2/9/02
Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens today opened a new office facility and seven houses for the Mugarinya community in Yandeyarra.
Mr Stephens, in the Pilbara for the State Government's regional cabinet meeting, said the Department of Housing and Works' Aboriginal Housing Infrastructure Unit (AHIU) had managed the project.
He said the department's Aboriginal Communities Strategic Investment Program (ACSIP) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission (ATSIC) had funded the administration buildings, while the houses were funded by the Department's Community Construction and Essential Services program.
"The contract price for the office was $557,000, with $392,000 contributed by the department and $165,000 by ATSIC," the Minister said.
"A new computer network and telephone system for the office is due to be installed shortly.
"Another jointly funded project between the department and ATSIC is the sealing and kerbing of the internal road system estimated to cost $1.4million.
"Other major achievements of the department's program in recent times, have included the construction of a $1.2million swimming pool, the implementation of a $500,000 'Greening Project' including a new football oval and pool landscaping, and funding for a finance officer."
The seven new houses were constructed at a cost of $1.168million by Kalgoorlie-based business Clarkes Building Contractors. The houses were designed by the AHIU in conjunction with the Mugarinya community and the Pilbara Meta Maya Regional Aboriginal Corporation.
Mr Stephens said the community was to be congratulated on the determined way they worked to ensure the new housing and office facilities were built.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
