Every $1 invested in remote NT housing could return $2, new report finds
A new joint report by Wilya Janta and Aboriginal Housing NT (AHNT) has found that investing in climate-ready, culturally appropriate housing in remote communities delivers substantial long-term economic, social and health benefits.
The report, Culturally safe and healthy Aboriginal housing: Business case, shows that housing designed specifically for remote Northern Territory conditions can reduce government expenditure, improve health outcomes, and strengthen community wellbeing.
Key findings include:
- The current remote housing model is failing Aboriginal communities. Housing in remote NT communities is typically Eurocentric, standardised and top-down, with limited meaningful community decision-making.
- Housing quality is directly linked to health and government expenditure. 33% of hospitalisation costs for Indigenous inpatients in the NT are linked to water, sanitation and hygiene, with a further 18% linked to housing condition.
- Remote housing is not climate-resilient. 59% of surveyed homes regularly exceed 40°C indoors.
- A community-led alternative delivers strong economic returns. Cost-benefit modelling comparing business-as-usual with the Right Way Guidelines model found that every $1 of government funding invested returns between $1.83 and $2.04 in measurable economic benefits.
The Right Way Housing Guidelines were developed by Warumungu Elders in partnership with Wilya Janta, with design assistance from non-profit architecture firm OFFICE.
Dr Simon Quilty, Chief Operating Officer of Wilya Janta, said:
“Well-designed housing is not just a social investment, it’s an economic one.”
“These findings reinforce what remote communities have long known. Climate-ready, culturally appropriate homes reduce overcrowding, improve health and wellbeing, and ultimately lower costs for governments. This is about smarter investment and better outcomes.”
Ms Leeanne Caton, CEO of Aboriginal Housing NT (AHNT) said:
“This report provides a clear roadmap for policymakers, funding partners and Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory. Aboriginal-led housing designed for people, place and climate delivers measurable outcomes and makes good economic, health and social sense.”
“It’s critical that future remote housing investment reflects the realities of remote living and is led by Aboriginal people. Evidence-based investment into the remote housing system is evidence-based investment into people.”
The organisations are calling on governments to prioritise:
- Community-led housing design
- Investment in climate-responsive homes
- Solar and energy security integration
- Culturally safe layouts
- Planned maintenance reform
- Local employment pathways
Access the Right Way Guidelines here
Photos available for media use here - Please credit Andrew Quilty
About Wilya Janta
Wilya Janta is an Aboriginal-led organisation partnering with remote communities to design and deliver climate-ready, culturally appropriate housing that supports health, wellbeing and community resilience.
About Aboriginal Housing NT
Aboriginal Housing NT (AHNT) is the Northern Territory’s peak body for the Aboriginal community-controlled housing sector. AHNT advocates for Aboriginal-led, housing solutions across the Northern Territory’s housing system.