- Cook and Albanese Labor governments supporting Bethanie Community Housing to deliver new seven-storey social housing development in Fremantle
- Construction underway on 50 self-contained apartments, with the development being built by Atlas Building WA
The Cook and Albanese Labor governments are partnering with Bethanie Community Housing to deliver more social housing for seniors and low-income earners, with construction now underway.
Of the 50 self-contained apartments, 32 will be social housing and 18 affordable rentals.
This includes 28 two-bedroom apartments and 22 one-bedroom apartments, specifically for people aged over 55 and low-income earners and built to a Silver Livable Housing Design Standard.
All apartments will be owned, maintained, and managed by Bethanie Community Housing.
The Cook Government has provided Bethanie Community Housing a $10.5 million capital grant to support the construction of a new seven-storey apartment development in Fremantle.
The development also received support through the Cook Government's Infrastructure Development Fund, with $500,000 allocated to cover the upfront costs of connecting to utilities.
The Albanese Government has provided $49.5 million in capital and operational funding through an $18.4 million Housing Australia Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator concessional loan and $31.1 million from the Housing Australia Future Fund.
Bethanie Community Housing is a well-established community housing provider that owns and manages social housing, including apartments and villas in Perth and regional WA for over 55s.
The development is within walking distance of Fremantle's town centre, providing tenants with convenient access to services and amenities.
Atlas Building WA is now constructing the 50-apartment complex, which is expected to be completed in the final quarter of 2027.
As stated by Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson:
"The Albanese Labor Government is determined to keep addressing the long-neglected causes of our nation's housing shortfall through every means available - building more homes, making it better to rent, and backing first homebuyers.
"This smart new project will deliver another 50 secure, affordable, and accessible homes for our community, adding to the 180 homes that have already been delivered or are being built now across Fremantle, Cockburn, and East Fremantle through Commonwealth programs."
As stated by WA Housing and Works Minister John Carey:
"Our government is doing everything it can to ensure Western Australian seniors have access to safe and secure housing.
"This $11 million investment by our State Government demonstrates our commitment to partnering with the Albanese Labor Government and the community housing sector to boost the supply of social housing.
"It's part of our record $5.8 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures since 2021, including the delivery of more than 3800 social homes.
"Bethanie Community Housing is a highly respected community housing provider and the seniors who will occupy these apartments will be close to health services, public transport, shops, and recreation facilities."
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"The community housing apartments are built for people aged over 55 and for low-income earners and will offer housing that is safe, supportive, and community focused.
"We know keeping older Western Australians well connected to their community is a key for aging well.
"These apartments on Queen Victoria Street are well positioned for seniors to access health services, public transport, and services in Fremantle."
As stated by Bethanie Community Housing CEO Lindsay O'Sullivan:
"This development creates much-needed community housing for older Western Australians, in the heart of Fremantle.
"This project would not be possible without State and Federal Government funding support, and Bethanie Community Housing has worked collaboratively with all levels of government during this process.
"Every apartment has been designed to meet Livable Housing Design Standards, ensuring accessibility and comfort for older Western Australians.
"Bethanie is also proud to support the revitalisation of Fremantle. This is a beautifully designed building that respects the heritage of Fremantle, and aligns with the city's vision for sustainable growth and inclusion.
"We believe this development is a great demonstration of government, community, and not-for-profit organisations working together to deliver practical housing solutions for Western Australians."
