State Government commits $4.5m for Hedland key worker housing plan

The State Government has earmarked $4.5 million for the development of 76 key worker dwellings in South Hedland. The Town of Port Hedland development is set to be built on a 2.64ha block of land on Cottier Drive. The funding is part of the $80 million Infrastructure Development Fund designed to help meet upfront costs associated with the viability of housing projects. The South Hedland project’s funding is part of the “Unlocking Regional Worker Accommodation Opportunities stream” and and will go towards site infrastructure works such as sewer and stormwater, water and fire services, and electrical services. The Government said the project would “improve housing choice and provide much-needed accommodation for workers to support businesses and services in the town centre”. A concept plan for the project has been completed and includes one, two and three-bedroomed designs. A business case and socio-economic analysis have also been developed for the project. Mayor Peter Carter said housing remained a handbrake on growth for Hedland. “It is great to see the WA Government supporting this vitally important project which will help deliver much-needed affordable housing in Hedland,” he said. “This housing will be for workers in sectors like retail, hospitality, childcare and community safety sectors who are more likely to earn lower incomes than those in mining. “I would like to thank the Minister for Housing John Carey, who has met with the Town a number of times to discuss this project, for his and his Government’s support. “Unlocking affordable housing for critical workers is a key to ongoing residential growth in Hedland.” The announcement follows another in October last year that $22 million would be made available from the Port Hedland Voluntary Buyback Scheme for future housing development. The South Hedland Service Worker Housing project is listed as one of the local authority’s main priorities and is likely to benefit from that cash.