarded to local Aboriginal construction company On Country Construction.
"We want to [ensure] Katherine residents have access to quality corporate services and these building upgrades will enhance our ability to service Territorians."
Work on the refurbishment is expected to start this month and is scheduled to be completed by mid-2022.
In an announcement on Tuesday, the NT Government said the work would include a new, "more integrated service counter" for the public at the MVR, which will have to temporarily relocate to 14 Katherine Terrace for approximately six months.
While some health facilities will operate from Gorge Health Clinic on Second Street for around 12 months.
"During construction, Community Corrections will relocate to the Randazzo Centre on Katherine Terrace, and the Territory Business Centre, NT Work Safe, Licencing, Director of Public Prosecutions and Police Prosecutions, currently in the Randazzo Centre, will relocate to the Katherine Government Centre," a NT Government spokeswoman said.
"All other services will continue to be delivered from the Katherine Government Centre during refurbishment but may be temporarily located in a different part of the building.
"Signage will be provided to help guide and direct the public during the refurbishment program to minimise disruption and inconvenience."
Sean Armistead is the executive director of government and public relations at Indigenous Business Australia, the company in charge of the revamp.
"The $10 plus million refurbishment program will be completed using local trades, contractors and suppliers," he said.
"On Country Construction is a joint venture between Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation and local construction company Jaytex Constructions.
"Whenever we can work with Indigenous businesses to deliver a project on a scale like this refurbishment, it's a win for everyone - the local community, businesses, and stakeholders in the tenancy that will enjoy the update."
The Katherine Government Centre is part of the Indigenous Real Estate Investment Trust, comprising Indigenous Business Australia and 25 Indigenous investor groups.
"The centre is leased by the Northern Territory Government. As part of the lease agreement the Territory government has secured an extensive refurbishment and refit of the building from the building owner, in return for a new 15-year lease," the government spokeswoman said.
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