Housing Minister John Carey today announced more than $3 million for Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation for essential maintenance on 32 properties in the Punmu and Kunawarritij communities.
The funding will benefit more than 100 Martu people who reside in the remote communities, 640 and 750 kilometres south east of Port Hedland respectively.
Maintenance work will include improvements to kitchens and bathrooms, along with waterproofing, pest control, accessibility additions and general repairs to walls and floors.
The engagement of a majority Aboriginal owned contracting firm and the provision to employ job-ready Martu people on the projects will also help to build capacity in the communities.
The purpose of the Remote Aboriginal Communities Maintenance Grants is to support organisations that provide social housing in remote areas and improve the liveability and lifespan of existing housing assets.
The Remote Aboriginal Communities Maintenance Grant Program is one of three streams being delivered through the McGowan Government’s Social Housing Economic Recovery Package (SHERP) Grants Program.
A total of $13.3 million has been allocated to the Remote Aboriginal Communities Maintenance Grant Program stream.
The SHERP Grants Program is part of the McGowan Government’s $2.4 billion worth of investment into social housing and homelessness over the coming four years.
The Government has also announced a new $350 million Remote Communities Fund focused on improving power, water and housing in remote Aboriginal communities.
As stated by Housing Minister John Carey:
“Our Government is committed to supporting remote Aboriginal communities and this $13.3 million grants program is focused directly on improving housing outcomes.
“The $3.12 million will ensure the Martu people living in these communities have quality housing for years to come and provide local employment for skilled workers in the area.
“The funding for the Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation will also support the engagement of a majority Aboriginal owned contracting firm who will deliver the maintenance work using their local skilled and trained workforce.
“The funding for this program is in addition to our recently announced $350 million Remote Communities Fund, which will deliver improved power, water and housing in remote communities.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“This grant funding will assist to significantly improve housing for more than 100 Martu people living in the Western Deserts region, as well as provide new training and employment opportunities.
“I have advocated strongly for remote Aboriginal communities in the Pilbara region, and this investment, and the recently announced $350 million Remote Communities Fund highlights that our Government’s ongoing commitment in this space.”
