WA and Federal Governments announce nearly 1,800 new social/affordable homes for the State
In what’s being touted as one of the single biggest boosts to affordable housing stock in WA’s history, the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments have announced almost 1,800 new social and affordable homes for WA.
The agreement, announced yesterday, is through the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) and the National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF), and will see the WA Government directly contract builders to deliver 21 new projects near METRONET stations and on other Government-owned land.
Those projects will be a mix of affordable rentals and social housing, packaged together to “create a pipeline of work for the State’s building industry,” along with attracting builders from over east.
“I’ve been very clear, we’re not stopping our reforms to boost housing supply and today we’ve announced a further $443 million commitment for 21 new social and affordable housing projects – delivering nearly 1,100 new homes in the first tranche,” said Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey.
That initial $443 million will fund upfront construction costs, which will then be sold to Community Housing Providers (CHPs). It’s hoped this will turn attract new CHPs to WA to build capacity in the sector.
Subscribe to our free newsletter!
According to the announcement, the first tranche will consist of developments in Ellenbrook, Byford, Brabham, Redcliffe, Wellard, Woodbridge, Banksia Grove, Rivervale, White Gum Valley, Subiaco East, Albany, Dallyellup, Golden Bay, and Treeby.
Renders of those first projects will arrive over the next few months ahead of construction commencing next year, with “detailed design” to commence on the remaining seven projects in Cannington, Ballajura, Butler, Midland, Kelmscott, Subiaco, and Bassendean.
Social housing will make up around 20 per cent of the homes available, with the remaining 80 per cent to become affordable rental community housing.
“We are working with the Cook Labor Government to deliver thousands of new affordable and social homes close to public transport links for people who need it most,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Image Credit: John Carey via Facebook