$25.6 million to deliver essential and municipal services in remote communities
Local contractors to deliver services, creating jobs in regional areas
The State Government will continue to deliver a range of essential and municipal services to Western Australia's remote communities.
Housing Minister Colin Holt said the 2016-17 State Budget had allocated $25.6 million for the Housing Authority to maintain services to 164 remote Aboriginal communities.
"This funding will support the provision of a range of services during 2016-17 following the withdrawal of Australian Government funding last year," Mr Holt said.
"This ensures these communities will continue to receive essential and municipal services such as power, water and rubbish collection, as well as road and airstrip maintenance."
In July 2015, the Australian Government's Municipal and Essential Services (MUNS) program was transferred to the Housing Authority. The Authority successfully managed the transition of services with no disruptions to communities.
Treasurer Mike Nahan said the funding for 2016-17 would be delivered through eight regional service providers and directly through a number of individual Aboriginal community corporations.
"These organisations hire workers from regional areas ensuring communities not only benefit from the continued provision of essential services, but also receive much-needed job opportunities," Dr Nahan said.
"Today's Budget announcement brings the total State Government investment in remote communities and town-based reserves for housing and related services in 2016-17 to $74.6 million."
Ongoing State Government funding will be considered in the context of the Liberal National Government's Regional Services Reform to remote communities.
Fact File
The $74.6 million for 2016-17 funding for remote communities and town-based reserves includes $30 million under the Remote Area Essential Services Program, $25.6 million for essential and municipal services, $17 million for Aboriginal housing and $2 million for operating swimming pools and visitors' centres
There are 205 remote communities in WA, with another 69 seasonal or abandoned remote communities and a further 38 town-based reserves. MUNS are currently delivered to 164 of these communities
Treasurer's office - 6552 5700
Housing Minister's office - 6552 6100
