GOVERNMENT REGIONAL OFFICERS' HOUSING —
BROOME
289. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Housing:
I refer to the availability of
government worker accommodation in the Kimberley, specifically in the regional
centre of Broome.
(1) How many
vacant Government Regional Officers' Housing properties exist in all
suburbs of Broome presently?
(2) How many of the houses in part
(1) are available for immediate tenancy?
(3) How many GROH houses are under
construction in all suburbs of Broome?
(4) How many existing private dwellings have been
purchased for GROH housing for the financial 2021–2022 year to
date?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of this question.
(1)–(2) GROH properties are provided to a client agency to
meet their need for housing. It is not uncommon that client agencies may
have allocated vacant properties to enable them to recruit and deploy suitable
employees, including teachers and police. As at 28 March 2022, 33 GROH
properties in Broome were vacant with confirmed incoming tenants.
(3)–(4) Ensuring
regional communities have access to critical state government workers, such as
teachers and police officers, is essential. The McGowan government is investing
$200 million to the GROH program across the state, investing in spot purchases
and new builds, refurbishing properties to bring stock back online and
maintenance to ensure stock is maintained to a high standard. In Broome, 14
GROH properties are at various stages of planning and delivery, which includes
five properties currently under construction through a build-to-lease
arrangement with a local developer. No properties have been spot purchased in
Broome for GROH housing in the 2021–22 financial year to date. The
Minister for Housing is exploring all options to fast track the delivery of
GROH housing where it is needed, including modular, timber and pre-fabricated
builds, leasing opportunities and partnerships with local government.