The first properties in Western Australia to be refurbished under the McGowan Government’s $319 million Social Housing Economic Recovery Package (SHERP) have been completed, with the new tenants moving in just in time for Christmas.
The public housing duplex located in Carnarvon was refurbished by Carnarvon Cabinet Makers, with the work supporting the employment of five apprentices.
The significant refurbishment works undertaken at both properties will boost tenant amenity while reducing future maintenance requirements and associated costs. The layout of the kitchens has been improved to bring them up to a more contemporary standard and feel, with new separate ovens and hotplates offering better safety, performance and functionality.
By refurbishing the homes, the Department of Communities can rapidly house vulnerable Western Australians from the public housing wait list without the additional cost and lengthy timeframe involved in replacing properties.
Announced in June 2020, SHERP is the largest housing maintenance and refurbishment program in Western Australia’s history. It will see the refurbishment of up to 1,500 public and community houses, supported accommodation facilities such as FDV refuges, and residential group homes.
SHERP includes a rolling maintenance program for up to 3,800 regional government-owned properties. It will also see the delivery of up to 250 new social homes across metropolitan and regional areas to help the most vulnerable people in our community.
As stated by Housing Minister Peter Tinley:
“I am very pleased to announce the completion of the refurbishment of the first two units under the McGowan Government’s $319 million Social Housing Economic Recovery Package.
“This means that two vulnerable families who were on the priority wait list for public housing were able to move in just in time for Christmas. They’re already enjoying the benefits of a completely refurbished property with increased security features and new energy-efficient lighting which decreases the utility or electricity costs for tenants.
“By refurbishing up to 1,500 government assets over the next two years, we’re improving the quality of accommodation, providing work for local businesses, and returning properties to stock faster and more cost-effectively than we otherwise would.
“The renovation of the duplex by local business Carnarvon Cabinet Makers supported the employment of five apprentices which is exactly the sort of outcome our government set out to achieve when we announced this economic recovery package.”
