Warmun residents return after State Government’s three-month rebuild, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 12-July-2011
Warmun residents will be celebrating their return home today only three months after their community was evacuated due to floods and declared a disaster area.
Deputy Premier Kim Hames welcomed the community back home and praised a combined State Government effort to rebuild the community and re-house the evacuees.
“The Warmun Re-Establishment Taskforce co-ordinated this effort, overseeing the Department of Housing’s (DoH) creation of 17 new homes, fully refurbishing another eight and building a temporary accommodation facility to house 200,” Dr Hames said.
“Temporary schooling and health clinic facilities have been built, in addition to the refurbishment of the community store and office, to support the residents’ return home.
“To do this in three months is testament to what can be achieved and all involved deserve congratulating because more than 90 per cent of the community’s homes had been damaged or destroyed by the flood.
“Construction isn’t over yet but I am certain there will be many happy faces on the residents.”
Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said he was pleased that the Royalties for Regions-funded Ord Stage II Camp (Garrjang) in Kununurra had been able to house the evacuated community members during the rebuilding period.
“It is great to see the Government and the community working quickly and collaboratively to rebuild the devastated community,” Mr Grylls said.
Housing Minister Troy Buswell praised his department which he said had built an impressive track record in the past two years building homes in remote parts of Western Australia.
Work continues building another 38 homes in Warmun, in addition to a new school and health centre. The arts centre and other community buildings will be refurbished.
Former West Coast Eagle David Wirrpanda is joining today’s celebrations and will present a sea container of blankets and warm clothes, donated by the David Wirrpanda Foundation.
“The local football team, the Warmun Eagles, play in the same colours as the West Coast Eagles, so meeting with a former player should be a great hit with the kids,” Dr Hames said.
