Premier names Albany among seven cities vital for WA’s economic growth, promising 26 GROH homes built by 2030

Albany has been named among seven regional cities “critical” to WA’s future economic growth, with the region to be bolstered with 26 new homes for frontline workers by 2030. The Great Southern hub, alongside Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland, Karratha, Broome and Geraldton were included in Premier Roger Cook’s “seven cities” initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and housing in the regional centres. A key element of the plan is construction of 500 government regional officer homes, partly funded by WA mining giants, over the next four years. The subsidised GROH homes are provided to workers in the education, health, community safety and policing sectors. “Regional cities like Albany have been central to WA becoming the strongest economy in the nation and will be critical to our future economic success,” Premier Cook said. “While traditional industries like mining will continue to thrive, Albany will be front and centre to my Government’s vision and becoming a renewable energy powerhouse and making more things here. “To seize the big job-creating projects in front of us in Albany, we need to continue to invest in economic infrastructure and expand their roles as hubs providing quality services to the towns and remote communities within the Great Southern. “My seven cities vision starts with housing and ensuring Albany has the frontline workers needed to deliver quality public services.” Apart from Bunbury, which does not have a GROH program due to its proximity to the Perth metropolitan area, Albany’s designation of 26 GROH homes is the lowest in the program, with the bulk (305) being built in Karratha and Port Hedland. The GROH housing boost follows the WA Government’s announcement that the 2026-27 State Budget will include almost $60 million for the desperately needed 32-bed modular ward at Albany Health Campus. Albany MLA Scott Leary is concerned the homes won’t be ready in time to accommodate the additional 60 doctors, nurses and allied health specialists required to staff the new ward. “I don’t know whether the 2030 deadline will coincide with the new hospital given that’s due for completion in early 2027,” he said. “The GROH homes will be catering to their staff, as there’s no housing available and I’m not sure where additional staff will go.” As for the Premier’s promise to make Albany an economic hub, Mr Leary said the “proof will be in the pudding”. “I always welcome any development and anything coming into the region,” he said. “We just want to make sure it’s in the most effective place. “It would be disappointing if they were regurgitating promises under a new guise. “Labor can be light on the delivery, and we haven’t had lots delivered here in recent times.”