Innovative project for East Newman gets Shire backing but the organisers say more work needs to be done

An innovative plan to improve conditions for Martu and Nyiyaparli communities in East Newman has been backed by the local council but the project’s leaders say more work needs to be done to implement the plan. The East Newman Precinct Structure Plan is an ongoing large-scale infrastructure and social project that aims to address the socio-economic disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal people in East Newman. On Friday, August 25, the Shire of East Pilbara decided to submit the plan to the WA Planning Commission for determination with a recommendation for approval but with three amendments to the proposal. As part of the Council’s recommendation to the WAPC, it suggested the removal of the new bough shelters, proposed connectivity roads, and Neighbourhood Centre with an upgraded central park. The proponents of the project submitted the ENPSP to the council, supported by Creating Communities Australia. Creating Communities chief executive Donna Shepherd said the Shire’s recommendation was a big achievement but they were hoping the conditions were removed. “There was a great presentation by Martu, Nyiyaparli, and PAMS, about the importance of the Precinct Structure Plan and it was approved subject to a few conditions,” she said. “We don’t agree with the conditions that have gone through but the scheme amendment was approved and the precinct structure plan was approved, so that’s the great news. “The not-so-great news was that they took out some things that we think are really important for the plan like the Neighbourhood Centre and that’s just so people in East Newman have got somewhere to buy some milk or some bread.” The ENPSP is one of the first projects resulting from the 2020 Martu and Nyiyaparli ‘This is Our Dream Cultural Compact’ and forms part of the East Newman Revitalisation Project. The planning process for the ENPSP has been led by Martu and Nyiyaparli Traditional Owners who are seeking to build a better and more sustainable life for their communities based on strong culture and families. The Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation, Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation, and Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service are all proponents of the plan. Melvin Farmer, who previously served as chairperson for both JYAC and PAMS, said addressing the dire issues with housing in East Newman was key to the plan. “It’s been a long journey to where we are and we would like to see this project up and running,” he said. “It makes life better for our people in Newman because the Parnparjinya Reserve has been demolished so there is a bit of an influx in town where our people have moved in and it’s more overcrowded. “That’s why we are fighting for that recognition to have East Newman built up for our people.” The ENPSP targets improvements in housing, the creation of a Neighbourhood Centre, a PAMS short-stay accommodation, better public open spaces, the creation of Nyiyaparli and Martu youth educational facilities, improved walking trails, and social activities. Mr Farmer said it was great to work with the Council on the plan but these improvements were key to the project. “We didn’t get what we wanted but at least we got enough,” he said. “They didn’t say no to everything.” Residents of East Newman experience high levels of overcrowding, poor health outcomes, low education attainment, and large income disparities compared to other regions. Ms Shepherd said the ENPSP was a community-driven initiative that would seek to rectify these inequalities. “The plan has been approved by the three boards KNAC, JYAC, and PAMS,” she said. “Because it’s a plan for the people by the people - people who have walked this land for 60,000 years - (that’s) what makes this project so special. “It’s a new vision for East Newman on strong culture and strong family.” Ms Shepherd said there were ongoing discussions around the implementation of the plan. Multiple initiatives in the East Newman Revitalisation Project have already come to fruition like the Train Park Activation, the Martumili walking trail, the Martu Youth Hostel, and the Food program.