In a boost for regional social housing in WA the State Government has announced it will dedicate $50 million to community housing, with regional service providers called on to apply for grants.
The funding will be delivered through a call-for-submission process, with community housing providers across regional WA encouraged to apply.
Eligible projects include new regional builds or refurbishment of existing stock.
WA Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey took a brief trip to visit one of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s newly completed modular social homes on Friday.
He fronted media to make the announcement which he said was a strong commitment to regional communities.
“As we know COVID radically reshaped our housing market, every State is facing big pressures in terms of both the rental market and what that means for renters but also the construction market,” Mr Carey said.
“We’re deeply cognisant of the pressures that communities across Western Australia are facing in terms of housing supply.”
Mr Carey said an initial general call for submissions had resulted in a big number of organisations coming forward with project ideas.
“My message is we’re open for business — we want to work with community housing providers, build their capacity (and) get them to engage with us on projects,” he said.
“Whether it’s new builds, it could be a complex, could be just a few homes and also refurbishing existing stock.”
The minister was joined on Friday by the State’s peak body for community housing and homelessness Shelter WA, with vice-chair Michael Piu saying he was “absolutely delighted” with the new funding.
“Our members warmly welcome this, it’s a game changer for community housing organisations that are working to deliver additional social housing and supply in the regions for people who desperately need it,” Mr Piu said.
“Our sector is nimble, it’s innovative, and we are passionate about working with local communities and government to deliver lasting solutions.”
Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent said Kalgoorlie-Boulder had extra pressures because of the mining industry that was prepared to pay top dollar for rental properties.
“That has a flow-on effect to the community in social housing so this (announcement) is fantastic news for us,” she said.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails