Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts today announced the acquisition of a 2,350 square metre lot at 146 Fitzgerald Street in Perth, to be converted into 43 public housing units.
Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts today announced the acquisition of a 2,350 square metre lot at 146 Fitzgerald Street in Perth, to be converted into 43 public housing units.
The full text of a Ministerial announcement is pasted below
The State Government will provide more public housing closer to the city, following the purchase of land at 146 Fitzgerald Street in Perth.
Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts said the 2,350sq.m lot, which was purchased for $2.85 million, would accommodate 19 one-bedroom dwellings and 24 two-bedroom dwellings.
Included in the $15 million project will be two commercial properties that will have paved courtyards, grassed areas and a water feature.
"The land's proximity to the Perth CBD and extensive public transport networks will offer the tenants excellent access to employment, healthcare, recreational and educational facilities," Mrs Roberts said.
"Well-planned public housing can be more than just accommodation, it can make a lasting difference to the lives of the tenants."
The Minister said the purchase of the Fitzgerald Street property was a key part of a wider land acquisition program by the State Government.
"The State Government will spend about $83 million on land acquisitions in this current financial year and build more 860 new dwellings for public housing," she said.
"Our goal is to put more people into accommodation which gives them the opportunity to improve their lives."
Mrs Roberts said as house prices increased in inner city suburbs, there was a real need to secure public housing accommodation in these areas.
"If low-income families and unemployed people are to improve their current situation, they must be able to access the increased services and facilities found in the inner city areas, rather than being isolated in outer suburbs," she said
"Development of this new land acquisition will offer just that."
The Minister said a well-planned public housing development would not only improve the lives of the tenants, it could also add to the vibrancy and revitalisation of the surrounding community.
"The recent development in the Centro precinct of Subiaco is a highly successful example of how a well-integrated public housing development can add to local community life," she said.
"By ensuring the development is very much a part of the area in terms of appearance and atmosphere, it can enhance the character of that area and help the tenants to integrate successfully."
