Imagine traveling hundreds of kilometers for essential services, only to find yourself sleeping on the streets or crammed into an already overcrowded home. This is the harsh reality for many Aboriginal residents of remote communities in Western Australia, and it’s a crisis that’s been left unaddressed despite a dire need for solutions. But here’s where it gets controversial: a $20 million plan to provide short-stay accommodation in Kununurra was recently abandoned by the Cook government, sparking outrage and leaving vulnerable individuals in the lurch. Let’s dive into why this decision has so many people scratching their heads—and why it matters more than you might think.
Elizabeth Waina knows this struggle all too well. Sitting on the pavement outside a bank in Kununurra, she clutches a debit card and a crumpled letter, waiting for the doors to open. Elizabeth has journeyed over 500 kilometers from Kalumburu, Western Australia’s northernmost settlement, to access services unavailable in her hometown. She’s far from alone. Every year, countless residents of remote Aboriginal communities make similar trips, only to face a glaring lack of suitable accommodation. Without options, many are forced to sleep rough or squeeze into relatives’ already overcrowded homes, exacerbating tensions and creating unsafe conditions.
And this is the part most people miss: The Western Australian government had pledged $20 million to build short-stay accommodation for these travelers, a move that seemed like a lifeline for those in need. But in a surprising turn of events, the Cook government scrapped the project, citing land limitations and a lack of suitable facilities. Instead, the funds were reallocated to social housing in Kununurra and Wyndham, with plans to deliver 32 homes over the next two years. While additional housing is undoubtedly needed, critics argue that this decision ignores the immediate crisis faced by transient visitors.
Housing and Works Minister John Carey acknowledged the disappointment many feel, stating, ‘Our government is ensuring every dollar will be spent in the Kununurra and Wyndham communities.’ But for people like Chermaine Dodd, who traveled to Kununurra from the Northern Territory, the reallocation feels like a missed opportunity. ‘I’m struggling, I’m homeless, and I need somewhere to stay,’ she said. Chermaine believes a short-stay facility would provide safety and stability for her and others in similar situations. ‘As long as they provide us with a bed and food, and we do the right thing, I would feel safe,’ she added.
The issue of overcrowding is a recurring theme. Many visitors end up staying with relatives, even when there’s no room to spare. ‘It creates tension and family disputes,’ Chermaine explained. Edreena Unghango, visiting from Kalumburu, echoed this sentiment. While she has a safe place to stay, she worries about younger relatives who sleep rough when in town. ‘Sometimes you see families on the streets with babies,’ she said. ‘I feel unsafe for my siblings, my baby sister, my baby brother. I like to call them regularly to make sure they’re okay.’
Vernon Lawrence, CEO of the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, remains steadfast in his advocacy for the short-stay facility. He argues that while social housing is crucial, the lack of temporary accommodation is ‘sorely needed’ and exacerbates the town’s social issues. ‘Going through the COVID years and the increase in construction costs, there’s no way a facility like that could be built for $20 million now,’ he said. ‘It’s a partial solution that’s obvious but hasn’t been implemented.’ Lawrence hopes the government will eventually find long-term funding to revive the project.
Here’s the question that’s dividing opinions: Was the government right to prioritize permanent housing over temporary solutions, or did they overlook an immediate crisis? And what does this decision say about our commitment to supporting vulnerable communities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs to be had.
