Emergency short term accommodation facility support promised

Local councillor and businessman Shane Van Styn, who is running in the upcoming state election for the National Party, has committed to throwing his weight behind a $10million facility that can provide short term emergency accommodation for Geraldton residents and people visiting Geraldton.

The $10million figure is a 3 year old estimate, so the final cost to build such a facility is uncertain. However if the project can be staged as claimed, this may mean parts of the facility can be built even if a smaller amount of funding is initially secured.

Full press release from The Nationals:

The Nationals candidate for Geraldton Shane Van Styn has committed to making the Bundiyarra Hostel project in Geraldton a priority if elected.

“The proposed new facility, with up to 138 beds, would be available for individuals and families who need to visit Geraldton for health, family, business or cultural reasons,” Mr Van Styn said.

“It would also provide a place to sleep for those who, for a number of reasons, find themselves without housing for a short period of time.”

Mr Van Styn said the hostel would provide a much needed accommodation base for Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people in the community requiring emergency short-term housing.

“Many Aboriginal families in particular are required to travel long distances to access services in Geraldton, which can be a significant financial burden,” Mr Van Styn said.

“A hostel would mean there would be a reduced need for mums, dads and children to sleep rough when away from home, which in turn reduces social friction and improves health outcomes.”

Mr Van Styn said The Nationals recognised the difficulties faced by families when making the journey to Geraldton, as well as the dire need for emergency housing for the wider Geraldton community and the need to provide assistance to reduce the associated hardships.

“If elected as the member for Geraldton in March, I will make this project a local priority and work with the project proponents to ensure it gets up and running.”

Such a hostel has been indicatively costed at $10 million in 2010, however the project has the ability to be staged.

Mr Van Styn said The Nationals had a strong record of delivering Aboriginal accommodation, including $1.25 million from Royalties for Regions for an Aboriginal visitor’s hostel in Boulder in September 2012.

Local candidate Shane Van Styn this was a great local project and commended Bundiyarra for their commitment to provide better housing and services for local Aboriginal people.