Shelter WA strongly supports the Cook government's commitment to building more social and affordable housing, with two new transformative projects set to create hundreds of homes.
The 447-home social and affordable housing development at Court Place in Subiaco East will be delivered by Community Housing Limited, while the 34-home social housing apartment complex at East Street in East Fremantle will be delivered by Foundation Housing.
These are Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) projects that will be delivered and operated by the not-for-profit community housing sector in partnership with the state and federal governments.
Rounds one and two of the HAFF will deliver 3,253 social and affordable homes in WA - the third-highest allocation behind Victoria and New South Wales, accounting for 17 per cent of the national total. This is credit to the strong proposals of WA's not-for-profit community housing sector and the support and vision of the WA government.
Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said: "These announcements are clear examples of the growth of the community housing sector in WA and what it can achieve when backed by government investment and support as a solution to the housing crisis.
"We commend the Cook government and federal government for these two projects that will provide a much-needed boost to social and affordable rental supply and be life-changing for WA households for generations.
"The non-profit community housing sector plays a crucial role in being able to deliver and manage high quality, diverse affordable and social housing, and we are excited to see it is being supported and grown in WA.
"It is inspiring to know that 447 additional social and affordable homes will be built in Subi East - a sought after inner-city location that is close to jobs, transport and amenities, as part of the government's redevelopment and urban renewal program.
"I know just how transformative a safe, high quality, and affordable home can be. When social housing is thoughtfully designed, well located, and supported with the right services, it truly sets people up to thrive.
"We also acknowledge the $6 million Capacity Building Program announced in the state budget, which will help WA's community housing sector increase their capacity to expand and potential to apply for and secure more government funding, as well as complete bigger projects like these.
"Western Australia needs to be creating at least an additional 5,000 social and affordable homes every year to meet soaring demand, so these new developments are essential and will make a difference."
