Perdaman will funnel $122 million into construction of 100 new homes in Karratha as part of a broader push to ease a crippling housing shortage in the Pilbara city.
Fertiliser plant builder Perdaman will funnel $122 million into construction of 100 new homes in Karratha as part of a broader push to ease a crippling housing shortage in the Pilbara city.
The Vikas Rambal-led firm on Monday morning revealed it planned to break ground at the end of the year on the Madigan Estate development to house staff for its $6 billion Burrup urea plant in town, instead of relying on fly-in, fly-out workers.
The state government has separately contributed $48 million to site headworks for the broader 174-lot precinct, which will make Madigan Estate four times larger.
Mr Rambal said the project would reduce pressure on the local rental market and the Burrup project’s workforce demand.
“By building these houses, we are providing a more harmonious workplace to our operational workforce while also benefiting the Karratha community by bringing such a highly skilled workforce to the region,” he said.
“This housing project is just one example of how we are investing in Karratha’s growth and potential, turning it into one of Western Australia’s most liveable cities.
“I will always be grateful to the people of Karratha for their support and vision, and it is for the love of this community that we have taken this next step.”
Fifteen of Perdaman’s 100 lots were purchased from Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.
The Madigan Estate land release sits in an area once touted as a hub for “Pilbara vernacular” homes: houses built to respond to the region’s unique weather.
Released in the dying days of the 2010s mining boom, the estate sat empty for years until Yara Pilbara committed to building 24 homes to house workers locally.
The extra 89 lots will be released to the market, and the state government has flagged building social or key worker housing in the suburb.
Premier Roger Cook said the land release would assist in getting new projects off the ground.
“We know that the cost of building homes in our state’s north has increased sharply, and unfortunately, the price of delivering housing for their workers is restrictive for many businesses,” he said.
“This sensible and pragmatic approach will deliver at least 100 houses for Karratha locals within the next five years, contributing to a vibrant regional community and creating quality jobs for the future.”
The investment comes after years of lobbying from the City of Karratha for the state government to commit funds to the 82-unit Walgu Apartment development in the town centre.
State government employee housing last year accounted for 75 per cent of demand for Walgu units, according to the city.
It is one of at least 11 local government-backed housing projects with hands out for government support in the north-west at present.
