On 14 January 2026, the State Government announced $20 million of funding to build the Kununurra Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation project would be reallocated to deliver a significant boost to social housing in Kununurra and Wyndham.
Factors supporting the decision
The Department of Housing and Works, in partnership with local stakeholders, looked extensively for workable sites. The project has faced significant challenges, including a lack of suitable vacant land or existing facilities for repurposing.
A site was identified in early 2024; however, the existing facility is now an Aboriginal youth training, education and accommodation service – a much-needed service for the local community. As a result, the government withdrew from negotiations for this site.
The government acknowledges the work of local stakeholders who advocated for the Short Stay, but ultimately it was no longer feasible.
More social housing and local jobs in the Kimberley
Redirecting this funding will boost the supply of social housing by up to 32 homes over the next two years, providing a pipeline of work to local builders and offering opportunities for Aboriginal employment, training and apprenticeships.
The Department of Housing and Works will also engage with small and medium businesses to refurbish and return existing social housing stock to the system. This includes businesses that may not have benefited from a project on the scale of a short stay.
More information
If you have questions, please email: aboriginalshortstay@communities.wa.gov.au.
Media statement
$20 million reallocated to social housing in Kununurra and Wyndham
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