State Govt buys Broome motel for housing

The Department of Housing has purchased the Broome Motel in an effort to address the shortage of cheap accommodation for workers in Broome.

Housing Minister Bill Marmion said the motel was a cost-effective and expedient way to provide much-needed housing.

He said it will also provide additional social housing opportunities.

"The housing needs of both single low-income workers in Broome and those requiring social housing are an urgent priority," Mr Marmion said.

"By acquiring the motel, we will be able to deliver additional housing quicker.

"The accommodation will target essential service workers including shop assistants, childcare workers, hairdressers, cleaners, tourist industry workers and employees of non-government organisations.

"A percentage will be allocated to social housing," he said.

Not-for-profit community housing organisation Foundation Housing Limited will manage the motel.

The first tenants are expected to move in this month.

Eventually there will be 55 units with bathrooms and kitchens.

See statement from Minister below:

The Department of Housing has purchased the Broome Motel to address the shortage of affordable accommodation for service industry workers in Broome.

Housing Minister Bill Marmion said the motel was a cost-effective and expedient way to provide much-needed housing to an essential sector of the workforce in Broome, as well as providing additional social housing opportunities.

"The housing needs of both single low-income workers in Broome and those requiring social housing are an urgent priority," Mr Marmion said.

"By acquiring the motel, we will be able to deliver additional housing quicker.

"The accommodation will target essential service workers including shop assistants, childcare workers, hairdressers, cleaners, tourist industry workers and employees of non-government organisations. A percentage will be allocated to social housing.

"The property is also ideally located within just 500m of Broome's central business district, making it very convenient for workers."

The facility will be operated by Foundation Housing Limited (FHL), a not-for-profit community housing organisation, which currently manage more than 1,200 affordable rental properties throughout WA.

"We anticipate the first tenants will be able to move in later this month. FHL will then commence upgrades to 26 rooms, with all rooms available to be occupied early in the New Year," Mr Marmion said.

In total, there will be 55 units with bathrooms and kitchens.

"I am developing a State Affordable Housing Strategy which will soon be released. This strategy will outline how the State Government will facilitate delivery of more than 20,000 new affordable houses by 2020," Mr Marmion said.

"It is important we address the demand for affordable housing so all West Australians can enjoy the benefits of such a prosperous State."