Short stay accommodation at Bundiyarra in Geraldton begins construction after announcement in 2020

Short stay accommodation funded by the State Government, which has been in the works for three years, has begun construction at Bundiyarra Aboriginal Corporation in Utakarra.

The project, which was formally announced by the then-McGowan Government in 2020, is a project which aims to provide safe and secure accommodation for First Nations people visiting Geraldton.

The 44-unit accommodation is designed to house up to 100 people, with 16 single or couple rooms, 14 family rooms and 14 universally accessible rooms.

The $23.4 million building contract was awarded to local construction company GBSC Yurra, who will employ 10 Indigenous people during construction.

Construction began on Friday, February 2, two days behind the originally scheduled date of January 31 — beginning with earthworks which involve clearing the site where the accommodation is set to be constructed.

Bundiyarra CEO Wayne McDonald said seeing the project begin was exciting, adding it had been a long time coming.

When in Geraldton last month, Housing Minister John Carey said of the project: “I’m hesitant to give a time frame, we’re conscious of the tight construction market right now.”

He said the State Government website states the completion date is estimated to be in 2025.