New accommodation for Darwin’s transient population

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Morrison Government is committing $10 million towards a new Darwin Visitor Accommodation Precinct to provide lodging and more flexible options for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people sleeping rough.

The Commonwealth’s $10 million commitment to the precinct will complement the Northern Territory Government’s $30.15 million investment, expanding the project to support more Territorians from remote and very remote areas when they need to visit Darwin.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said a memorandum of understanding signed with the Northern Territory Government will allow the development of a new accommodation facility at Batten Road.

“Darwin is a significant regional centre and a lot of people come into town for medical appointments, meetings, visiting family and often can’t find suitable places to stay,” Minister Wyatt said.

"There is also a large transient population where people need safe short-term accommodation as well as support services to take the next step.

“This new precinct will offer a range of new and upgraded facilities for short-term crisis and transitional accommodation through to family-sized units, providing more options to people passing through or struggling to find homes in Darwin.

“The precinct will include motel style rooms, self-contained units, a classroom/learning area and common dining and kitchen facilities. There will also be administrative support and meeting rooms to offer services such as counselling, therapy or housing services.

“These wrap-around services will help individuals have a move comfortable stay and support them on their next step, either returning to Country or into more permanent accommodation.”

Construction is expected to commence in July 2022, after planning and consultation is completed, with the works due to be finished by December 2023.