24/01/06
The State Government has approved contracts worth $1.29million for the construction of new houses in the remote Warakurna Aboriginal community in the Gibson Desert.
Warakurna is located within the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku, 1,150km from Kalgoorlie and 75km from the Northern Territory border.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan said the three four-bedroom homes would be built as part of the State Government’s response to the Gordon Inquiry.
Mr Logan said the contract for the dwellings had been awarded to Alice Springs-based Ngaanyatjarra Aboriginal Corporation for $1,297,245.
“Plans will be based on designs which have already proven beneficial in remote locations,” the Minister said.
“The dwellings have been specifically planned for sustainability and to maximise their responsiveness to the harsh climatic conditions in arid areas of the State.”
Mr Logan said lightweight construction materials including colorbond wall and roof cladding would be used on steel framing.
These materials, coupled with premium insulation, allowed for minimal heat absorption during daylight hours and rapid cooling as the hot sun subsides in the latter part of the day.
Mr Logan said the designs had achieved a very high 5.5 star rating under the AccuRate Energy Efficiency rating system. The cross-ventilation design would also facilitate the discharge of hot air from within the home.
“The double garages encompass a front sectional door for additional security,” the Minister said.
The dwellings are being built for the Government Employees Housing Authority and will accommodate officers from the Police Service.
Minister's office: 9222 8950
