New data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today shows that building approvals in Western Australia continue to trend downwards as WA’s housing crisis worsens.
The statistics show that just 897 homes were approved in February, down from 932 in January – a 3.8% decrease. In February 2022, 1,201 homes were approved.
“This is just another sign of the extent of the housing crisis in Western Australia and the government’s inaction on this issue,” Shadow Housing Minister Steve Martin said.
“This clearly shows that following the end of the COVID grants, the McGowan government did not have a long-term plan to encourage investment in the housing sector and increase overall stock.
“In June 2020, the last time building approvals were at this level, the Premier acknowledged that the housing sector was doing it tough, and we were facing a housing crisis.
“However, the Premier’s only response has been to tell people how lucky they are to live in a state with such a booming economy!
“Western Australians are living through record low rental vacancy rates, increasing house and rental prices and a rapidly rising cost of living.
“With nearly 34,000 people on the public housing waitlist and daily reports of families living in cars, Western Australians feeling the brunt of the housing crisis certainly don’t feel very lucky.
“Not enough is being done to increase available housing stock. Until we get on top of the shortage of housing, we won’t be able to fix the overall housing crisis.
“These numbers are a clear warning sign to Premier McGowan. What is his government’s plan to address the lack of stock?”
