Kimberley floods: State Government to roll-out emergency ‘Humanihut’ shelters for flood victims

The WA Government has confirmed plans to use Australian-designed emergency shelters as a medium-term accommodation solution for residents displaced by the devastating floods in the Kimberley. First reported by the Broome Advertiser on March 1, the use of Humanihuts — repurposed climate-controlled shipping container-like structures with folding insulated walls — was announced by Minister for Community Services Sabine Winton in partnership with the Federal Government during a visit to Broome on March 3. The huts will be installed at three separate accommodation hubs across the Fitzroy Valley, while accommodation for community members with high assistance needs will be provided via a State Government-leased hostel in Derby. Manufactured in Adelaide and transported inside 20-foot shipping containers, the hubs consist of individual climate-controlled huts, dedicated male and female bathrooms and communal kitchen and laundry facilities. Each hut can accommodate between four and eight people, with up to 64 huts available. The huts have previously been used for a variety of situations around Australia, including as a COVID-19 quarantine facility in Port Augusta and Ceduna in South Australia. The move comes after, in early February, WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said around 160 people remained in hotel rooms, unable to return to their flooded properties. It is understood the number of people remaining in temporary accommodation now sits at 70. Speaking during the announcement, Ms Winton said the partnership between the State and Federal Governments would ensure hundreds of individuals requiring accommodation assistance as a result of the floods had a safe play to stay for “as long as needed”. “Local community consultation has been key throughout the planning phase. We’ve prioritised community feedback to make sure local views are reflected in the temporary living arrangements available, while the community rebuilds,” she said. Federal Minister for Emergency Services Murray Watt said the Federal Government would continue to work with the State to ensure support was delivered throughout the flood recovery effort. “We need to listen to community leaders and residents to understand what is going to work for them,” he said. “Being able to live On Country and near family and community is a critical aspect of recovery, and this temporary accommodation offers the best solution while people’s homes are repaired or rebuilt.” It is anticipated the accommodation would be early from early April.