RENTAL ACCOMMODATION — COST
206. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Minister for Housing:
I
have a supplementary question. Given our statewide vacancy rate sits at 1.5 per
cent and is declining, what additional measures will the minister take
to increase the supply of rental accommodation?
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER: Order!
Mr J.N.
CAREY replied:
Member, with respect, I just went
through a very clear three-point plan about how we are delivering housing. The
facts are very clear: 27 000 building approvals, with 4 000 in the regions.
They are being delivered and completed each month. We backed in a land program
and we also, of course, have our social housing program. Today, I toured six newly
completed homes. Given the heated construction market, I am on the record as
saying that we are doing everything we can to accelerate delivery through
timber and modular construction or by converting vacant Government Regional Officers' Housing back into the social
housing system. I am seeking every opportunity as the Minister for
Housing; Lands. As part of our reforms, the Minister for Planning and I announced
a housing diversity pipeline. That is an innovative project. In fact, an
editorial in The West Australian called it a visionary proposal. That proposal is unlocking lazy land and taking it
to the market to not only build supply, but also get a social housing
return. I think Western Australians know that this government is doing
everything it can, despite the challenges of COVID and a heated market, to
increase housing supply in Western Australia.