Northern Territory remote Indigenous housing targets exceeded

Almost 1200 Indigenous families in remote communities in the Northern Territory have improved housing after the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP) exceeded its 2010 targets.

One hundred and seventy four new houses have been built and 1023 rebuilds and refurbishments now finished, exceeding its targets of 150 new houses and 1000 rebuilds and refurbishments by 31 December 2010.

The program is also exceeding its 20 per cent Indigenous employment target, with more than 30 per cent of the workforce made up of Indigenous employees.

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

SIHIP is one element of the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing which is delivering an unprecedented $5.5 billion nationally over ten years to tackle the housing backlog across remote Australia.

This includes $1.7 billion for remote housing and housing related infrastructure in the Northern Territory.

Exceeding the 2010 SIHIP targets confirms the Australian and Northern Territory Governments recent decision to accelerate delivery of housing and housing related infrastructure in the Northern Territory under the National Partnership.

The Governments’ SIHIP commitment of 750 new houses, 230 rebuilds and 2500 refurbishments will be delivered within the SIHIP budget.

By accelerating the National Partnership, the Governments will also build around 180 new houses and around 180 rebuilds in the Northern Territory under the National Partnership sooner than anticipated.

The Governments are rolling out new houses, rebuilds and refurbishments in the Northern Territory as quickly as possible so that families can live in safe and healthy homes.

Getting housing right is critical to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.