Multigenerational housing precinct proposed for East Newman as a more culturally appropriate form of planning

A proposed multigenerational housing precinct in East Newman seeks to create more culturally appropriate dwelling options for residents. The proposal comes as part of the East Newman Precinct Structure Plan, an ongoing large-scale infrastructure and social project that aims to address the socio-economic disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal people in East Newman. The Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation, Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation, and Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service are all proponents of the plan, which is also supported by Creating Communities Australia. CCA project manager Sam Williams said multigenerational housing was a community-proposed initiative that better reflected the way Martu and Nyiyaparli communities wanted to live. “The East Newman Master plan was a high-level town planning document that was made in consultation with Martu and Nyiyaparli that asked them what are the things they want and need,” he said. “One of the things we were told was, as a culture and community, the traditional owners might want to live a little differently from the way non-Aboriginal people (do). “The multigenerational housing precinct is about celebrating the fact that different generations reside and live together.” 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. Mr Williams said multigenerational housing sought to create a series of pods where all ages slept and lived together. “We are looking at how we can have a house or an area that has grandma, mum, dad and the kids all living in one place,” he said. “How that house or area can reflect the way that the traditional owners want to live. “Especially in response to the climate in Newman so it’s about having an outdoor cooking area as a pod, a housing area pod, and within that housing area you could have families sleeping together.” Mr Williams said landowners would be encouraged to build new developments with this concept in mind. “It’s a key message of the ENPSP and we have certainly put it as an opportunity for land owners to look at ways of providing housing which is reflective to the cultural needs of the residents of East Newman,” he said. At the August ordinary council meeting the Shire of East Pilbara endorsed the ENPSP to go to the WA Planning Commission with a recommendation for approval.