Published on Thursday, 24 March 2022 at 4:02:00 PM
Council has adopted the recommended priorities from the Housing Solutions Summit (Summit) held on Friday 3 December 2021 in Port Hedland.
Land development, building costs and the demand for housing has markedly increased sales and rental costs, and affected availability and access to housing in the Town.
The housing shortage has caused supply issues within the local workforce, preventing further development and expansion of the Town.
The Summit, organised by the Town and facilitated by the Director of Shape Urban, was attended by organisations with a key role in housing, land or regional development and peak bodies for business and social services sectors.
Summit stakeholders proposed strategies to address the critical shortage in land supply and housing affordability in Port Hedland.
Key priorities included identifying and repurposing vacant underutilised properties for short-term accommodation or transitional housing, supporting pathways to home ownership, leveraging funding and multi-party agreements for land and housing development, and identifying innovative, affordable and sustainable housing models.
Mayor Peter Carter welcomed the Council's endorsement of the Summit’s recommendations to help address current and future housing needs.
“The timely supply of affordable land and different housing types to meet demand will support economic participation, build sustainable communities and facilitate local supply chains.
“In addition, climate responsive housing design will improve affordability for owners and renters, and promote environmental sustainability within the Town.
“The Town will advocate for the establishment of a Steering Committee to manage the project and will work with responsible agencies on further assessment of the feasibility of the priorities and their implementation.
“The Town is committed to working with stakeholders to address housing supply and demand issues that support local population growth and improve economic participation and wellbeing within our community.”
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Corporate Affairs
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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