More doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers will have the opportunity to work in Greater Geraldton following Council's decision to build 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).

Here are more details about them: 

Are these houses for social services?

No, these houses are for doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers through the Government Regional Officers Housing (GROH) Program.

Why is local government building houses?

When new business proponents come and talk to the City about their needs, housing is always high on their list. The City had 15 parcels of land around the Olive St Reserve and managed to sell eight of them. Seven remained unsold. With the help of the State Government, the project is financially viable and hence Council has decided to proceed with construction.

Housing stocks are seen as a sound and good long-term investment providing guaranteed annual dividends.  With the past 12-month medium price growth in Geraldton being approximately 20% and current indicators suggesting strong growth in the region over the next 10 years, this type of proposed investment is low risk with attractive returns.

The City chose to take on a leadership role in the national housing crisis by developing unused land. We acknowledge the seven homes will not solve the entirely of the problem, but it’s a step towards the region attracting and retaining key services which benefits our entire community.

Who will be maintaining the properties?

GROH will oversee the maintenance of the properties as the City will lease the homes to them.

How many homes are being built?

Seven homes backing onto the Olive St Reserve.

What type of homes will they be?

The homes will be 4x2 designed with family occupants in-mind.

Was the land previously an unauthorised construction rubble dump?

Yes, in 2017 the city undertook remediation works to transform the area into public open space. The lots in question are not on the rubble, but on the periphery.

How will the build contract be awarded?

As per the Local Government (Functions and General) Regulations 1996, all tenders have a regional price preference meaning that the money stays local as much as possible.

How long are the works anticipated to take?

City officers have released the tender for the building opportunity, and it is now with the market to respond to. The City would like to see the homes finalised by 2026 so that the professions and their families can move in.

Is the City paying for the entirety of the project?

We are thankful to have received $1.6 million contribution from the State Government to the project.  The would not have proceeded with the project without this support.

Where exactly are the blocks of land?

Please refer to this map, which includes the sites.