This week’s West Australian budget includes $843 million allotted to social housing; the government has decided to raise the target number of social housing units from 4000 to 5000.
John Carey, the minister of planning for Washington, made the statement today in advance of Thursday’s state budget delivery.
“There’s no doubt we’re deeply aware and cognoscente of the pressures in the current housing market,” Carey stated.
“Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in renovating the current stock, and 1500 homes have had their lives extended to date. Of course, we’re adding more money to further extend the life in this budget.”
Michael McGowan of the Housing Industry Association applauded the news.
According to McGowan, affordable housing is essential for assisting individuals in transitioning from public housing to the rental market.
“We need to maintain a really strong level of housing investment no matter the cycles that are happening in the private market,” he stated.
Currently, WA’s social housing pool is being increased by building or renovating approximately 125 units every month.
Families will be able to move into three newly finished, around $1 million homes in Cloverdale starting next week.
However, Libby Mettam, the leader of the Liberal Party, criticized the government’s efforts, stating that under Labor’s leadership, just 114 new homes had been provided in more than seven years.
“They’ve completely failed in delivering social housing in this state,” she stated.
