Question On Notice No. 235 asked in the Legislative Assembly on 14 September 2021 by Ms L. Mettam
Question Directed to the: Minister for Housing
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
(1) What is the total number of social housing dwellings in the City of Busselton?
(2) Of those, how many are currently vacant?
(3) Of those currently vacant, how many have been unoccupied for:
(a) 0-3 months;
(b) 3-6 months;
(c) 6-12 months; and
(d) More than 12 months?
(4) How many of the vacant dwellings are:
(a) In a fit state to be re-let;
(b) Being repaired or refurbished to re-let;
(c) Being repurposed; and
(d) Being demolished?
(5) Of the dwellings earmarked for repurposing, what is the intended use of each of those dwellings?
(6) Of the dwellings being demolished, how many will be rebuilt and used as social housing?
(7) Are there any plans to increase the number of social housing dwellings in the City of Busselton:
(a) If not, why not; and
(b) If yes, how many and what is the type (unit, flat or house) and bedroom configuration of each new dwelling?
Answered on 19 October 2021
(1-7)
The McGowan Government is investing $2.1 billion into social housing over the next four years, which includes the recently announced record investment of $875 million as part of the 2021-22 State Budget. This is the single largest, one off investment into social housing in the State’s history and will provide an immediate boost to social housing in Western Australia, including in Busselton.
While planning is currently underway to determine more detailed regional allocations of this new investment, it is expected that a first tranche of construction in Busselton due to commence in early 2022 will include five two-bedroom homes for seniors.
As at 31 August 2021, there were a total of 701 social housing dwellings in the City of Busselton. This included 92 community housing properties and 609 public housing properties, vacancy information for community housing properties is unavailable as these properties are managed by community housing organisations.
It should be noted that vacancy information is a snapshot of a point in time, properties may be vacant for a number of reasons including:
· Undergoing maintenance repairs to relet;
· Undergoing significant refurbishment;
· Awaiting reallocation and acceptance from potential tenants; and
· Reaching the end of its useful life and awaiting redevelopment
Of the 609 properties there are 25 vacant, five for less than three months, one for less than six months, seven for less than 12 months, 12 have been vacant for a period greater than 12 months.
18 of the vacant properties are currently undergoing maintenance or refurbishment works in order to relet. Seven are under asset management review to determine the best use of these properties taking into consideration the age, location, running costs and value for money of these assets.