The first of more than 400 new homes for Liberal-National Government employees in regional Western Australia are almost ready for their first tenants.
The homes are being funded through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions initiative to help reduce the shortage of housing for government officers around the State.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls was on site today to inspect one of eight modular homes that will go to Tom Price and watched as it was loaded onto three trucks for the journey north.
Finishing touches including verandahs and carports will be added once the home is sited on an 800 square metre block in the town.
Mr Grylls said he was pleased to see the high standard of the home which would help make it easier to encourage government employees and their families to live and work in the regions.
“The State Government has committed $200million through Royalties for Regions to boost the Government Regional Officers Housing program and these first homes are good examples of what can be achieved,” he said.
The eight homes are being built under contract by Maddington-based Quality Builders and will be leased to government regional officers by the Department of Housing when they are completed.
Treasurer and Housing and Works Minister Troy Buswell said the homes built for Tom Price were energy efficient 5-Star Plus compliant homes.
“They have a cyclone region C rating and meet the demanding cyclone proofing requirements of the Tom Price region,” Mr Buswell said.
“Six of the homes have three bedrooms and two bathrooms and the other two have four bedrooms and two bathrooms. They will all be located on 800 square metre blocks with an alfresco area and carport.”
The Treasurer said four of the houses were already on site in Tom Price where the final work was being done before tenants moved in.
The construction manager for Quality Builders, Paul Rintoul, said the Royalties for Regions program had been important for manufacturers like them.
“Rather than downsizing as a result of the recession, we’ve actually been recruiting trades people and other staff to keep up with demand,” Mr Rintoul said.
Mr Buswell said the eight modular homes would also generate employment at their destination.
“Five carpenters, four sparkies, three plumbers and three grano workers will complete the homes at Tom Price,” he said.
“Wherever possible, builders use local tradesmen at the destination - which makes it a win-win proposition for everyone.”
The Treasurer said another 51 modular and prefabricated properties were under construction as part of the housing program through Royalties for Regions, providing work for a number of other development and building companies across the State.
Regional Development Minister’s office - 9213 7000
Treasurer, Housing and Works Minister’s office - 9222 9111