Published on Wednesday, 27 November 2024 at 9:05:30 AM
More doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers will have the opportunity to work in Geraldton following Council's decision to release a tender for the construction of seven new homes.
The proposed houses, located on Willcock Drive and McAleer Drive, will be made available to the Government Regional Officers Housing Program (GROH).
The decision went before Council last night following much discussion in the community.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the new homes held much opportunity for the region.
"We are in a national housing crisis. Folk who want to live here can't buy houses because they’re selling before they’re on the market and it’s the same for organisations trying to source accommodation for their new recruits," he said.
“We know that these seven new homes aren't going to fix the Australia-wide issue but it's a step towards bolstering the Midwest – and so that we don’t get overlooked when new businesses want to come to town or the State wants to increase its presence in the region.
"The construction of seven homes is a great opportunity for local builders as well. As part of the Local Government (Functions and General) Regulations 1996, all tenders have a regional price preference meaning that money stays local as much as possible.
“We are grateful to the State Government for providing $1.6 million towards the project. The City would not have proceeded with the project without this support, which all but guarantees a positive return to local rate payers over the life of the project.”
City officers will now release the tender with the intent of construction commencing in the new year. Financial modelling, based on the tender responses, will be presented to Council for final investment decision.
The proposed homes will be designed to house doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers, which the Midwest is currently experiencing a shortage of.
More information about the Olive Street Housing Project is available here.
Back to All News