Purfleet paves the way forward with Roads to Home
The Aboriginal community at Purfleet on the Mid North Coast is partnering with the NSW Government on more than $9.2 million in infrastructure upgrades to provide social, economic and employment benefits for the area.
The Roads to Home program in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is working with Purfleet Local Aboriginal Land Council to upgrade and subdivide the reserve.
Infrastructure work will include the construction and upgrading of roads, pathways, car parking, driveways and fencing where needed.
Stormwater, water main and sewerage infrastructure will also be improved together with electricity infrastructure, including the undergrounding of power lines and installation of NBN services.
New street lighting will be installed and landscaping work undertaken to beautify the area.
The project will also see the creation of 54 residential lots, a community lot and a health precinct lot through a subdivision.
The Purfleet reserve community is currently located on large single title lot so subdividing it into single title lots will offer improved land management options, security of tenure, long-term leasing options and potential home ownership opportunities for residents.
The NSW Government has committed a total of $173.8 million under the Roads to Hone program to support infrastructure upgrades in 34 discrete Aboriginal communities across the state, including $9,256,785 for the Purfleet project.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Roads to Home is a grassroots program that empowers Aboriginal communities to make decisions about infrastructure upgrades to enhance quality of life and improve access to services, including waste collection, postal delivery, emergency access and community transport.”
“Significant benefits can be created for communities when they have fit-for-purpose infrastructure for reliable access to essential services.”
“Subdivision opportunities will support economic and social development and the Purfleet project will also support employment and training for local Aboriginal residents.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“Roads to Home will help to Close the Gap by improving the skills and economic prosperity of Aboriginal people and Communities, which is fundamental to supporting better life outcomes overall.”
“Importantly, Aboriginal people are shared decision-makers in this project, which is a key focus for The NSW Government as Aboriginal people know what works best for their communities.”
Purfleet Local Aboriginal Land Council Community Liaison Officer Kelly King said:
“The residents are excited about these upgrades which will make a huge difference to revitalise the Purfleet reserve.
“The roads here are currently old and frail and continuously get potholes, and other infrastructure also needs upgrading, so this investment will benefit everyone in the community.”