Derby accommodation tender awarded

• New facility to provide up to 54 extra short term accommodation beds in Derby

• $15.8million from the State Government's Royalties for Regions Program

The State Government today announced the tender for the construction of a 54-bed short-stay accommodation facility for Aboriginal people in Derby has been awarded.

Housing Minister Bill Marmion said the Derby facility was expected to commence construction in coming weeks and would provide Aboriginal people with a safe and comfortable place to stay while visiting the town to access amenities and services.

"As a key service centre in the West Kimberley, Derby has a high need for accommodation for indigenous short-term visitors," Mr Marmion said.

"Up to 10 per cent of Aboriginal populations in regional centres are made up of temporary residents from smaller remote communities and many people come into centres like Derby to access important government services and to visit family.

"The Department of Housing has worked closely with the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley to identify a site and plan the facility to ensure minimal disruption to adjoining neighbours."

The short-stay facility will be built by winning tenderer - Cooper and Oxley.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said Royalties for Regions was funding the construction and initial operation of the facility.

"These facilities are vital to meet the needs of people in the Derby region and ensure they have safe, short term accommodation when required," Mr Grylls said.

"This is the second indigenous short-stay accommodation project to be built in Western Australia with the assistance of Royalties for Regions.

"The first one was completed in Kalgoorlie in August 2012 and has proved successful in meeting the accommodation needs of Aboriginal visitors to Kalgoorlie-Boulder."

        Fact File

• The 2006 Census estimates that 4,031 people from 54 remote Aboriginal communities use Derby as a service centre

• In 2011, a department-commissioned report by Syme and Nancarrow Waters indicated that between 150 and 200  Aboriginal people visit Derby at any time, with triple that in the wet season

Housing Minister's office - 6552 6800

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 5500