Minister announces much needed housing at Ninga Mia

13/11/01
The construction of three new dwellings is well under way at the Ninga Mia community in the Kalgoorlie region, and construction of two more houses will commence shortly.
Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens said today that the community had been allocated $597,000 to meet accommodation needs.
Mr Stephens said three aged pensioner units were now 95 per cent complete.
"The community had elected to have the same design as previously used by the Department of Housing and Works' Aboriginal Housing and Infrastructure Unit at Kurrawang," he said.
"It was pleasing that the community and the nominated tenants were able to take part in the design process and selection of finishes."
The budget for the three units being built by Jaxon Constructions was $297,000.
Meanwhile, the Minister said an additional $300,000 had been allocated by the Aboriginal Housing Board for the construction of two houses for family accommodation at Ninga Mia.
However, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission (ATSIC) had just offered a further $130,000 for community accommodation at Ninga Mia. Funding would now be pooled and three houses constructed.
Mr Stephens said the Aboriginal Housing and Infrastructure Unit had met with the community to begin the design process and was currently documenting the project.
"The new housing demonstrates a substantial commitment and the Government's determination to provide adequate public housing for Aboriginal communities," he said
Media contact: Julie Cole 9213 6500