A new chapter in affordable and social housing is taking shape in Western Australia as expressions of interest open for community housing providers to take ownership and operation of up to 1,000 newly planned homes. This initiative, a collaboration between the Albanese Federal Government and the WA Cook Labor Government, aims to deliver homes for those in need while engaging community expertise in their long-term management.
The housing supply, spread across 13 projects in Perth’s metropolitan area, represents a concerted effort to address the growing demand for secure and affordable living options. With a combined investment of $443 million, the developments are part of an ongoing partnership between the two governments, underpinned by federal funding from Housing Australia. Community housing providers (CHPs) are now being invited to step forward and shape the future of these spaces, offering both management expertise and a community-first approach.
Six of the 13 sites, including locations in Wellard, Woodbridge, and Rivervale, have already secured or are close to securing development approval. These are set to break ground in 2025. Meanwhile, an additional $10.3 million has been allocated through WA’s 2024-25 Mid-Year Review to advance the design phase for the remaining seven projects, including Subiaco, Bassendean, and Butler. Together, these projects are intended to create a consistent flow of housing availability, ensuring that the supply can meet the pressing needs of the population.
The new builds will include one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from three to nine storeys, each designed to meet modern standards of liveability and sustainability. Constructed to a minimum Silver Livable rating under national guidelines, they will also achieve a 7-star NatHERS energy efficiency standard, reflecting a commitment to both accessibility and environmental responsibility. Features such as landscaped courtyards, communal spaces, and proximity to public transport hubs like METRONET stations are designed to ensure the developments not only serve as residences but as part of vibrant, interconnected communities.
Federal Housing and Homelessness Minister Clare O’Neil has underscored the importance of this collaborative effort, highlighting how the partnership reflects a broader commitment to easing housing stress. “We are working across Western Australia and the rest of the country to help people into secure and safe housing—because everyone deserves that,” O’Neil stated. She pointed to the pressures faced by Western Australians, from long waiting lists to the challenges of first-time homeownership, and emphasised the government’s resolve to build more homes as a key solution.
The involvement of community housing providers is central to the initiative’s success. These organisations bring specialised knowledge in managing affordable housing, ensuring that homes are not only well-maintained but also integrated into supportive, community-focused environments. Providers will benefit from 25 years of operational funding through quarterly payments from Housing Australia, giving them a stable foundation to manage the developments effectively.
WA Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey echoed the urgency of expanding housing availability, particularly in light of a $4.5 billion commitment to housing and homelessness measures by the Cook Labor Government. “We’re calling on the WA community housing sector to own and manage up to 1,000 new affordable and social homes,” Carey said. His remarks highlight the government’s focus on continued reform and collaboration as it strives to address housing challenges across the state.
This initiative also represents a significant boost to construction and associated industries. By engaging DevelopmentWA to lead the building process, the projects will not only generate much-needed housing but also contribute to the local economy. The inclusion of public amenities, parks, and access to transport hubs aims to ensure that these developments are well-integrated into their surrounding areas, enhancing liveability for residents and their communities alike.
Despite its ambitious goals, the project faces challenges. Meeting the demand for affordable housing is a complex task, requiring a balance of timely delivery, quality construction, and ongoing management. The involvement of CHPs is a promising step, bringing their expertise to bear on long-term operational success. However, their participation will need to be matched by careful oversight and support from government agencies to ensure these homes meet their potential as safe, welcoming spaces for those who need them most.
Expressions of interest for the projects are open until early March, marking the start of what is expected to be a closely watched process. The developments are being constructed on government-owned land, with detailed design and operational planning already underway for several sites. The vision is clear: to create a sustainable pipeline of housing that addresses immediate needs while laying the groundwork for continued progress in the years ahead.
As governments at both state and federal levels work together to roll out these housing initiatives, they set a precedent for what can be achieved through collaboration and shared commitment. With the participation of community housing providers, the project has the potential to become a model for affordable housing delivery, blending public resources with community expertise to create homes that serve more than a roof over one’s head—they serve as the foundation of thriving communities.
This push for affordable and social housing comes at a critical time, with rising costs and growing demand placing significant pressure on the housing market. Initiatives like this not only provide immediate relief but also represent a broader shift toward addressing systemic challenges. By investing in infrastructure that prioritises accessibility, sustainability, and liveability, governments signal a long-term approach to tackling housing stress in a meaningful way.
The Cook Labor Government’s focus on housing aligns with wider goals of social equity and economic resilience, recognising that stable housing is a cornerstone of individual and community well-being. For residents of Perth and its surrounding areas, the developments offer the promise of secure, well-located homes that support a high quality of life. For the broader community, they represent a step forward in addressing housing challenges through innovation and partnership.
While there is much work to be done, the groundwork laid by this initiative offers a promising start. The call for expressions of interest marks the first of many steps toward realising a vision of housing that is not only affordable but also supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking. By the time these homes are completed and occupied, they will stand as a testament to what can be achieved when governments and communities come together with a shared purpose.
As the deadline for submissions approaches, all eyes will be on the response from the community housing sector and the progress of these projects. The impact of this initiative will extend far beyond the buildings themselves, influencing the lives of thousands of Western Australians and shaping the future of housing policy in the state. Whether as a model for future projects or as a reminder of the importance of collaboration, the story of these 1,000 homes is one worth following.
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