A business plan for a development that would deliver 37 townhouses and apartments is now open for public comment.
The development proposal was received in response to the City’s Housing Development Expression of Interest (known as ‘Project Dorothy’) as part of the City’s efforts to deliver housing solutions across undeveloped, development-ready, residential lands.
While local government housing investment is typically aimed at housing staff, to achieve its vision to become Australia’s most liveable regional City, the City has taken a proactive approach to addressing the housing shortfall for other key workers.
The draft business plan was endorsed by Council at the meeting with public comments now sought before a final investment decision is made on the project.
The City has also sought a capital grant from the State Government to fund this project as it addresses a critical housing shortage in the region, enabling the City to leverage project returns into other housing developments to increase supply.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said there was a vital need for additional housing in Karratha.
“Housing is not normally the space of Local Government, however we are getting involved because there is market failure and we have a desperate community needing affordable options,” Cr Scott said.
“Our community has said housing is the number one issue they are facing and there has been little to no activity to generate new supply. We know from the EOI process there is an appetite in the market for private investment.
“The City is committed to generating activity where we can, this includes building houses on City owned land as well as pushing for more developments by State and Federal Government. We have had some success with our advocacy efforts and recently received $21.1m through the Housing Support Program for the Mulataga development.”
Cr Scott said the Baynton proposal includes a State Government funding request and he was hopeful they would come to the party.
“We need residents, whether they are health care workers, hairdressers, retail workers and educators to be able to afford to live in our City for it to be a sustainable and liveable community, and
we need the State government to step in and not rely on us to do all the heavy lifting
“A decision on whether to progress with the project has not yet been made and all feedback from the community will be considered before Council makes a final investment decision on the project.”
Community members are able to provide submissions regarding the business plan by visiting: https://whatwemakeit.karratha.wa.gov.au/baynton-residential-development