Upgrades for remote Aboriginal health clinics

• $22.2m to redevelop up to six Aboriginal health clinics

At least six health clinics in remote Aboriginal communities are set to be upgraded, thanks to a $22.2million funding injection under the Liberal-National Government's Royalties for Regions program, Health Minister Kim Hames said today.

Dr Hames said the Remote Indigenous Health Clinics initiative would result in improvements to the delivery of health services in Aboriginal communities including Bayulu, Mulan, Mindibungu (Billiluna), Wakathuni and Noonkanbah (Yungngora).

Dr Hames said the project would improve health outcomes and address health inequities in remote Aboriginal communities.

"This initiative will see the replacement of sub-standard clinic infrastructure and eliminate the forced closure of clinics due to health and safety concerns. Access to quality primary health care services is crucial to the improvement of indigenous health and is essential in order to successfully and sustainably close the gap in life expectancy," he said.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the project would adopt culturally appropriate clinic designs to encourage community members to utilise the upgraded facilities.

"A major consideration for Royalties for Regions is providing supplementary investment to Government agencies to improve service delivery to communities," Mr Grylls said.

"The agencies involved are working with the communities to ensure each clinic best addresses each community's health priorities."

The project will be managed by the WA Country Health Service with works commencing immediately and continuing through 2012 and 2013.

      Fact File

• $22.2m to Remote Indigenous Health Clinics over three years

• $12.1m Improving Water Quality in Remote Aboriginal Communities project announced January 31 funds electricity upgrades to six of the health clinics

Health Minister's office - 6552 5300

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 5500