19/5/04
The Shires of Sandstone and Yalgoo have joined with the State Government to build a total of five new homes in the small Murchison communities.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens is visiting the region today to formally open two new three-bedroom residences in Yalgoo and three in Sandstone.
Mr Stephens congratulated both shires, the Department of Housing and Works (DHW) and the Country Housing Authority (CHA) on the success of the projects.
"These projects demonstrate the value of a partnership approach between local governments and the State Government," he said.
"Increasing the supply of suitable housing makes a real contribution to the growth and development of smaller communities such as Yalgoo and Sandstone.
"In Yalgoo, the accommodation has been built for rental to low income families, who might otherwise have had to leave the town.
"The Sandstone units accommodate shire employees and their families, making the task of attracting and retaining quality staff easier.
"Enabling families to live in these small towns also helps boost school numbers and benefits local businesses.
"The combined value of these projects, at more than $880,000, represents a significant investment in the future of these small communities."
The Minister said that two of the units in both Yalgoo and Sandstone were constructed under the DHW Community Housing Joint Venture Program and involved a substantial contribution from the Shires.
Sandstone's third unit was built by the shire, with the assistance of a grant from the CHA Housing Development Incentive Program.
In all cases, the shires would collect rent and manage the properties.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
