WA Labor has left WA’s already suffering housing market high and dry with more struggle to come once the WA border eases next year.
With the housing market already in crisis, WA is set for a huge influx of residents, students and workers alike once the State opens to the rest of the country.
Shadow Minister for Housing, the Hon. Steve Martin MLC, said a shortage of housing is putting the housing market out of reach for more and more Western Australians, and will worsen once more people arrive in our State.
“We’re already seeing the development industry show concerns with a lack of housing, full well knowing the amount of people slated to come into our State.
“The median house price has already risen $50,000 compared to June last year, and rental vacancy rates are as low as one per cent, causing a spike in rental prices.
“The whole market as a result is at further risk, social, government, private housing and so on, the whole market is already tight but it’s going to get worse.
“Especially in the regions, median house prices have risen over 80% in some places.
These areas simple cannot handle further increased populations without sufficient housing.
“Worse, the social housing being offered by the Government is often in an appalling state.
“The most recent example is Gail Victor, an ex-nurse in Port Hedland, being taken off the waitlist after declining a derelict house that was unfit for habitation”, said Steve Martin MLC.
“It is also clear that skills shortages are hitting worrying figures.”
“Thousands are expected to come to work in WA but will face an already struggling housing market,” said Shadow Minister for Planning Hon. Neil Thomson MLC.
“We already have a massive skills shortage, with the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry saying over 55,000 workers are needed to fill shortfalls now.
“Housing Minister John Carey doesn’t live up to his name, as he certainly doesn’t care to fully address this crisis.
“As it stands there are also many existing challenges with regional towns and land supply. I have no doubt this will cause many more issues with regional housing shortages, regardless of a resident influx.
“WA Labor has so far failed to sufficiently address housing among the current WA population. What makes them think they can accommodate thousands more coming in?”
