$64m plan for Broome housing in progress

A 13-hectare piece of land has been earmarked for a $64 million development to tackle the housing crisis in Broome, with the shire seeking $15 million from the state government to fast-track the process.

The Shire of Broome is proposing to enter into a long-term lease with a private developer to develop a 13.5 hectare lot on Sanctuary Road, Cable Beach.

The project comprises of a caravan park, an over 55s village, and worker accommodation on Sanctuary Road in Cable Beach.

A business plan for the project was endorsed by the shire councillors in August and the council voted to lobby funding from the state government at this month’s meeting.

A report to council found a $64 million investment was required for the site, with the shire’s chief executive lobbying for $15 million from the state government.

“The chief executive officer is proposed to continue to lobby the state government for funding to complete detailed designs, headworks and site preparation,” the report said.

“Shire officers will continue to prepare tender documentation to allow for advertising a request for tender in 2023.”

A state government spokesperson said Lands and Housing Minister John Carey's role had primarily been ensuring the Crown land tenure, because there was no social housing proposed as part of this project.

“Our understanding is the local government is seeking a private development partner for this project and is yet to test the market," the spokesperson said.

“The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage worked with the shire to make the necessary amendments to the Crown Reserve to support any proposal.”

According to the business plan, the shire was facing a critical shortage of tourist sites, key worker housing and over 55s accommodation.

“Broome is in an accommodation crisis and is topping the nation for the highest percentage of yearly rental growth,” the document said.

“The shortfall is impacting both long-term rentals and short-term accommodation. The increasing financial pressure on renters has resulted in staff shortages for businesses, key industries and essential services.”

The project is expected to provide 286 tourist sites for caravans, camping and cabins, 35 park home sites for over 55s accommodation and 43 long-stay caravan sites.

According to the business plan, there is a shortfall of at least 400 caravan sites in Broome.

The business plan also estimated the project would provide 56 sites for long-stay key worker accommodation.

“The Broome region has a low rental vacancy rate of just 0.47 per cent,” it said.

“The housing crisis in Broome is seeing vacancy rates well below average and the median rent price for a Broome suburb has increased significantly.

“Lack of housing stock and inflated rent prices are putting pressure on local businesses across a broad range of industries to recruit and retain staff.”

The project would take three years to complete and is expected to generate $79.8 million over 15 years for Broome’s economy, according to the shire’s business plan.

Real Estate Institute of Western Australia data shows there was a 37.5 per cent rental growth in Broome, where the median rent is $825 a week.