Upgrade works have been completed on the first two houses in the Bagot community this week.

Yilli Reung Housing Aboriginal Corporation has delivered this work, funded through the $24 million announced by the Northern Territory Government this month to address urgent works for housing and infrastructure in town camps.

The work includes new kitchen and bathroom fitouts, repainting, window fittings, plumbing and electrical work.

Families will be moving into these two homes while the homes they are currently living in are refurbished.

These houses have been vacant for a number of years but are structurally sound to enable recommissioning so that families living in overcrowded conditions can move in and live more comfortably.

It’s a move which is supported by Yilli Housing, which has been consulting with the community.

“We appreciated that the government has come forward and provided this funding to upgrade housing and infrastructure,” Yilli Housing Works Manager John Adams said.

“We look forward to continuing to partner with the government, the department and local contractors to roll out this work to the town camps.

“The community is really happy… it has all been positive from the community elders, who have been involved in all of the decisions, and we have worked hard to try to fulfil their wishes as best we can,” Mr Adams said.

It is welcome news for the families moving into their renovated homes, but it has also provided wider benefits for the community, with four residents employed on the project in the past month since it began.

The work in Bagot is only just beginning.

While there are another seven homes identified for work in this financial year, there is also significant infrastructure work on the horizon.

The community has been working with Yilli Housing to identify its immediate needs.  This includes an upgrade to the road network, with speed signs, speed bumps and bollards to restrict vehicle movements and access to areas used by children and families. These works will improve the overall safety in the community.

The 18 existing mercury vapour street lights will also be replaced with LED lights, and a further 22 solar security lights will be installed throughout the community which will improve the overall safety and security within the community.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sueanne McCumstie, Department of Housing and Community Development

M: 0427 978 337

E: Sueanne.mccumstie@nt.gov.au