Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation housing project moves forward after tip fees waived by City of Karratha

Work on a $5.9 million Roebourne transitional housing project tipped as a “circuit breaker” will begin in March. The Ganalili Transitional Housing Project by Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation will involve 10 transitional houses, commercial offices and a training space being built in Roebourne. The houses will be made available for residents in crowded housing conditions to provide a stable living environment and for recently released inmates in an attempt to reduce the risk of reoffending. City of Karratha councillors voted at their January 31 meeting to waive tip fees for the demolition of the existing buildings on Roe Street. The fees were estimated to cost $153,885 for the removal of about 1000 tonnes of debris, including asbestos, general waste and masonry. In a letter to the City, YAC chief executive Michael Woodley said the transitional homes would assist people affected by crowded housing conditions gain access to employment, opportunities to gain accreditation and certification in their chosen field. “Crowded living conditions can be an impediment to people in Roebourne seeking and maintaining full-time employment and we are confident that this project can act as a circuit breaker for willing people to change their future for the better and provide support services to assist them along the way,” he said. Mr Woodley said YAC would be working with the Department of Corrections to give inmates an opportunity to participate in on-site work experience and training opportunities during construction.