THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
MEDIA RELEASE
7 October 2010
04/10
Snowdon turns first sod for new Darwin suburb
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, today turned the first sod for
the new suburb of Muirhead, that will provide hundreds of extra houses in Darwin in 2011.
Mr Snowdon said the first stage is worth more than $44 million and will include 166 lots.
“Defence Housing Australia will build 50 houses, a further 25 lots (15 per cent) will be offered
to the Northern Territory Government for affordable social housing, and the balance of the lots
(91) will be sold to the general public in the open market. Building is expected to begin in April
2011.”
Mr Snowdon said it was important to let Territorians know that there is more housing on the
way.
“The suburb of Muirhead will assist in reducing the pressure in the Darwin housing market.
Once fully complete, Muirhead will provide an extra 330 houses for ADF members and their
families.
“Defence has a very strong presence in Darwin and it is important that housing continues to
be sourced to accommodate these personnel.
“The good news is the development will also provide more housing for the rest of the
community and help stimulate the local economy, by providing more jobs in the building
industry.”
Muirhead will be a sustainable master-planned residential community and has already
received accolades for housing and urban design for its creative response to Darwin’s unique
environmental and climatic conditions.
“It’s all about sustainable housing these days, and the plans for Muirhead take advantage of
breezeways to ensure comfortable and energy-efficient housing for the future residents of this
community,” Mr Snowdon said.
“It’s great that Defence Housing Australia has focused on ensuring the housing will be high
quality and well suited to the local conditions”.
The primary function of Defence Housing Australia is to supply housing and related services
to Defence members and their families in line with Defence operational requirements.
Further Information:
Alice Plate (Minister Snowdon’s office)
0400 045 999
Rachael Whiteley-Black (Defence Housing Aust) 02 6217 8598
NEWS 
