There’s an air of excitement at Pirlangimpi where 14 families have moved into brand new homes this week, constructed as part of the Territory Labor Government’s $2.1 billion remote housing program.
Territory company DT Hobbs was contracted to build 20 new homes, six of which were completed in May this year.
The coastal community on the north-west of Melville Island has seen major housing works in the recent past, including upgrades and extensions to around a hundred homes. Plans to build a further 11 homes are currently in train.
A 24-lot subdivision, completed last year set the scene for the recently completed homes.
DT Hobbs has been working at Pirlangimpi for the past three years, and continued building during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks in part to a strong contingent of local workers.
The company employs several local labourers and has two Aboriginal apprentices with family links to the Tiwi Islands.
Further, DT Hobbs prioritises the purchase of goods and services from the Tiwi Islands and also supports Darwin-based suppliers. The company’s purchase summary runs at 100 per cent Territory content through more than two dozen businesses.
With $12 million worth of housing works now rolling out at Milikapiti, the Territory Labor Government is set to announce further housing works on the Tiwi Islands in the coming weeks.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lands Selena Uibo:
“Pirlangimpi is one of the Territory’s prettiest places and now it looks even better with rows of new and upgraded homes in a rainbow of colours.
“Since coming to Government in 2016, we have built and upgraded more than 3280 homes – including works underway – across a range of programs. That amounts to a $1 billion injection into the NT economy; and there’s more to come.
“We know that better futures start with safe, healthy homes, but our remote housing program is also about building sustainable communities through jobs, training, upskilling and business opportunities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Arafura Lawrence Costa:
“The Pirlangimpi community is over the moon with all the new homes.
“These are homes that residents have helped to plan, design and deliver. This project has meant ongoing jobs for locals, and support for Tiwi Island businesses.
“It has been incredible to see the improvements in the community since these works began more than five years ago and I’m proud to be part of a Government that is making a valuable difference to the lives of Territorians who live in remote areas right across the NT.”
