WA budget to include $843 million boost for social housing

Perth man accused of fraud hit with more charges

A total of $843 million is set to be allocated to social housing in the West Australian budget this week, with the government set to increase its social housing target from 4000 to 5000 homes.

WA Planning Minister John Carey made the announcement today ahead of the state budget being handed down on Thursday.

“There’s no doubt we’re deeply aware and cognoscente of the pressures in the current housing market,” Carey said.

A total of $843 million is set to be allocated to social housing in the WA budget this week.

“To date, hundreds of millions of dollars have been to invest in refurbishing existing stock and to date 1500 homes have had their life extended,

“And of course in this budget we’re providing additional funds to extend the life further.”

The Housing Industry Association’s Michael McGowan welcomed the announcement.

McGowan said affordable homes were important to help people progress out of social housing and into the rental market

“We need to maintain a really strong level of housing investment no matter the cycles that are happening in the private market,” he said.

Currently, about 125 homes are being constructed or renovated each month to boost WA’s social housing pool.

Three recently completed homes in Cloverdale, costing around a million dollars to build, are set to welcome families from next week.

But Liberal leader Libby Mettam criticised the government’s efforts, claiming only 114 new homes had been delivered in over seven years under Labor’s leadership.

“They’ve completely failed in delivering social housing in this state,” she said.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.