HOUSING — SERVICE
WORKERS — KARRATHA
1216. Hon JACQUI BOYDELL to the Minister for Regional Development:
I refer to recent reports in the
media outlining that businesses in Karratha are already facing difficulties in
attracting and retaining staff ahead of the purported resources boom.
Will the minister please outline any
plans for infrastructure development or housing affordability schemes to keep
housing affordability at a reasonable and sustainable level for service workers
in Karratha?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the question.
The member, no doubt, shares our view that the recent increases in house prices
in Karratha mark a return to economic optimism for this town.
Hon Darren West: Finally!
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN:
Finally, as members were saying.
With regard to infrastructure
development, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is undertaking a land
supply analysis for Karratha to ensure that the state government is well
prepared for what the future may bring. There are 150 available lots ready for
housing to be built in Karratha. In addition, DevelopmentWA has another 600
developable lots in Madigan Estate and 400 in Mulataga to Karratha's
east. These lots could be brought online within 18 to 24 months, if required.
DevelopmentWA is actively working on strategies to mitigate any potential
supply gaps and this week is conducting builders' workshops to address
what needs to be done to create house and land packages to meet market
expectations.
The
government-owned Warambie Estate service workers' accommodation,
provides low-rental housing to essential service workers. There are 16
currently available and 17 undergoing capital works to achieve a lettable
standard. At current rates, this has between 12 and 18 months of supply.