New housing hopes to reduce overcrowding in NT

The Australian and Northern Territory Governments have said they are continuing to deliver on a shared commitment to improve housing for First Nations people in remote communities.

Under the $4 billion housing agreement, up to 2,700 new homes will be built over the next 10 years to reduce overcrowding and improve living conditions across 73 communities and 27 town camps.

In 2024-25, a record 222 houses were delivered in remote locations. An additional 48 houses are under construction and scheduled for completion in early 2025-26, enabling families to take up residence soon after. This builds on the 206 houses completed in 2023-24.

“Improving housing in remote communities is a priority for the government,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“Too many people in remote communities are living in overcrowded and run-down houses, which is why we’ve made our landmark investment to build 2,700 over the next decade.

“New homes for families in remote communities is critical to easing overcrowding and improving health outcomes.”

This increase in housing delivery shows the progress being made under the Partnership Agreement for the Joint Steering Committee for Remote Housing Northern Territory.

The program is being implemented through partnership arrangements with Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory, the four Northern Territory Land Councils and both Australian and Northern Territory Governments.

Despite the complexity of remote construction, the program is delivering real results. It’s delivering new houses, improving the quality of housing, and creating jobs for local communities, including through support for Aboriginal Business Enterprises.

Northern Territory Minister for Housing, Steve Edgington said  delivering housing outcomes in the bush to reduce overcrowding and improve living conditions was a priority.

“As the Local Member for the Barkly region, I have also seen firsthand the positive impact of better housing for those living in overcrowded homes,” he said.

“Recently, I was in Ampilatwatja where I inspected eight newly completed homes, and it was clear how much this investment will mean to local families.”