More affordable rental homes in Karratha and Roebourne

Friday, 7 October 2011

Residents in Karratha and Roebourne will have access to more affordable rental accommodation under the Gillard Government's National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

Senator for Western Australia, Louise Pratt, today welcomed the announcement of successful applications for NRAS round four in Karratha and Roebourne.

"I know that the cost of rent is a real pressure for families in the Pilbara,” Senator Pratt said.

“Tell other Australians that a one bedroom dwelling could cost nearly $3,000 a week to rent and they’d be shocked – but it’s not new to long-suffering Pilbara residents!

“That’s why I am very pleased to welcome investment in affordable housing projects by Questus Funds Management Ltd. Together, these projects will see the construction of 300 homes in Karratha and 50 in Roebourne.”

NRAS offers financial incentives to the business sector and community organisations to build and rent homes to low and moderate income households.

It increases the supply of new affordable rental housing, reducing rental costs for low and moderate income households and encouraging investment and innovative affordable housing.

“Before Labor came to office there were no programs aimed at improving the availability of housing at affordable rental properties,” Senator Pratt said.

“In Karratha, the median house price grew by more than 10 per cent in the last 12 months and the cost of living is about 20 per cent higher than it is in Perth.

“That is impacting on people’s ability to live in the region, which limits the capacity to draw people to live here. In turn, that risks the productivity and future of the Pilbara.

“Those are risks that the Gillard Government is simply not willing to take.”

Media contact: Senator Pratt's office 08 9225 4411

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