- Cook Labor Government to deliver more than 500 houses for regional frontline workers in partnership with Western Australia's resources industry
- Biggest-ever build to boost Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) in key regional cities
- Rio Tinto investing $100 million, BHP $50 million and Hancock $20 million
- Part of the Cook Labor Government's new Seven Cities vision for regional WA
The Cook Labor Government will prioritise the building of more than 500 homes for regional frontline workers in partnership with Western Australia's resources industry, as part of its new Seven Cities vision for regional WA.
Seven Cities is a long-term vision to unlock the next wave of regional economic development and deliver quality infrastructure and services around the State.
The seven regional cities of Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland, Karratha, Broome, Geraldton and Albany have been identified as critical to the government's vision for WA to become a renewable energy powerhouse and make more things in WA.
The new builds will meet the projected demand for GROH housing in the seven cities to 2030.
This significant regional housing expansion will be delivered over five years and be partially funded through a partnership with major resources companies through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII), with $100 million from Rio Tinto, $50 million from BHP and $20 million from Hancock.
Rio Tinto's contribution will also deliver further housing in Wickham, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Roebourne.
The 2026-27 Budget includes $419 million for GROH and other government worker accommodation, as part of an overall $692 million investment in regional housing initiatives.
This includes a revamped Home Ownership Subsidy Scheme (HOSS), which will include shared equity to encourage government workers to purchase homes in the communities they work in.
The Build to Lease investor scheme will also be expanded, to encourage private sector investment in the delivery of GROH.
As part of the 2026-27 State Budget and future budgets, the Cook Labor Government will continue investing in the economic infrastructure necessary to bring new job-creating projects to fruition, including in industrial land, energy, water, transport and the environment.
To support the skilled local workforce required by industry, the government will also prioritise investment in housing, health and other public services in the Seven Cities, so that they can expand their roles as hubs for the delivery of services to their regions.
GROH homes are provided at a subsidised rate to government workers in services including education, community safety and health, to help attract and retain frontline workers in regional communities.
The accommodation is critical to the provision of quality public services across the State.
This initiative brings the Cook Labor Government's investment in GROH since 2021 to $666 million and includes the doubling of the GROH construction program committed in the 2025-26 State Budget.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"Our regions have been central to WA becoming the strongest economy in the nation and will be critical to our future economic success.
"While traditional industries like mining, agriculture and tourism will continue to thrive, our regions will be front-and-centre to my government's vision and becoming a renewable energy powerhouse and making more things here.
"To seize the big job-creating projects in front of us in regional WA, we need the Seven Cities to have the economic infrastructure they need and to be able to provide quality services to the towns and remote communities within their regions.
"My Seven Cities vision starts with housing and ensuring these cities outside of Perth have the frontline workers needed to deliver quality public services.
"I commend and thank Rio Tinto, BHP and Hancock for partnering with my government on this GROH housing build, to support the delivery of better services in the communities in which they operate.
Comments attributed to Housing and Works Minister John Carey:
"Our Government is delivering several investments to boost regional housing choice, including for essential government workers like teachers and police.
"This announcement utilises partnerships with industry and local governments to continue driving more housing supply.
"It recognises the key role the Seven Cities play in ensuring our State's continued growth."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Government knows our regional cities are critical to WA's long-term success. This is why we are investing in the housing and infrastructure they need to support growth, and to attract workers.
"Regional communities offer a distinct lifestyle for workers and families, each with its own unique appeal compared to Perth.
"The Seven Cities vision is about growing our key regional centres in a planned and sustainable way, this includes ensuring there is enough quality housing to meet demand as new projects and industries come online.
"The Seven Cities will act as regional hubs, supporting surrounding towns by providing housing, services and jobs that flow through the broader regions.
"By expanding the GROH program, we are strengthening the local workforce, supporting essential services and helping regional communities remain resilient and well connected to the State's economic future."
As stated by Rio Tinto Iron Ore CEO Matthew Holcz:
"Rio Tinto has a long and deep connection to regional WA, directly supporting six towns across the Pilbara and, through our fly-in fly-out program, providing employment and economic activity to a further six communities from the Kimberley to the Great Southern.
"Being a good partner to those communities means investing in the things that make them work; the teachers, police and frontline workers who keep them safe and thriving. And for those people to be there, the right housing needs to be in place.
"This $100 million investment does exactly that, delivering more homes in Karratha, Wickham, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Roebourne and supporting the many people who live and work in these communities."
As stated by BHP Western Australian Iron Ore Asset President Tim Day:
"Strong Pilbara communities start with people having access to safe, affordable housing.
"When people can find a place to live, they're far more likely to build a life here, stay longer, and contribute to the region's long-term success.
"BHP's investment will help deliver the housing the Pilbara needs to attract and retain essential workers and ensure our towns continue to be great places to live and work."
Comments attributed to Hancock Prospecting CEO Group Projects Sanjiv Manchanda:
"Hancock and our Executive Chairman Mrs Gina Rinehart AO are pleased to partner with the WA Government to invest in quality housing for some of our most essential workers.
"This investment will help strengthen the towns that keep our State running and ensure those who provide such vital services, like our police, have a place to call home.
"When mining and the resources sector does well, the whole of Australia does well and the RCII is a perfect example of what can be achieved with Government and industry working together."
