BREAKING: Over 1,300 housing lots in Western Australia remain undeveloped, raising alarms about the ongoing housing crisis. These lots, which could provide much-needed affordable and social housing, have been idle for more than a decade since the Cook Government first announced plans to develop them.
Most of the new properties were set to be constructed in Beaconsfield, near Fremantle, as part of the long-awaited Davis Park redevelopment. Initial planning began in 2015 under the previous Barnett Government, yet progress has been frustratingly slow. Warnings are intensifying that the government is not acting swiftly enough to stabilize the real estate market, putting further pressure on home buyers.
The Beaconsfield project aims to replace existing social housing with a new residential estate featuring commercial spaces. Planning documents from the Department of Communities indicate that up to 779 new dwellings could accommodate an additional 1,870 people. Although the City of Fremantle began community consultations in 2019 and granted final approval in 2020, construction has only recently begun.
Housing Minister John Carey announced that civil works for the first stage commenced in August 2023, with the first blocks of land expected to be available for sale in early 2024 and settlement slated for late 2026. This timeline marks over a decade since planning first began, exacerbating the housing crisis in the region.
The delay has already had dire financial consequences. Average house prices in Beaconsfield have surged by 80% in just five years, soaring from $712,500 in November 2020 to an astonishing $1.28 million as of October 2023. Renters are also facing increased hardship, with weekly payments rising from $485 to $800 during the same period.
Similar stagnation can be seen in the Tuart Brook housing development in Usher, south of Bunbury, which was expected to provide up to 300 residential lots. This State-owned site has remained dormant since it was put on the market for expressions of interest in 2017. Earlier this year, the Cook Government relisted the land for sale, calling for offers by November 27.
To the north of Perth, a project intended to offer 200 social and affordable homes for retirees has also stalled for over seven years, with no construction initiated since its announcement. The Haven Ridgewood estate was supposed to deliver not only homes but also a medical center and retail space. The Department of Communities allocated 6.8 hectares for this project in 2017, yet progress is still lacking.
Real Estate Institute of WA President Suzanne Brown stated that urgent government action is essential to increase housing supply and relieve pressure on first-time buyers and renters. “Housing prices in Greater Perth were up by 25% last year and are continuing to rise,” Brown warned, emphasizing the need for policy changes to expedite new housing developments.
In response to the criticism, Minister Carey attributed delays to “feasibility challenges” posed by the three-year COVID pandemic, which necessitated significant revisions to initial plans. He assured that the Haven Ridgewood estate will provide 17 social homes by early 2026, although no timeline has been provided for the remaining properties.
Shadow Housing Minister David Bolt criticized the government for its lack of preparation and inadequate resource allocation, which he claimed has led to significant delays in connecting new homes to essential utilities. He emphasized the need for the government to embrace modern construction methods, such as modular and prefabricated homes, to address the crisis urgently.
Despite the backlog of housing supply, Minister Carey recently announced plans to develop an additional 35,000 homes by assuming planning controls near train stations. Proposed locations include Cottesloe, Mosman Park, and Ballajura, aiming to sideline local councils in these decisions.
As the housing crisis continues to deepen, all eyes are on the Cook Government to take decisive action to alleviate the pressing needs of West Australians desperate for affordable housing. The situation is developing, and further updates are anticipated as the government attempts to navigate this critical issue.
