Dozens of underutilised and long-term vacant Government Regional Officer Homes (GROH) have been transferred to the public housing stock, following a State-wide assessment of the GROH portfolio.
The review was requested by Housing Minister John Carey, as part of a reform agenda to boost the availability of social housing, particularly in regional Western Australia.
As part of the review, a total of 39 properties have now been transferred to public housing stock, providing a critical boost in the availability of social housing in a number of regional towns across the State. A number of additional GROH homes have also been provided to regional local governments and other non-government organisations.
The 39 properties transferred to the public housing stock are located in a number of regions, including:
- Pilbara (13);
- South-West (8);
- Mid-West/Gascoyne (6);
- Kimberley (5);
- Wheatbelt (4);
- Great Southern (2); and
- Peel (1).
The Government is investing $2.4 billion in the next four years on social housing and homelessness measures, including the delivery of 3,300 new social homes.
$200 million will also be invested to deliver improvements and expand the availability of GROH properties across the State.
The Government will continue to actively review the GROH portfolio to ensure the use of all housing is being maximised.
As stated by Housing Minister John Carey:
“In the current heated construction market and with demand increasing for social housing, we need to be looking at all options to boost supply as fast as possible.
“This review of the GROH portfolio has been absolutely critical and has resulted in 39 homes being added to the public housing stock in regional WA.
“Adding even a single social home in some of these regional towns is a significant outcome and means more housing for vulnerable families in need.
“While the review of the current stock has now been completed, the department will continue to assess the GROH portfolio on an ongoing basis to ensure we are maximising the use of all available properties – whether that be for GROH, public housing or assisting local governments and non-government organisations.
“Our Government is investing record amounts towards boosting social housing in Western Australia, with around 3,300 new social homes planned for delivery.”
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