Training & Community Involvement for Remote Housing Projects in Australia Northern Territory

  • Thomas Williamson
  • Ali Rajabipour Charles Darwin University
  • Cat Kutay Charles Darwin University
  • Graham Gust Northern Territory Government
  • Mark Fudge Charles Darwin University
Keywords: community involvement, , remote housing, training

Abstract

Abstract—Construction of houses in remote communities faces a range of challenges, many of which would be reduced by the involvement of local community members during the construction.  Remote housing demand is high and under-resourcing in existing houses impacts on the health of the occupants.  This research investigates and evaluates ways to improve community engagement in remote housing projects. Builders with experience delivering remote housing projects were asked to provide insight relating to the potential training and involvement of community members during construction. It was found that builders have major challenges with work ethics, poor numeracy and literacy and language barrier in remote areas which hinder community engagement in remote projects. Some building techniques such as slab on ground and steel wall framing were found more effective for community engagement. Results also show that training of community members could be improved by setting benchmark goals to be achieved throughout a project.  This means there is an opportunity for housing projects in remote communities to improve on essential training and employment through better involvement of local community members during construction, in turn this will lead to better maintenance and understanding of houses.

Author Biographies

Ali Rajabipour, Charles Darwin University

MIEAust CPEng NER
Lecturer – Civil Engineering
College of Engineering, IT & Environment

Cat Kutay, Charles Darwin University

Lecturer and Chair: Network of Indigenous Partnerships 
College of Engineering, IT & Environment

Graham Gust, Northern Territory Government

CPPD, MAIPM Dip.CCM Dip.OH&S

Senior Associate Project Manager – Housing Projects Specification Services

Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

Northern Territory Government

Mark Fudge, Charles Darwin University

Team Leader VET Engineering & Construction

Department of Engineering & Construction

Published
2024-05-16
Section
Articles