WA mining town housing shortage addressed
The Western Australian government has announced measures to address the severe housing shortage in the mining hub of Port Hedland.
More than 7,000 properties will be developed over the next five years, as well as the immediate provision of 125 service worker homes by the end of the year and the delivery of an additional 250 dwellings in the next nine months.
With astronomical rents in the north-west town, those employed in the region will be relieved at the prospect of an increase in affordable rental properties.
As a result of the chronic housing shortage and high rental demand in Port Hedland there has been a surge in prices to rent a house - paying up to $3,000 a week for a four-bedroom home.
The government initiative will fast track the development of 80 vacant lots in the region to ease the service worker housing shortage immediately.
Regional development and lands minister Brendon Grylls said: "The housing shortage impacts on businesses and local workers employed across a range of industries including retail, tourism, health, education and hospitality, and the government strongly encourages Port Hedland businesses to apply for employee accommodation."
Mr Grylls said while there was a long-term plan for the development of more than 7,000 properties, the delivery of 375 dwellings within the next nine months would significantly ease the housing pressures immediately.
