The Australian Government is committing $45.1 million to invest in housing on Aboriginal Land in Wreck Bay Village in the Jervis Bay Territory as part of the 2023-24 Budget's $1.9 billion investment in initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
This investment will support a capital works program to fix the disrepair of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council's residential housing stock. This builds on our investment of $5 million in 2022.
The funding will support all housing in Wreck Bay Village to be brought up to standard. This will involve demolishing and rebuilding some homes, constructing new homes, and upgrading housing-related infrastructure.
The Australian Government will work in partnership with the Council to develop a sustainable housing plan to ensure the effective roll-out of this work.
The partnership between government and Council will ensure the creation of local job opportunities and the delivery of sustainable housing for the community. In addition to this investment, the Aboriginal Land Grant (Jervis Bay Territory) Amendment (Strengthening Land and Governance Provisions) Bill 2022 that is currently before Parliament will strengthen local governance and decision-making, and assists the Council with issuing home ownership-style leases to people living in Wreck Bay Village.
The Council has advised it will offer these leases when houses are brought up to standard. Delivering on these shared priorities supports Closing the Gap Priority Reforms and Outcomes through enhancing shared decision-making, building the community-controlled sector and supporting First Nations people to secure appropriate housing aligned with their purpose and needs.
Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:
"I am delighted that housing conditions will improve significantly for residents in Wreck Bay Village, and I am excited about the job opportunities this investment will create.
"I am grateful to the community and the Council's Board members, both past and present, for working closely with the Australian Government to progress our shared priorities."
Quotes attributable to Minister McBain:
"This investment in Wreck Bay's housing is a concrete demonstration of this Government's commitment to prioritising the needs of regional areas. We are supporting strong, secure and sustainable regions, backed by responsible investments that boost productivity, improve wellbeing, and pay economic and social dividends.
"I am excited about the opportunities for new and expanded roles for the Council, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Wreck Bay community's housing and housing-related infrastructure needs being realised."
Quotes attributable to Member for Fenner, Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh:
"The Wreck Bay community has a proud history and an enduring connection to country. This investment will ensure that Wreck Bay thrives and remains a valued place for community members to live, work and raise a family."
