Work begins on the Alice Springs Accommodation Park

Construction has begun on the $11 million Alice Springs Accommodation Park, which will provide safe short-term accommodation for Indigenous people who visit the town.

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Northern Territory Minister for Central Australia, Karl Hampton, today announced that local company, Sitzler Bros, has been selected to construct the new Accommodation Park.

Aboriginal Hostels Limited will manage the park for the first two years of operation.

‘The park will provide safe, secure and affordable accommodation for up to 150 people, particularly families with children and older people who visit Alice Springs,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘This park is important in making real changes to people’s lives, including alleviating the pressure on public housing and overcrowding in the community.’

The Northern Territory Minister for Central Australia, Karl Hampton, said the accommodation park will provide a safe place that is drug and alcohol-free for people to stay while they go about their business in town.

‘The work includes the construction of cabins, self-contained units and camping areas – as well as refurbishments to existing buildings to provide kitchen and dining facilities and a caretaker’s residence,’ Mr Hampton said.

‘The engagement of local company Sitzler Bros means construction can progress quickly and the park will be operational as soon as possible’.

‘A new public bus route will also service the park to make it easier for people to attend medical and other appointments.’

The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said that Aboriginal Hostels Limited has more than 30 years experience in providing temporary accommodation to Indigenous people.

‘Their role in managing this park is another positive step in delivering better outcomes for visitors and the Alice Springs community,’ Mr Snowdon said.

This $11 million investment includes the construction of the park and two years operational costs.