Millions in funding for new housing projects in northern WA

• Further $46.5 million North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund investment across the Pilbara and Kimberley
• $30.6 million for 28 affordable rental homes with the option to purchase and wraparound engagement services provided for Aboriginal workers and their families in the Pilbara
• $15.9 million funding for Aboriginal employee housing across the North West

The Cook Government has announced nearly $47 million in funding to provide new affordable rent to buy homes in the Pilbara and five-years of culturally appropriate engagement and wraparound support services to Aboriginal workers and their families in the Pilbara and Kimberley.

These new investments are being delivered through the Cook Government's $200 million North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund and include:

• $30.6 million for 28 affordable rental homes through the Pilbara Aboriginal Home Ownership Program, and wraparound engagement services provided for Aboriginal workers and their families; and
•  $15.9 million in funding for Kimberley and Pilbara based Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to provide housing for their Aboriginal employees. 

The $30.6 million investment into the Pilbara Aboriginal Home Ownership Program will deliver stable long-term housing solutions by providing affordable rental homes with the option to purchase and support financial independence for local Aboriginal people and communities.

This innovative program aims to be wholly Aboriginal-owned through construction of new homes on Aboriginal-owned land and engagement of Aboriginal builders and service providers to work collaboratively as program owners.

Further information about this project and upcoming information sessions can be found at North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund (www.wa.gov.au).

The $15.9 million investment into Aboriginal employee housing will support the valuable work ACCOs do across the North West by providing secure and stable housing for their employees and families, enabling those employees to improve their employment capacity, income and financial wellbeing. 

The Department of Communities will invite ACCOs to help inform the design of the program by completing an Early Engagement Survey at North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund (www.wa.gov.au).

Regional engagement sessions will follow to allow Aboriginal people and organisations to shape the final Grants Framework.  It is anticipated that formal grant applications will be sought in 2024.

Comments attributed to Housing Minister John Carey:

"Our Government is working to deliver more affordable housing for Aboriginal workers and their families in the North West.

"The $30.6 million Pilbara Aboriginal Home Ownership Program will provide 28 homes and five years of culturally secure engagement services to employed Aboriginal households in the Pilbara.

"We are doing this through programs that will be owned and operated by Aboriginal organisations to ensure that services provided are culturally secure.

"These newly funded programs complement the work and investments our Government has already made through the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund and demonstrate our commitment to the WA Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy and improving liveability in regional Western Australia.

"These investments will help to ensure Aboriginal workers have access to a roof over their heads and wraparound supports to achieve their own goals in employment, education and financial wellbeing, and even to eventually purchase their own homes."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

"The North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund is demonstrating how the innovative use of housing can build opportunity, prosperity and wellbeing.

"The State Government wants to partner with Aboriginal people to increase housing options in a way that supports their aspirations, responds to local circumstances, and facilitates educational, training and employment outcomes."

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:

"It is great to see more housing projects getting off the ground in the Pilbara.

"All projects are driven by Aboriginal people and communities, with a strong focus on co-designing solutions which meet local needs."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:

"This Government has a record investment in housing, and this is just one way that we are delivering on that investment in the Kimberley.

"Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations have an extremely important role in our community, and this announcement will help them continue their meaningful work."