Local Darwin company, Northern Transportables, have been awarded a $1.4million contract to supply and install transportable homes to the Homelands affected by cyclones Lam and Nathan earlier this year.

Some homelands residents displaced after the cyclones had been living in arrangements with other families or have been accommodated in shared facilities.

Seven transportable homes are being installed to the Raymingirr, Dhalinbuy, Dhaniya and Birany Birany homelands while service providers finalise plans to deliver permanent dwellings.

Regional Recovery Coordinator, Jim Rogers said the transportable homes will be similar to those now in place at Galiwin’ku and will consist of two transportable modules with a covered centre and secure breezeway.

“The fully self-contained homes provide six bedrooms, kitchen, living area and bathroom facilities,” Mr Rogers said.

“The design and locations for the placement of the transportables have been agreed with residents and Homelands organisations.”

Construction of the transportables is to commence in early September in the Darwin factory of Northern Transportables to then be transported to the Homelands.

Installation in the Homelands is expected to begin by the end of September and all modules should be installed by November.

Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation Chairman, Barayuwa Mununggurr said that the recovery support from the Territory Government in the wake of the recent cyclones has been swift and strong, including the commitment to temporary housing for displaced families and broader financial support for roads and other restoration works need to make the homelands safe for the residents.

“This support, together with our own resources, has meant our recovery response to our residents has been comprehensive,” Mr Mununggurr said.

“Laynhapuy Homelands will continue to work in close partnership with the government to ensure homelands residents have the opportunity to get jobs and real skills through the recovery works.”

Northern Transportables will employ around 30 workers in the construction, mobilisation and installation of the homes, including up to 14 Indigenous employees of which 12 will be from the Homelands.

The Territory Government is continuing to work closely with the cyclone affected communities, service providers and contractors to ensure the rebuilding program includes jobs, training and business development opportunities.

Media Contact:

Laura Verney - ph: 8999 6009 or 0428 452 179.