Homeswest funding in 1998-99 for 55 new dwellings in Kimberley region

23/7/98

Homeswest will allocate $7.04 million in 1998-99 to provide 55 new dwellings in the Kimberley region to meet the continuing strong demand for public housing.

Housing Minister Dr Kim Hames said the expenditure was a substantial commitment and demonstrated the State Government's determination to reduce waiting lists and provide affordable housing in all communities.

The main rental program included construction or purchase of 15 additional homes in Broome and three in Kununurra.

Dr Hames said 37 units would also be provided to meet specific Aboriginal housing needs throughout the region.

He said the expenditure would not only assist people with genuine housing needs but would also provide a substantial boost to local businesses involved in everything from housing construction to land development.

In Broome, the housing program included six two-bedroom and four three-bedroom family homes and five one-bedroom units.

Kununurra would gain three three-bedroom family homes.

Dr Hames said Homeswest's Aboriginal Housing Program for urban areas also included four additional family homes in Broome, four in Kununurra and two in Derby.

As well, over $3.9 million had been allocated under the Aboriginal Housing Remote Areas Program for housing construction in 1998-99 for communities including the Bardi ($600,000), Kundat Djaru (Ringer Soak) ($600,000), Karmuli-Nunga ($1,160,000), Nillar Irbanjin ($360,000), Mindi Rardi ($650,000), Mowamjum ($300,000) and Ngallangunda ($300,000).

The Homeswest Management Support Program, which funds programs to develop management skills and train Aboriginal people to carry out repairs and other works associated with Homeswest properties, would spend more than $2.3 million on programs associated with the Oombulgurri, Guda Guda, Yardgee, Kalumburu, Warmun, Nulleywah, Warrayu, Mirima, Pandanus Park, Karmuli Nunga, Bayulu (Parmarinjarti) and Kurnangki communities.

Dr Hames said a substantial allocation of $415 million across the State for Government home loan assistance measures would also assist many low to moderate income families into home ownership.

Media contacts: Caroline Lacy (08)9424 7450

Homeswest: Bev Wilcox (08) 9222 4500