Master Builders Northern Territory has welcomed the release of the Northern Territory Housing Strategy 2026–2030, saying the document identifies many of the right priorities for increasing housing supply but must now be backed by a clear detailed implementation plan that gives industry the confidence to invest.
Chief Executive Officer Sallyann Innes said the timing of today’s Housing Strategy release was particularly significant, coinciding with the latest Fidelity Fund figures showing strong growth in residential construction activity.
“In July alone, the Fidelity Fund issued 62 Certificates for new residential projects, 32% higher than June figures.”
“That tells us something very important.”
“When governments get the policy settings right, industry responds.”
“The current home ownership incentives are helping give Territorians the confidence to build, and today’s figures show that confidence is translating into real projects, real jobs and more homes.”
Ms Innes said the Housing Strategy correctly recognises that housing is essential economic infrastructure and highlights the importance of land release, planning reform, workforce capability and strengthening construction capacity by working with industry.
“The Strategy tells us where Government wants to go.”
“Our members across the NT are now asking what gets delivered first, when it will happen and who is accountable.”
The Strategy projects the Territory will require between 5,637 and 7,143 additional dwellings by 2029-30, alongside approximately 2,200 new remote homes under the Remote Housing Package, while major projects across mining, defence and energy continue to drive workforce demand.
“Those homes won’t build themselves.”
“They will only be delivered by construction businesses that have the confidence to employ apprentices, purchase equipment, expand their workforce and invest for the long term.”
“Housing is one of Territory’s greatest economic opportunities. Every new home supports our local tradies, suppliers, retailers, sporting clubs and charities while helping more Territorians put down permanent roots.”
Ms Innes said the Strategy was an important framework, but delivery would ultimately determine its success.
“Our industry doesn’t measure success by strategies.”
“We measure success by slabs poured, frames erected and Territorians moving into new homes.”
“The next step is converting this Strategy into a transparent pipeline of land release, planning reform, infrastructure delivery and workforce initiatives that gives builders the confidence to invest.”
“Give industry certainty, and industry will deliver.”
Master Builders NT looks forward to working with the Northern Territory Government and the Housing Strategy and Coordination Taskforce to help turn the Strategy from words on a page into more homes, more jobs and stronger communities across the Territory.