Flood recovery for
Western Australia's Kimberley region continues with the rollout of the next
stage of temporary residential accommodation and the establishment of dedicated
accommodation for workers, as flood-affected communities continue to rebuild.
Both temporary
accommodation programs are jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Governments
through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA).
To date, the Temporary Residential Accommodation Program being
delivered by the WA Department of Communities has provided much-needed
accommodation for some communities. Stage two of the program will provide
longer-term temporary accommodation on Country that is suitable for extended
families while their homes are repaired or rebuilt.
The types of accommodation
in stage two will also support displaced residents who wish to return to their
communities located close to the Fitzroy River, which are more prone to
flooding during the wet season.
The record-breaking
flooding in January 2023 caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure
across the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley, resulting in the need to accommodate workers
undertaking a large-scale program of recovery activities and reconstruction
works.
Additionally, the Temporary
Workers Accommodation Program will enable the Western Australian Government
to enter into an agreement with local Aboriginal enterprises to secure
accommodation for flood recovery-related workers.
The program will support the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley to manage the
operations of the 40-person worker camp facility donated by Rio Tinto.
The WA Government has
commenced discussions with local communities and Traditional Owners to identify
suitable culturally appropriate accommodation options that meet the needs of
the impacted communities, as well as support local employment and business
development opportunities for the Fitzroy Crossing community.
Federal Minister for Northern
Australia Madeleine King said these programs would help to continue the
recovery of those impacted by the flooding in WA's Kimberley region.
"The Albanese Government recognises
that labour shortages pose a challenge for recovery works right across the
country," Minister King said.
"The Temporary Workers
Accommodation Program will help make it more viable for tradespeople to
stay in the region and focus on rebuilding homes, businesses and essential
public assets.
"We're also pleased to support
an extension to the successful Temporary Residential Accommodation Program,
which will help ensure that displaced residents and their families will be able
to stay on Country as the recovery continues."
Western Australian Emergency
Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the WA Government had been working
closely with impacted communities to determine demand and consider suitable
options for accommodating displaced families, as well as the recovery
workforce.
"Ongoing consultation with the community has identified the need for additional
temporary residential accommodation options that are suitable for larger,
extended families," Minister Dawson said.
"This funding will enable us to provide temporary residential accommodation
that better suits their needs in the long-term as their homes are rebuilt.
"Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of accommodation available in
Fitzroy Crossing to house incoming workers, which could hinder reconstruction
and recovery efforts.
"This jointly funded program
will enable incoming workers to stay locally while doing critical work to help
communities to get back on their feet and recover."
The support is in addition to
more housing assistance for public housing and private homeowner grants, and
recovery grants for farmers, small and medium-sized businesses, also announced
today. For more information, visit: www.dfes.wa.gov.au/kimberleyfloods
