Kimberley short-stay accommodation

• Funding approved for indigenous short-stay accommodation facility in Derby
• Facility will provide accommodation for up to 54 guests per night 

A short-stay accommodation facility for Aboriginal people will be built in Derby with the Liberal-National Government today announcing $15.78million in State Government Royalties for Regions funding towards the project.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said funding had been approved for the Department of Housing to build the facility.

"This is the second indigenous short-stay accommodation project to be built in Western Australia. The first one was completed in Kalgoorlie-Boulder in August and I am pleased Royalties for Regions is providing a similar service in Derby," Mr Grylls said.

Housing Minister Terry Redman said the facility would provide Aboriginal people with a safe and comfortable place to stay while visiting Derby to access amenities and services in the town.

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

"Working in partnership with the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley, the Department of Housing has identified a suitable site for the facility and construction will start in the first quarter of next year.

"The hostel will reduce the hardship experienced by short-term visitors and help reduce the number of people sleeping rough and the associated risk to those visitors."

      Fact File

• Up to 10% of indigenous populations in regional centres are made up of temporary residents from smaller remote communities

• Visitation rates to Derby are expected to increase with the opening of the new West Kimberley Regional Prison, placing additional pressure on health, housing and welfare services

• State Government's Royalties for Regions program administered by Department of Regional Development and Lands 

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 5500

Housing Minister's office - 6552 6700