Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) spoke to members of the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs at today’s Perth hearing of their Inquiry into economic self-determination and opportunities for First Nations Australians.
JYAC interim CEO, Rewi Lyall, spoke to the committee about the importance of investing in on-country communities as the foundation for building economic self-determination.
“More than ever people agree with the principle that ‘country needs people’, but the other side of that is that people need vibrant, attractive communities so they can live safe and happy lives on country,” Mr Lyall said.
“The most efficient way to deliver ranger services in the most remote parts of our state is drawing from a labour force that lives locally.”
Mr Lyall told the committee about JYAC’s comprehensive, Martu-led plan for their on-country communities of Punmu, Parnngurr and Kunawarritji.
The Community Led Design Outcomes Report details the design of culturally appropriate houses, community infrastructure and town layouts for each of the three communities. They have been designed to create space for all generations of Martu to live on-ngurra and meet their education, health and employment needs.
“Investing in communities will provide a foundation for Martu to build their own local circular economies, which in turn will support the viability not just of ranger programs, but also tourism, arts, building maintenance and other Martu business ventures,” said Mr Lyall.
“Additionally, investing in viable on-ngurra communities reduces overcrowding in nearby towns, and its associated problems.
“Many Martu say their preference is to live on country, but they can’t because there isn’t enough safe, liveable housing available for them.
“Martu want to live in dry communities, they want bring their children to communities where schools are exceeding attendance targets and seeing continual improvement in educational achievements.
“There are three levels of housing standards: safe and working, liveable, and attractive. Right now, half of Martu on-country housing doesn’t even reach the standard of safe and working.
“Until Martu have liveable housing and community infrastructure, they will continue to be denied the opportunities for self-determination that other Western Australians take for granted.”