Homes plan announced

Broome's construction industry has received a major boost after four local builders were awarded contracts worth $17.2 million for a West Kimberley housing project that will benefit Aboriginal families.

The West Kimberley Transitional Housing Program is a $33 million State Government Royalties for Regions project to build at least 60 homes in Broome and Derby.

It is a joint initiative between the Kimberley Development Commission and the Department of Housing.

Housing Minister Colin Holt said contracts to build the first 50 houses for the program were awarded in February, with Aboriginal-owned Tjallara Building Company, Colin Wilkinson Developments, Bud Watts Homes and Broome Builders announced as the successful tenderers.

Mr Holt said the Department of Housing was contributing up to $13 million of land for the program, with the houses to be completed in stages from mid-2015 to mid-2017.

"Participants will be provided with a new high-standard rental home with access to support services, and in return they must be in ongoing employment or training and their children must attend school," he said.

A transitional housing program has also been operating in Kununurra since 2012.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the program would have a positive impact on the community through the employment of local Aboriginal people.

Tjallara managing director Paul White said the project was a boon for Aboriginal families and the building industry.

"As an Aboriginal building company, it's fulfilling to know that we're going to be working on a project for the betterment and future direction of Aboriginal people in Broome," he said.

"It's fantastic that the Government has put it out to local builders.

"The Government had a real commitment to keep it local, especially Aboriginal involvement so it really ticked all the boxes with this program and we're proud to be part of it."

Kimberley Development Commission chief executive Jeff Gooding said the KDC was delighted with the outcome.

"This is a $17 million dollar injection into the local Kimberley economy, and in addition to delivering homes for the new West Kimberley Transitional Housing project will also see the delivery of significant employment opportunities during construction," he said.