$1.37m for NT housing project

Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough today announced $1.37 million in Australian Government funding for an Indigenous housing project in the Northern Territory.

The project, at Nhulunbuy, has been developed by the local traditional owners, the Rirratingu people, and is supported by bauxite miner Alcan Gove Pty Ltd.

“The funds will help to build Malpi Village Stage 1, a development comprising five houses and seven duplexes that will set the Rirratjingu people on the path to economic self-sufficiency,” Mr Brough said.

“The NT Government’s Housing Authority and the Australian Defence Housing Authority will lease the accommodation providing rental income for the traditional owners.”

The Rirratjingu people are contributing $500,000 of their funds derived by mining royalty equivalents and have also secured a loan from the National Australia Bank to help with construction.

Alcan Gove is providing the land and some building materials.

The Australian Government’s contribution is funded through the Aboriginals Benefit Account, which is generated from mining royalties on Indigenous land.

The Minister approves projects based on local community ideas and advice from the ABA Advisory Committee, chaired by Daly River School principal Miriam Rose-Baumann. Through careful management the ABA reserve has grown to $118 million.