Shire of Northampton seeking $150,000 to fund worker’s accommodation to support Seroja recovery

The State Government has refused to say if it will commit to funding workers’ accommodation in Kalbarri to aid cyclone Seroja recovery efforts.

Shire of Northampton deputy president Shane Krakouer said the local government had identified a company in South Australia which would be willing to transport a camp able to accommodate 100 workers to Kalbarri.

The cost of transport would be about $150,000, but Mr Krakouer said the Shire had not yet received confirmation of any financial assistance from the State Government for the plan.

“If we can’t get the Government to put any money into that, then the Shire might have to foot the bill,” he said.

“All the builders are taking up all the holidaymakers’ accommodation, so that’s going to cause more problems.”

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Mr Krakouer said residents whose homes had been destroyed or badly damaged in the cyclone were also desperate for accommodation solutions to be delivered.

“The insurance companies, they are doing nothing and tarps on houses are blowing off,” he said.

A government spokesperson would not say if and how much funding the State would be contributing to workers’ accommodation in Kalbarri.

The spokesperson said the State was working with local governments on options for temporary accommodation, in consultation with the Commonwealth. “The State Government recognises that suitable workers’ accommodation will play a significant role in supporting cyclone recovery works as Mid West communities rebuild,” they said.