The Aboriginal community at Collarenebri is partnering with the NSW Government on more than $1.8 million in infrastructure upgrades to provide social, economic and employment benefits for the area.
The Roads to Home program in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is working with Collarenebri Local Aboriginal Land Council to upgrade The Walli village.
The NSW Government has committed a total of $173.8 million under Roads to Home to support infrastructure upgrades in 34 Aboriginal communities across the state, including $1.8 million at The Walli.
The Walli project, which is being managed by Collarenebri LALC, is now underway and will include upgrades of roads and gutters, stormwater drainage, house fencing, a community shed, and landscaping, as well as installation of driveways and concrete footpaths.
There will also be upgrades to sewer, water and electrical infrastructure and the Telstra network. Erosion and sediment control work is also planned.
Aboriginal company Haroca Civil Plant & Mining has been contracted by Collarenebri LALC to undertake the infrastructure work and will be employing six members of the local community on the project, creating job and training opportunities.
Currently there are nine homes at The Walli on one lot owned by Collarenebri LALC, but the Roads to Home project will include subdivision and zoning changes to give addresses to individual homes to make it easier for residents to access municipal services and for utilities and emergency service providers to find them, as well as create home ownership opportunities.
Collarenebri Local Aboriginal Land Council Chair Roslyn McGregor said:
“The Walli means camping place in Gamilaroi. This is a proud community but currently the infrastructure is in bad shape. The roads are worn with potholes that fill with stagnant water after rain and impact vehicles and road safety, and there are no footpaths and not much street lighting.
“We have seen the work at other Roads to Home projects and the huge difference it can make. What is also important is it is giving Aboriginal community members a say in infrastructure upgrades and planning changes.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Roads to Home is a grassroots program that empowers Aboriginal communities to make decisions about infrastructure upgrades to enhance quality of life and improve access to services, including waste collection, postal delivery, emergency access and community transport.
“Significant benefits can be created for communities when they have fit-for-purpose infrastructure, and this project will support social, employment and training benefits for local Aboriginal residents.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“Roads to Home is a wonderful example of ensuring Aboriginal people and communities are in the driver’s seat when it comes to making decisions that impact their lives. The community of Collarenebri has identified issues that, when resolved, will provide real benefits to the community’s quality of life.
“The program’s focus on creating training and job opportunities will also have an important, long-lasting impact on the community of Collarenebri, which is essential as we work towards closing the gap in life outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.”
Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:
“This investment is great news because it will improve essential infrastructure and support a better quality of life for the residents of The Walli.
“Roads to Home is correcting an historic injustice, where Aboriginal communities on former missions and reserves were left without the types of infrastructure other communities take for granted.
“This will go a long way toward improving quality of life for this community.”