Land set aside for plan to build high-density modular housing as part of Roger Cook solution to housing crisis

Land has been set aside in Perth’s north for a manufacturing plant to build modular housing components as the Cook Government appeals to new local councils to embrace high-density living. Expressions of Interest have opened for developers to establish an advanced manufacturing facility in Neerabup, with Government backing. A target of 2027 has been set. “There’s a bit of competition now between us and some other States about landing this facility, the first one in the nation,” Treasurer Rita Saffioti said. “That’s another reason why we’ve gone out to the market and (we’re) moving very quickly. And that’s why we’ve identified land that is cleared. It’s basically ready for development.” The announcement was hailed a “really good move” by the Housing Industry Association amid concerns residential construction had slowed. “This type of investment can help reduce delivery costs for medium and high-density development but also provide more room for modular builders to expand their footprint and support housing in Perth and regional areas,” HIA executive director Michael McGowan said. It is predicted that the facility could make components for up to 2000 apartments a year, fast-tracking social and affordable housing, and private developments. “Any medium to high-density housing helps the rental market,” Housing Minister John Carey said. “We are testing the market. We’re making this a competitive process. We’re saying we’ll provide a nominal lease of 10ha of the land in an exceptional location. “What else is required to help this get off the ground? “What it means is components are built off site. It could be floors, walls ... it could be the whole bathroom that is then transported on site. “And by doing that, that accelerates timeframe.” Mr Carey warned new councillors not to stand in the way of the project, calling the results of last weekend’s local government elections “mixed”. “It was pleasing to see a number of younger candidates that were actually running on pro-housing platforms,” he said. “There were some NIMBY leaders elected but overall it was a mixed result. “My message to new local government elected leaders is to be part of the solution ... this imaginary idea by WALGA and some local governments that there is no problem here is absolute rubbish.” The WA Local Government Association called the Minister’s comments a “cheap shot” and a “reckless, generalised” interpretation. “If this Minister and the State Government put half the time and energy they put into criticising Local Governments, into building more homes and addressing health infrastructure failures across the State, vulnerable Western Australians might be better off,” WALGA President Karen Chappel said. “Local Government is and has always been the backbone of the planning system”.