Joint media release: $10 million to boost cooling and heating in more than 600 Territory homes

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The Hon Josh Wilson MP, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The Hon Selena Uibo MLA, NT Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands

The Albanese and Lawler Territory Governments are delivering cost of living savings to more than 600 Northern Territory households through a $10 million package for energy and water efficient equipment in remote social housing.

Many social housing properties are among the least energy efficient homes in the country, with poor thermal performance and often lacking modern appliances. The Northern Territory is home to one of the most diverse climates in the country with tropical heat to the north and extreme cold in desert areas in central and southern locations, along with areas of water scarcity.

It’s why the Australian and Northern Territory Governments are each contributing $5 million to boost the health and well-being of social housing tenants with the installation of air-conditioning appliances.

The installation of efficient reverse cycle air conditioners will help reduce energy bills for tenants, while keeping their homes cooler in warm months and warmer in cold nights.

Upgrades will be prioritised for remote water-stressed communities in the Central Australia and Barkly region and is expected to commence in Yuedumu and Yuelamu during the coming months.

This partnership is part of the Albanese Government’s $300 million Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative, helping to upgrade up to 60,000 social housing properties across the country.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“The Albanese Labor Government is driving down power bills with social housing energy upgrades to help ease the cost of living for Territorians.

“Getting air conditioners into hundreds of homes will make life a lot more comfortable for Territorians and ensure the most vulnerable Australians are getting cost of living relief they need.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson:

“The Albanese Government wants to help NT households save energy, save money and make their homes more comfortable.

“Heat already kills more people than any other natural disaster including floods, fire, and cyclones. Efficient air conditioners can be the difference between a comfortable summer and heat stress.

“This $10 million Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative will make a real difference to the thermal comfort of homes in Central Australia.”

Quotes attributable to NT Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo:

“Northern Territory remote communities experience some of the most extreme and diverse climates, with a wet and dry season in the Top End across to Arnhem, and arid weather in the Barkly and Central regions.

“The Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative partnership will mean tenants in remote communities have less costly bills and much needed heat relief in the many warm months across the Territory.

“Our Territory Labor Government has matched the federal funding of $5 million, because heat relief is significant for improving the livelihoods and wellbeing of Territorians.”