Homeswest funding in 1998-99 for 47 new dwellings in Geraldton area

23/7/98

Homeswest will allocate $4.4 million in 1998-99 to provide 47 new dwellings in the Geraldton region - which stretches from Exmouth in the north, across to Wiluna and down to Coorow - to meet the continuing strong demand for public housing.

Housing Minister Dr Kim Hames said the expenditure was a substantial commitment and demonstrated the State Government's determination to reduce waiting lists and provide affordable housing in all communities.

The main rental program included construction or purchase of six additional homes in Geraldton, six at Exmouth and a further 13 allocated across Carnarvon, Denham, Dongara, Mingenew, Morawa, Mt Magnet and Northampton.

Dr Hames said 22 units would also be provided to meet specific needs including Aboriginal housing and accommodation managed by local community groups.

He said the expenditure would not only assist people with genuine housing needs but would also provide a substantial boost to local businesses involved in everything from housing construction to land development.

In Geraldton, the housing program included two additional two-bedroom family homes and four one-bedroom units for singles.

In Exmouth, funding had been allocated for six three-bedroom homes, while Northampton would get one four-bedroom and two three-bedroom family homes.

Denham and Dongara would each gain two three-bedroom family homes and Carnarvon would get one four-bedroom family home.

Mingenew, Morawa and Mt Magnet had each been allocated an additional three-bedroom family home.

A further two family dwellings were planned for the region but had not yet been allocated to specific locations.

Dr Hames said Homeswest's Aboriginal Housing Program for urban areas also included five additional homes for seniors in Wiluna, three family homes in Carnarvon and two in Geraldton.

As well, a total of $1.2 million had been allocated under the Aboriginal Housing Remote Areas Program for housing construction for the Yulga Jinna and Koorda Club communities ($600,000 each).

The Homeswest Management Support Program, which funded projects to develop management skills and train Aboriginal people to carry out repairs and other works associated with Homeswest properties, would spend of $450,000 on programs associated with Mungallah and Wiluna (Nganganawilli) communities.

The Community Housing Program - in which Homeswest provides accommodation to be run by local community groups - includes a $460,000 allocation to construct four two-bedroom units for seniors, in association with the Shire of Northampton.

Dr Hames said a substantial allocation of $415 million across the State for Government home loan assistance measures would also assist many low to moderate income families into home ownership.

Media contacts: Caroline Lacy (08)9424 7450

Homeswest: Bev Wilcox (08)9222 4500