City of Greater Geraldton considering plan to help ease housing shortage by building on vacant city land

The City of Greater Geraldton is considering turning vacant city land in Mahomets Flats into houses. The move would be a first for the local government. With an ongoing shortage of houses in the area, as well as a national housing crisis, the council will consider stepping in to build new houses on vacant land. The City of Greater Geraldton council agenda for May says although it is not the responsibility of the local government to provide housing, there is an opportunity to assist during the housing shortage. The land on Olive Street was originally planned for 15 residential dwellings, where eight of the proposed sites were sold, but not all have been turned into houses. The agenda says the city is in a position to wear the short-term losses local builders and families cannot by receiving financial support from the State Government, undertaking cost-saving packages by building seven houses instead of one, and leasing the properties before selling them at a later date. If approved, each of the seven lots will become a four-bedroom house, which the city says are in short supply. City chief executive Ross McKim wrote in the agenda: “The city has not previously developed residential housing for community use. “The ability to find suitable accommodation has been creating a great deal of anxiety within the community. This project would, in a small way, assist with this situation.” The agenda states the total cost of all seven homes would be $5.39 million, with each house valued at $770,000. Other options the city may consider include not pursuing the developments and opting for council projects’ proceeding without financial support from the State Government’ putting the vacant land back on the market’ or developing fewer homes on the land. The issue is due to be debated at Tuesday’s council agenda forum, before an official vote at next week’s council meeting on whether it will be given further consideration. As it is still in its infancy, the project has not been included in the council’s draft 2024-25 capital works program. Councillors will vote next week on whether to direct Mr McKim to approach Housing Minister John Carey to gauge the State Government’s interest in partnering with the city to proceed with the development.