Remote overcrowding in the Northern Territory is being targeted with the building of 222 new homes in the past year.
The move is part of the NT Government’s commitment to tackle the root cause of overcrowding.
Through the joint Northern Territory and Australian Government $4 billion, 10-year investment up to 2,700 new homes will be built over the next decade to improve living conditions and reduce overcrowding.
In 2024-25, 222 homes were completed in remote locations, with a further 48 homes under construction and scheduled for completion between late 2025 and early 2026. This represents an increase on the 206 homes delivered in 2023-2024.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington, said the program is delivering meaningful change across the bush.
“In our year of action, certainty and security, we are achieving real progress, improving housing in the bush to reduce overcrowding and lift living conditions,” he said.
“As the Local Member for the Barkly region, I have seen firsthand the impact that better housing has for people who have spent years living in overcrowded homes.
“Recently, I visited Ampilatwatja to inspect eight newly completed homes, and it was clear how much this investment will mean to local families.”
Mr Edgington said the initiative is a strong example of what’s possible when governments work hand-in-hand with Aboriginal housing organisations and Land Councils.
“Despite the complexity of remote construction and the tyranny of distance, this program is delivering real results – helping communities stay strong and liveable,” he said.
“It is not only building new homes and improving existing housing but also creating jobs for local communities, including support for Aboriginal business enterprises.
“This is a game changer for the Territory. It empowers remote communities to share directly in the benefits, through better homes, stronger local employment, and real opportunities to build a secure, sustainable future.”
The joint funding is in addition to the Northern Territory Government’s annual $40 million commitment to essential services in Aboriginal homelands, supporting coordinated investment in housing, infrastructure, and services.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, said increasing housing supply in remote Northern Territory communities will ease overcrowding.
“The Government is committed to long term support to deliver improved housing for First Nations people living in remote Northern Territory communities,” she said.
Ampilatwatja Traditional Owner and Chairperson of the Ampilatwatja Health Centre Aboriginal Corporation Geoffrey Morton said the houses were good for the community.
“We need more houses like these. They look fantastic and will provide more space for our families,” he said.
