Body
The State Infrastructure Strategy has developed key themes and recommendations to specifically address cultural heritage, wellbeing and enterprise matters for Aboriginal people.
There are 3 key themes identified:
- Aboriginal engagement and co-design for Infrastructure: Infrastructure should be planned and delivered in a co-designed process that embraces self-determination and empowerment of Traditional Owners and Custodians and their communities.
- Procurement and business development: There are opportunities – which should be Aboriginal-led and informed – to increase Aboriginal employment and procurement, and support the establishment, growth and sustainability of Aboriginal businesses.
- Infrastructure for remote Aboriginal communities and town-based reserves: Poor living conditions and environmental health in some communities contribute to higher rates of infection, injury and chronic disease, and low community amenity and perceptions, impacting on wellbeing and participation. There is an urgent need to improve infrastructure in many of these communities.
The Strategy also acknowledges the WA Government’s Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy which provides a vision and framework for government to work more closely with Aboriginal people, families and communities.
Aboriginal empowerment is not simply about more or better services. It means a shift that empowers people and communities to actively identify solutions. Infrastructure presents a range of opportunities to contribute to Aboriginal empowerment.