First stage of a new subdivision in Maningrida

Minister for Public and Affordable Housing Chris Burns today officially opened the first stage of a new subdivision in Maningrida.

A total of 110 new houses,16 rebuilds and 79 refurbishments will be delivered in Maningrida by the Australian and Territory governments as part of the $1.7 billion National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing.

To date 50 new houses have been completed and 55 are underway in Maningrida. A further 35 refurbishments and seven rebuilds have also been completed in the community.

Today 19 families were presented with house keys and electricity vouchers for their new homes and Dr Burns said the opening is a very special occasion.

“A new subdivision or suburb is a significant development for Maningrida and the new and upgraded housing will help make major improvements to the lives of many local residents,” Dr Burns said.

“New road works and sewerage, landscaping and fencing works have been completed in the first stage of the subdivision and works for second stage are well underway with completion by December.”

The 2010-11 wet season caused significant delays to subdivision works, with Maningrida recording more than three times the average February rainfall.

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin said $64 million is being spent on improving housing and living conditions in Maningrida.

“The construction of new housing is also providing Indigenous employment. In Maningrida, on average more than 30 per cent of the workforce has been made up of Indigenous employees, well above the program’s target of 20 per cent Indigenous employment. There is also strong community input through the Bawinanga Aboriginal Council and Maningrida Progress Association,” Ms Macklin said.

“Decent housing and reduced overcrowding is essential for protecting children, improving health, education and employment and re-building positive community norms.”

Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon says adequate housing is an important step to delivering improved health outcomes for Aboriginal locals.

“The new homes in Maningrida are another step to delivering better health outcomes for aboriginal communities across the Territory.”

“The effort between the Australian and Territory Governments, Territory Alliance and the Maningrida Community, particularly the Housing Reference Group, Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation and the Maningrida Progress Association is driving positive outcomes for the community,” he said.

At 31st August 2011, the National Partnership has delivered 345 new houses with 232 also underway across the Northern Territory. Another 1709 refurbishments and rebuilds are complete and 47 are underway.

Minister Burns said he also wanted to especially thank members of the Maningrida Housing Reference Group, who cut the ribbon at today’s opening, for their support and assistance in relocating community members to their new homes.