A new effort to alleviate public housing waitlisting is underway in Perth’s south, with a 24-unit development in White Gum Valley currently before Fremantle council.
Plans lodged with the City of Fremantle that are now open for public feedback reveal 24 social housing units are proposed to be built at 1 Beazley Way.
The properties would be a combination of one and two-bedroom units, which proponents say is to address the social housing waitlist demand.
Planning notes describe the units as designed to be easily maintained and with lower ongoing energy costs for “low income occupants”.
“These architectural designed units will also be silver liveable standard accessible, allowing tenants to age in place,” the notes said.
If approved, the development would front Booyeembara Park within a largely residential precinct in the small suburb on Fremantle’s doorstep.
It would join other ventures aimed at easing the housing crisis in Perth’s south, including seven social housing homes in Hamilton Hill recently unveiled by the State Government.
Housing Minister John Carey described the properties earlier this month as “top spec” homes that “West Australians do deserve”.
In March, a joint venture between the State and Federal Governments was announced for 16 social housing dwellings in Coolbellup, specifically for seniors on the public housing waitlist.
It followed a Government call for builders and developers to deliver more social housing across the State.
Fremantle MP Josh Wilson said delivering safe and affordable homes remained a priority for the Federal Government.
“This new investment will give seniors a secure place to live in the welcoming community of Coolbellup,” he said in March.
The projects in Perth’s south represent significant Government investment into social housing at a time that demand for housing and homelessness services is skyrocketing in WA.
Shelter WA reported in February that current investment was being well outpaced by the demand for social housing. WA’s social housing waitlist grew by more than 1425 applications in the two years to September 2023.
Public submissions for the White Gum Valley units close April 29.