BALL CANNOT DROP WITH COMMUNITY HOUSING

THE Territory government’s tender for the management of 75 affordable housing residences in Tennant Creek and Alice Springs is a step in the right direction. But it is one that appears should have happened long ago. If the NT government is committed to achieving its goal of a $40bn economy by 2030, it needs to ensure there are no delays in seizing opportunities to develop and progress an efficient and affordable community housing system.

This involves more of these homes being handed over to providers. After all, this is what these organisations and professionals do best.

They work to effectively manage community housing to the benefit of all involved.

In August, Somerville Community Services chief executive Lawson Broad wrote in the Sunday Territorian that there were successful community housing sectors across the country.

“This is routinely achieved across Australia through the transfer of public housing to community housing providers,” he wrote.

“It is not a difficult concept and there are well over 100,000 community housing dwellings across Australia worth over $10bn.

“Community housing will save the government money, increase funding to the Northern Territory, grow housing supply, stimulate construction, create jobs, and provide better housing options. What’s not to like?”

The benefits are music to many Territorians’ ears.

There have been concerns for quality housing, lack of jobs, dwindling construction work for years.

This could be part of the solution, if it continues to progress.

Mr Lawson said since 2016 the NT government committed to develop the community housing sector and transfer 750 homes to providers.

There’s still a lot of homes to go but that also equates to just as many opportunities with these properties and beyond.

We only have to look interstate to see the benefits.

There are many Territorians in need, whether it be for affordable housing or the opportunities presented by it.

It is hoped this tender is the start of a new community housing sector with greater benefits for Territorians.

The wheel is starting to turn and while there might be bumps along the way, we cannot steer off this path.

We have to work and strive for success.