Broome businesses secure housing contracts

Construction contracts worth $17.

  • 60 houses for the West Kimberley Transitional Housing Program

  • 40 houses in Broome and 20 in Derby

  • $33 million from Royalties for Regions over four years 

Construction contracts worth $17.2 million have been awarded to four Broome businesses for a West Kimberley housing project that will substantially benefit Aboriginal families.

The West Kimberley Transitional Housing Program is a $33 million State Government Royalties for Regions project to build at least 50 new homes in Broome and Derby, while seven existing houses will be refurbished and three will be purchased on the open market.

Housing Minister Colin Holt said contracts to construct the first 50 houses for the program were awarded in February, with all four successful tenderers based in Broome, including the Aboriginal-owned Tjallara Building Company.

"A transitional housing program has been operating successfully in Kununurra since 2012 and has already delivered benefits to participants," he said.

"Participants will be provided with a new, high-standard rental home with access to support services and in return they must be in ongoing employment or training and their children must attend school."

Mr Holt said the Department of Housing was contributing up to $13 million of land for the program, with the houses to be completed in stages from mid-2015 to mid-2017.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the program would have a positive impact on the community through the employment of local Aboriginal people.

"I am pleased to see this Royalties for Regions investment supporting the local economy and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the wider Kimberley region," Mr Redman said.

A transitional housing program has also been established in Halls Creek in the East Kimberley.

      Fact File

  • Contracts to build the first 50 homes in the program have been awarded to Colin Wilkinson Developments, Bud Watts Homes, Tjallara Building Company and Broome Builders

  • The program is a joint initiative between the Kimberley Development Commission and the Department of Housing 

Housing Minister's office - 6552 6100

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700