Housing Availability Funding For Darwin

Member for Solomon, Mr David Tollner MP said today that Regional Partnerships programme funding of $1.1 million has been approved for the TGAC Affordable Living project in Darwin.

Mr Tollner said the money will assist Masonic Homes Incorporated to construct 12 single bedroom, self-contained units in the suburb of Tiwi.
"These self-contained units will provide affordable housing too financially dis-advantaged elderly people in the Darwin area,” Mr Tollner said.

"They will be located close to the local hospital and other community services, allowing residents to remain independent while providing them with easy access to medical, nursing, pharmaceutical and meal services,” he said.

Mr Tollner congratulated the local community for working together to access Regional Partnerships programme funding particularly the Northern Territory Area Consultative Committee for helping to bring this project to fruition.

The Regional Partnerships programme continues the Australian Government's approach of working with local communities to support their ideas. A total of $271.2 million is available under the Regional Partnerships programme from 2006–07 to 2009–10.

Mr Tollner said the Regional Partnerships programme would deliver benefits to communities well into the future, not only from programme funding, but from the higher levels of economic activity and improved social amenities which the programme was generating.

Since its inception in July 2003, the Regional Partnerships programme has, on average, attracted a further three dollars from other sources for every dollar invested by the Australian Government.

Communities should contact their local Area Consultative Committee if they wish to seek funding through the Regional Partnerships programme. For further information go to www.regionalpartnerships.gov.au

2007-05-23