Western Australia is set for a significant boost in its housing supply, thanks to the Cook Government’s latest initiative to unlock nearly 1,700 new apartments. With a $17 million investment, this move aims to address the pressing need for more housing in the state while also inviting developers to transform underutilised government land into residential spaces. The initiative, part of an $80 million Infrastructure Development Fund, is poised to make a considerable impact on the availability of homes in Perth and surrounding areas.
This development comes as the government continues its efforts to combat the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly affected the viability and delivery of high-density housing projects. Supply chain disruptions, a shortage of skilled labour, and escalating costs have made it difficult for developers to bring new projects to fruition. The government’s response includes not only financial support but also a streamlined process for developers to propose new housing developments on state-owned land.
The Infrastructure Development Fund has already been instrumental in kick-starting several projects across the state. To date, 16 supported projects have begun construction on over 1,300 apartments. This latest round of funding will see an additional 22 projects benefit, with a focus on creating a diverse range of housing options, including social housing and specialist disability accommodation. These new apartments will be located in key areas such as White Gum Valley, Gosnells, Maddington, Subiaco, and Woodbridge, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative are felt across a wide area.
One of the standout features of this program is its focus on inclusivity. In response to feedback from key stakeholders, the eligibility criteria for the Targeted Apartment Rebate have been expanded to include purpose-built specialist disability accommodation registered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This means that the government is not only increasing the overall housing supply but is also ensuring that these new developments meet the needs of all residents, including those with disabilities.
In addition to supporting these new projects, the government is also launching a rapid Expression of Interest (EOI) process aimed at unlocking even more housing potential. Developers are being invited to identify and propose residential developments on underutilised government land. This initiative is part of the Housing Diversity Pipeline program, which seeks to create a steady stream of new housing developments across the state. The EOI process will be open for eight weeks and will include a fast-track approach to assess the suitability of the land for residential development.
The process is designed to be as efficient as possible, with a quick initial assessment to determine whether the land is required for future government use. If not, a further evaluation will be conducted to see if the land can be rapidly developed for housing. The government is also ensuring that the state receives a fair price for any land sold, with valuations being carried out by independent market valuers. The proceeds from these sales will be reinvested into further housing initiatives, creating a virtuous cycle of development and investment.
This rapid EOI is expected to attract a strong response from the industry, particularly as it offers developers the opportunity to bring new housing onto the market quickly. The government is keen to see these projects completed within agreed timeframes, and developers will be required to meet specified delivery milestones to ensure that the housing supply is increased as swiftly as possible.
The Cook Government’s commitment to increasing housing supply is further demonstrated by its ongoing support for other initiatives under the Housing Diversity Pipeline program. The first stage of the program received an enthusiastic response from the industry, with several government-owned metropolitan sites now in the advanced stages of securing development partnerships. These projects are expected to deliver new mixed-use and social housing, further contributing to the state’s long-term housing goals.
The government’s approach has been praised by industry leaders, with the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) WA CEO, Tanya Steinbeck, highlighting the importance of this latest EOI phase. According to Steinbeck, allowing private developers to identify suitable government land for residential development is a crucial step in addressing the state’s housing supply needs. She commended the government for listening to the advice of industry experts and taking action to facilitate the rapid delivery of much-needed housing.
This initiative is also expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy. By supporting the construction of new apartments, the government is not only increasing the availability of homes but also creating jobs and stimulating economic activity. The development of new housing projects will require a range of skilled workers, from construction labourers to architects and engineers, providing a significant boost to the local job market.
Moreover, the focus on creating a diverse range of housing options means that the benefits of this initiative will be felt across a wide demographic. From first-time buyers to those in need of social housing, the increased supply of apartments will provide more choice and affordability for residents. The inclusion of specialist disability accommodation also ensures that the needs of vulnerable populations are met, further enhancing the social impact of these developments.
The Cook Government’s latest initiative is a bold and forward-thinking approach to addressing Western Australia’s housing challenges. By combining financial support with a streamlined process for unlocking underutilised land, the government is paving the way for a significant increase in the state’s housing supply. This, in turn, will help to meet the growing demand for homes, support economic growth, and create a more diverse and inclusive housing market.
As the government continues to roll out these initiatives, the outlook for housing in Western Australia looks increasingly positive. The combination of new apartments, social housing options, and specialist disability accommodation means that a wide range of residents will benefit from these developments. With construction already underway on several projects and more in the pipeline, the state is well on its way to addressing its housing needs and building a brighter future for all its residents.
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