- Cook Labor Government to deliver 26 homes for regional frontline workers in Albany
- Part of a more than 500-home program across the State, delivered in partnership with Western Australia's resources industry as part of the government's Seven Cities vision
- Rio Tinto to invest $100 million, BHP $50 million, and Hancock $20 million
- Biggest-ever GROH build to meet needs to 2030 and support the delivery of frontline services across the Great Southern
The Cook Labor Government will prioritise the delivery of 26 homes for regional frontline workers in Albany, in partnership with Western Australia's resources industry, as part of its 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, Karratha, Port Hedland, Broome, Geraldton and Albany have been identified as critical to the government's vision for the State to become a renewable energy powerhouse and make more things in WA.
The Great Southern build is part of a State-wide program of more than 500 homes, which will meet projected demand for Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) to 2030.
The GROH 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, in addition to Karratha.
The 2026-27 State 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 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 thegovernment'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.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Regional cities like Albany have been central to Western Australia becoming the strongest economy in the nation and will be critical to our future economic success.
"While traditional industries like mining will continue to thrive, Albany 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 Albany, we need to continue to invest in economic infrastructure and expand their roles as hubs providing quality services to the towns and remote communities within the Great Southern.
"My Seven Cities vision starts with housing and ensuring Albany has 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."
As stated by 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."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Albany plays host an expanding population, reflecting the appeal of living in regional areas.
"As part of our Seven Cities vision, Albany will see targeted investment in the infrastructure and housing needed to support key workers and ensure people can build a life in the regions they serve.
"The Cook Government understands the importance of strong regional communities, which is why we are investing in the services and housing they need to make them great places to live and work, now and into the future."
Comments attributed to Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby:
"For generations, tourism and agriculture in the Great Southern has helped make Western Australia's economy the strongest in the nation.
"As the Cook Labor Government diversifies our State's economy, we need to ensure the people living in the region have access to the quality services and infrastructure they need to keep WA's economy strong.
"Building more GROH in Albany will return more supply to the local market, supporting the city to remain a great place to live, work and raise a family as we realise our vision of making WA a renewable energy powerhouse and make more things here."
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."
As stated by Hancock 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."
As stated by Sam Rowe MLC:
"Albany will play a vital role in Western Australia's future, and this investment reflects the Cook Labor Government's strong commitment to backing our regions.
"These 26 new GROH homes will make a real difference in attracting and retaining frontline workers, so we can deliver the quality public services our community deserves."
