Cook Government unlocks over 170 lots for Karratha housing

At least 100 new homes will be built in the Pilbara over the next five, following the Cook Government’s release of 174 State Government lots. Eighty-five of the lots will be sold to Perdaman for building worker housing for the company’s $7 billion Karratha Urea Project, which is boosting regional employment. WA Premier Roger Cook announced the future developments on Monday while visiting the Madigan Housing site in Karratha, where Perdaman’s 85 lots will be located, with construction set to begin later this year. The new properties are strictly reserved for workers of the expansive project, and cannot be leased on the private market. The remaining 15 lots will be sold to Perdaman by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation. Mr Cook acknowledged Pilbara’s housing shortage, saying that the initiative aimed to reduce the issue. “We know that the cost of building homes in our State’s north has increased sharply, and unfortunately, the price of delivering housing for their workers is restrictive for many businesses,” Mr Cook said. “By supporting this project, my Government is helping to get these crucial developments off the ground, support local businesses and local jobs, and build a better region to benefit the entire State.” Treasurer Rita Saffioti underlined the importance of improving the Pilbara’s housing availability due to the region’s significant contribution to the State’s economy. “The Pilbara’s economic success is central to the success of the entire WA economy,” Ms Saffioti said. “By stepping in to support housing developments, we can help to drive investment into this key economic hub.”