The McGowan Government’s signature policy to combat Western Australia’s homelessness crisis has been put on hold, dealing a blow to the hundreds of vulnerable people sleeping rough in this State.
The Common Ground Homelessness project which aimed to build 112 units in Perth and another 50 in Mandurah, has been shelved according to Homelessness Minister John Carey on the advice of the Department of Communities to ensure ‘value for money is not comprised’.
Shadow Housing Minister, the Hon Steve Martin MLC, said the project’s delay is devastating news for the nearly 1,000 Western Australians sleeping rough in WA.
“We have around 1,000 rough sleepers in the greater Perth area. Minister Carey’s decision puts back even further any hope these vulnerable people have of finding suitable accommodation.
“The McGowan Government is unable to deliver projects on time and on budget and in this case, they can’t even lay the first brick.
“The Boorloo Bidee Mia homeless shelter that was opened last year is also operating well below its intended capacity,” said Mr Martin.
“Minister Carey needs to stop hiding behind advice from his department and take responsibility for his inability to do anything to fix the homeless crisis in WA.
“You’re the Minister, Mr Carey, make a decision and get this project built.
“This is the second time the Housing and Homelessness Minister has used ‘value for money’ and a booming construction industry as an excuse for failing to deliver on projects, previously delaying social housing for the Kimberley.
“Only days before Homelessness Week, Minister Carey and the Labor Government have let down some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Mr Martin.
