31/3/03
The Parnpajinya community in the Pilbara is to get new housing, expected to be ready for occupation in October.
Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens told a Pilbara Zone meeting in Kununurra that tenders had been called for construction of six houses, due to start at the end of April.
"This is part of the first stage of a two-part housing program for Parnpajinya, which follows three years of intensive discussions and planning with the community," Mr Stephens said.
"The local community has provided significant input over the past three years during planning of the project, including the overall site planning and the detailed design of culturally appropriate housing models."
The Minister said the project was supported by East Pilbara Shire, BHP Iron Ore, Pilbara College of TAFE, Aboriginal Lands Trust and Department of Housing and Works.
The Department of Housing and Works had also funded a community co-ordinator to assist with community development at Parnpajinya.
"In order to foster indigenous empowerment and encourage a sense of ownership when the project is completed, training and employment have been offered and are an integral part of the project," Mr Stephens said.
"Already 20 Martu people from Parnpajinya have committed themselves to certified training in horticulture and construction through Pilbara TAFE."
Mr Stephens said a flood mitigation project designed to alleviate problems experienced over the wet of 2001 had been completed before the current wet season and it had stood the test of recent heavy rains.
"The second stage is currently under way which includes upgrading all the site services such as roads, power, water and sewer to the expected town quality," he said.
"The community will be connected to Newman main town water supply, which is chlorinated, and this is a great health outcome for the community.
"There will also be access to mains fire fighting water. This component of the project is expected to finish in early May.
"The third stage of the project is the development of housing, which has been planned to maximise training and employment opportunities.
"The overall site construction program includes community involvement in construction and greening projects, such as refurbishing an existing two-bedroom house or seed gathering and development of a nursery to provide plant materials for a landscaping and dust suppression project."
The Minister said the design of the housing allowed for site assembly and development of trade skills by community people.
A modernised version of the traditional bough shelter had been designed in kit form and its erection was being trialled as part of the Parnpajinya project.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
