The State Government would address the shortage of affordable accommodation for service workers and small business employees in the Pilbara by releasing land for a 100-unit self contained facility in Karratha.

Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said it was intended that this would be the first of a number of sites in Western Australia’s north that would be released by the Government.

“Affordable but quality housing is urgently required to accommodate people employed in small businesses, specifically those who provide essential services in the community in sectors such as retail, tourism and health care,” Mr Grylls said.

“This initiative will help employers to attract and retain staff in jobs outside the mining sector - jobs vital to the economic sustainability of regional centres like Karratha.”

LandCorp was inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from companies interested in building, owning and operating the facility on a five hectare site at the corner of Searipple and Warambie roads in the Karratha town centre.  The EOI opened on Wednesday, April 8 and closes at 2pm WST on Thursday, May 21.

The Minister said a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom rental homes would be included to accommodate service workers and their families.  The new homes would integrate with the existing community and provide quality housing at an affordable rent.

“The aim is to provide affordable rental accommodation in a region where there is significant pressure on demand for both permanent and temporary housing.  Escalating rents and house prices are squeezing out essential service workers, to the detriment of our communities,” he said.

The site was within walking distance of retail and food outlets, hotels and other employment opportunities.

It was envisaged the land would be leased to the preferred proponent on a 10-year term with a further 10-year option.  The successful proponent would be responsible for managing the ongoing rental of individual units and the maintenance of the site.

More information and the EOI document are available at http://www.landcorp.com.au