Indigenous Organisation - Gumala's Housing Strategy

Housing Strategy

The aim of this strategy is to ensure that our Members have access to affordable rental accommodation. It involves sourcing land and constructing appropriate accommodation for our Members to rent in the Pilbara. A housing survey completed in mid-2009 was of great value in giving information to Gumala Aboriginal Corporation about the current living conditions of our Members, as well as their housing requirements.

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation is currently focusing on projects in South Hedland, Roebourne and Tom Price, as land has already been identified and is more accessible. After this, Gumala will be looking at housing in other Pilbara towns (Onslow, Paraburdoo and Karratha).

South Hedland land purchase

In mid-2010 Gumala Aboriginal Corporation negotiated the purchase of land in South Hedland, paving the way for the construction of homes in order to provide affordable housing for our Members. The contract was signed by GIPL and the WA Department of Housing for the purchase of 10 residential lots of land in the Demarchi sub-division.

The next step is to finalise negotiations with the Department of Housing, relating to the securing of funding (for construction costs etc) and conditions attached to that funding. Following the finalisation of that step, the construction process will commence. GAC is contracting the services to consultants to prepare the necessary compliance work and reports. GAC is expected to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Foundation Housing in the second half of the 2010 calendar year.