Geraldton council representatives go to Parliament to lobby minister for more local accommodation

Two accommodation projects and a bid to boost industrial land were pitched for State Government support when City of Greater Geraldton representatives descended on Parliament last week. Mayor Jerry Clune and city director of development services Ryan Hall met Housing, Homelessness and Lands Minister John Carey and Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton to lobby for funding for three ventures to help ease the city’s housing shortage. The Mahomets Flats Holiday Park and Accommodation Village, Olive Street Housing Project and Future Industrial Land Project were front and centre in discussions. The first two initiatives are in the early concept, planning and investigation stages but Mr Clune was confident they would offer a strategic response to a growing problem. “Providing they receive council endorsement along with financial support from the State Government, they will offer strategic responses by the city to help alleviate Geraldton’s accommodation crisis,” he added. The Mahomets Flats concept design features 32 caravan spaces, and 137 one, two and three-bedroom prefabricated units in the key worker accommodation section. There will be 132 caravan and camping sites with 21 two-bedroom units in the short-stay section of the holiday village. The Olive Street proposal would see council spearheading the construction of seven four-bedroom homes on prime residential lots next to the Olive Street reserve. This initiative aims to boost housing options in a desirable location, contributing to the City’s urban renewal and community development. Mr Clune said increasing feedback indicated the development sector required additional industrial space. “The Future Industrial Land Project seeks to bolster economic growth in our region by allowing for expansion by local businesses as well as attracting new investment,” Mr Clune said. Collaboration across all levels of government was “vital in order to address our city’s evolving needs”, the mayor said. Mr Clune said the minister was receptive to the proposed initiatives. Mr Clune is optimistic about all three projects progressing, with further details expected in coming months.