The installation of family-friendly temporary accommodation for flood-affected Fitzroy Valley communities in Western Australia’s Kimberley is underway.
Families whose flood-damaged homes require either major refurbishment or rebuilding will have access to improved temporary accommodation options in coming weeks, ahead of the 2023-24 wet season.
The installation of temporary accommodation has been made available through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
A minimum of 40 temporary accommodation units are being provided, which are fully furnished and designed to suit family living, each made up of two demountable-style modules connected by a central verandah.
Modules will include two-or three-bedroom configurations with either self-contained or adjoining ensuites and kitchen, laundry and living spaces.
The temporary accommodation units being installed are at a height to withstand a one-in-50-year flooding event.
Access roads to communities are also being repaired and upgraded to enable heavy haulage to support delivery and installation.
Major repair works to flood-damaged Western Australian Government-owned properties are also underway, including the raising of approximately 23 properties to the new standard of a metre above the one-in-100-year flood event level.
This future-proofing of homes complements the installation of the temporary units as part of the commitment by the Albanese and Cook Governments to help flood-impacted Kimberley communities prepare for the coming wet season.
The temporary accommodation units are being installed as part of theKimberley Floods Temporary Residential Accommodation Program, while the work to lift existing homes is part of the Community Housing and Access Roads Repair and Rebuild Program.
Both programs are jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Governments.
As stated by Federal Acting Minister for Emergency Management, Brendan O’Connor:
“We are working closely with the Cook Government and the local community in the Fitzroy Valley to understand what is needed for recovery from Tropical Cyclone Ellie, as well as what is needed in advance of the next wet season.
“We are always listening to community leaders and residents to understand what is going to work best for them.
“Being able to live on country and near family is critical for community and this temporary accommodation offers the best solution while people’s homes are continuing to be repaired or rebuilt.”
Comments As put by WA Senator Glenn Sterle:
“It’s great to see recovery progressing, giving residents a sense of certainty before the next wet season arrives.
“The Albanese Government is pleased to support this important work by the Cook Government, with consultation from local communities and traditional landowners.”
Comments As put by WA Minister for Community Services, Sabine Winton:
“Rollout of the temporary accommodation commenced in early September with installation works underway in Bungardi, Darlngunaya, Burawa, Fitzroy Crossing, Karnparmi, Loanban and Yurabi.
“Fitzroy Valley community members will soon have a more permanent temporary place to call home before the wet season, while their flood affected homes are refurbished or rebuilt.”
As stated by WA Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson:
“While the Cook Government continues to support the communities across the Fitzroy Valley to recover from the flooding, we’re also putting measures in place to prepare for the upcoming wet season.
“Completion of raised temporary residential accommodation will enable flood-affected community members to remain living on country over the wet season and supports cultural and spiritual connection with their land and waterways.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“Following January’s floods, we know that many people in the Fitzroy Valley may be anxious in the lead up to the coming wet season.
“Providing secure, family friendly housing on country will help to ease that stress.”
