The Western Australian Government is seeking fresh ideas from local governments to address the ongoing need for social and affordable housing across the state. In a new initiative announced by the Cook Labor Government, local councils are being invited to submit proposals that could help bolster the supply and variety of housing available to key workers and those in need. The aim is to encourage innovative solutions that cater to the diverse housing needs of communities in Perth and regional areas.
The Call for Submissions is a bold move that opens the door for local governments to collaborate with the State Government through the Department of Communities. The initiative isn’t limited to traditional housing projects; it encourages councils to think outside the box and come up with creative ways to deliver social housing, affordable rental units, and accommodation for government and key service workers.
This isn’t the first time the State Government has extended a hand to community housing providers. Earlier this year, $50 million in grants were made available to registered providers as part of a process to increase the supply and diversity of social housing projects, particularly in regional Western Australia. However, recognising the pivotal role that local governments play in community development, the Cook Government has expanded this opportunity to include them as well.
The expanded funding initiative means that local governments across Western Australia—from the South West to the Kimberley—can now apply for a share of the $50 million grants. This money can be used to develop new housing projects or refurbish existing ones, adding to the stock of social and affordable homes in the region. By inviting local councils to bring forward their ideas and projects, the State Government is fostering a collaborative environment that could lead to more innovative housing solutions.
Housing Minister John Carey emphasised the importance of this new approach, highlighting the Cook Government’s commitment to improving housing across the state. “Our Call for Submissions processes are part of several reforms aimed at boosting the delivery of housing in Western Australia,” Carey explained. “We’ve expanded our $50 million initiative to include local governments because they are crucial partners in our mission to increase the supply and diversity of housing.”
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley echoed these sentiments, noting that all levels of government have a role to play in addressing the housing crisis. “This process is intended to foster collaboration and partnerships between local governments and the State Government,” Beazley stated. “I encourage councils across the state to seize this opportunity and submit their proposals.”
Local governments are encouraged to submit projects that utilise unencumbered land they already own, but the Call for Submissions is open to all innovative ideas within its parameters. Proposals will be considered for various forms of support, including capital grant funding, land leases, or land contributions. The State Government is also open to exploring other innovative funding models and partnerships, demonstrating its flexibility and willingness to consider a range of options to address the housing shortage.
By including local governments in this initiative, the State Government is responding to feedback from councils who have requested to be part of the process. This inclusion reflects a recognition that local authorities have unique insights into their communities’ needs and are often well-placed to propose solutions that will have the most significant impact.
The initiative is designed to encourage a diverse range of housing projects that cater to different needs across Western Australia. For example, in addition to social housing and affordable rentals, the Call for Submissions invites proposals for Government Regional Officer Housing, Local Government Officer Housing, and key worker and service worker accommodation. This broad approach recognises that the housing needs of communities are varied and that a one-size-fits-all solution is unlikely to be effective.
The Cook Government’s housing initiatives are part of a broader strategy to address the housing and homelessness crisis in Western Australia. Since making a record $3.2 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures, the government has already added over 2,300 social homes, with a further 1,000 homes under contract or construction. This latest Call for Submissions is another step towards achieving the goal of providing safe, affordable housing for all Western Australians.
For local governments, this initiative represents an opportunity to take an active role in addressing the housing needs of their communities. By partnering with the State Government and submitting innovative proposals, councils can help to shape the future of housing in their regions and ensure that they are catering to the needs of all residents, from key workers to those in need of social housing.
Submissions for the initiative are open until 2 September 2025, giving local councils ample time to develop and submit their proposals. Councils interested in participating can find more information on the Department of Communities website or by contacting the department directly via email.
The State Government’s call for innovative housing solutions is a timely reminder of the importance of collaboration and creativity in addressing complex social issues. By inviting local governments to bring forward their ideas, the Cook Government is not only empowering communities to take charge of their own futures but also demonstrating a commitment to finding new and effective ways to tackle the housing crisis.
As Western Australia continues to grow and evolve, the need for affordable and diverse housing options will remain a pressing concern. Through initiatives like the Call for Submissions, the state is taking proactive steps to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing, regardless of their circumstances. With local governments now invited to the table, the potential for innovative, community-driven solutions has never been greater.
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