The rebuilding effort of 80 homes destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Lam in February 2015 in remote Arnhem Land is progressing well.

Department of Infrastructure Chief Executive, David McHugh, recently visited the island community of Galiwinku to view the construction first hand.

The first 40 ‘fast’ build homes are nearing completion and will be finished by the end of July 2016, with the remaining 40 ‘slow’ build homes to be constructed over the next two years.

“Residents of Galiwinku are steadily picking up the pieces of their shattered community and playing an important part in the construction of their new homes,” said Mr McHugh.

“The rebuild is creating positive training and employment opportunities for the local community with 115 local indigenous employees working on the project, working in excess of 40,000 hours.”

Local manufacturing is also reaping the benefits from the program with the concrete blocks and timber trusses used in the new houses coming from Nhulunbuy.

“By sourcing materials from the region, we are not only saving transport time, but also money,” said Mr McHugh.

All 80 homes are expected to be completed by 2018, the slow build project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory Government under the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

NB: This media release has been translated into Yolngu Matha (audio grab) for use by media outlets. Please see attachment.

 Contact: Nikola Lekias, Media Manager, Department of Infrastructure, 89465135.