WALGA has welcomed a State Government announcement of an $80m Infrastructure Development Fund to boost infill residential development in Perth and help address critical housing shortages in regional Western Australia.
In its recent State Budget Submission, WALGA highlighted the prohibitive costs of water, wastewater and power supply headworks charges associated with land development in regional WA.
It called for an additional $5 million to be allocated to the Regional Development Assistance Program (RDAP) to assist private developers in the creation of new residential and industrial lots in regional areas.
WALGA President Cr Karen Chappel said housing development had been inhibited in regional towns in recent years due to rising headworks charges and this had led to housing shortages.
“A lack of housing and industrial development in regional towns and cities constrains economic and community development,” she said.
“There has been a general lack of new accommodation for workers from essential State Government staff such as nurses, police and teachers, to businesses and industries looking to establish or expand operations and provide worker accommodation.
“We welcome this State Government announcement, particularly as half of the Fund will be allocated to the regions.
“Unfortunately, the $4 million annual funding to the RDAP has remained static since it was established in 2006.
“I hope this is the kickstart to the economy for many towns and regional cities throughout WA they have been seeking.”
The RDAP provides funding to assist Local Governments to build communities across regional WA and contributes to the cost of headworks and other land development costs.
More information is available at: https:www.wa.gov.au/infrastructure-development-fund
For an interview with WALGA President Karen Chappel please contact:
WALGA Media and Communications 0448 896 435 or
communications@walga.asn.au