A big thanks to the NT community housing, property and government sector colleagues for the warm welcome CHIA and attendees received at its recent event. The Community Housing Industry Association‘s NT team put on an important and thought provoking symposium at the end of March to consider how national policy reforms and different finance models can address the NT’s housing challenge, the toughest in the nation.

Recent research by UNSW City Futures Research Centre and University of Sydney estimates that 21% of NT households currently face unmet housing needs, with 8,000 to 12,000 dwellings needed by 2041 to combat homelessness and deliver affordable homes for Territorians, including essential workers, vital for the Territory’s economy. Adding to the challenge, the NT’s population is expected to exceed 300,000 by 2030. We know that the NT’s housing need far exceeds in proportionate terms any other jurisdiction’s.

There was no end of great practical ideas, plenty of enthusiasm and a thumbs up to, in the words of Ruth Palmer MBA, creating a culture of ‘Yes’. We hope that all sides of politics can come together and negotiate a positive outcome for the housing legislative package, so we can get moving.

Also a big thanks to The Hon Minister Selena Uibo for hosting the evening reception and the Northern Territory Government‘s support for the community housing sector by announcing funding for a part time worker for CHIA NT.

On Friday NT Shelter held a (literal) ‘long table’ discussion to sketch out the next steps including access to land, tailoring NHFIC’s finance options to NT’s needs and great place making. CHIA looks forward to the next stage of this work.

Media release for the event here

CHIA briefing paper for the event here