13/11/01
The remote Aboriginal community at Looma was undergoing a significant facelift, Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens said today.
Mr Stephens said 17 new houses were currently being constructed, along with the renovation of another 10, and the demolition of 17.
He said the major project was a joint venture between the Department of Housing and Works and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).
In addition, the department's 2002-03 budget provided an allocation of $1.85million for the construction of a further 10 houses at the community.
"All houses currently being built were designed in consultation with the Looma community and individual residents also had input into the design and finishes," Mr Stephens said.
"The Aboriginal Housing Board has allocated $850,000 for the construction of five of the houses, and ATSIC has allocated funding for the additional construction, demolition and renovation through the National Aboriginal Health Strategy program."
The department's component is being program managed by KAH Pty Ltd and the ATSIC component by PPK Environment and Infrastructure.
The joint project is being managed by Monsoon Architecture and Planning, and the power reticulation project managed by Connell Wagner.
The construction contract was awarded to Murray River North.
Mr Stephens said six of the houses under construction were being built by Looma community members as an employment and training program.
The program involved the builder supplying all materials, tools, trade trainers, sub-contractors for licensed trades, programming and supervision of works.
It was intended that Kimberley TAFE would be the Registered Training Organisation and carry out the skills assessment.
Mr Stephens said he was pleased that the construction work had started at the Looma community. It was a positive step forward in providing the basic right of shelter for Aboriginal people living in remote communities.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9213 6500
