Warmun evacuees one step closer to home

Warmun community members would be able to return home thanks to a $15million project to build temporary accommodation in the flood-affected town.

Deputy Premier Kim Hames said the evacuees had been staying in a workers camp in Kununurra since March, after more than 200 residents were evacuated due to flooding.

"Accommodating the evacuees in Kununurra was a temporary solution while essential services were restored and damage was assessed," Dr Hames said.

"Following these assessments we now know that the majority of homes in Warmun are going to need to be replaced or significantly refurbished and this is going to take time.

"Residents have told us they want to return home and the Warmun Re-Establishment Taskforce has been working on a solution to allow this to happen sooner rather than later."

Work will commence immediately on a temporary 200-bed accommodation village to accommodate evacuees.  

A temporary health clinic will also be built and temporary schooling arrangements organised.

Once the village has fulfilled its purpose at Warmun, key elements will be re-located to Kununurra to cater for the expansion that is envisaged as the Ord Stage Two project ramps up.

Housing Minister Troy Buswell said it was anticipated the facility would be ready in Warmun by mid-June.

"The Department of Housing will also have several new homes in place to provide additional accommodation by this time, and the community office and store will be refurbished by the time residents return," Mr Buswell said.

"This interim measure will allow residents to return home and get some normality back to their lives.  It will also provide residents the opportunity to take advantage of employment and training opportunities available in the reconstruction of Warmun."

With the Department of Housing, the taskforce is working with the Warmun community and contractors to employ as many local community members as possible in the clean-up and reconstruction.

"The Department of Housing has a strong track record in employing indigenous people in construction projects in the Kimberley.  Through its innovative indigenous employment strategy, the department will ensure maximum local indigenous participation in the reconstruction of Warmun," Dr Hames said.

Deputy Premier's office - 9222 8788

Housing Minister's office - 9213 6900