State Government to sell Mahomets Flats land to City of Greater Geraldton for $1 to improve worker housing

The City of Greater Geraldton will acquire a superblock of land for $1 to turn into new key worker accommodation.

The Crown land is currently managed by the council and owned by the State Government, but is planned to change hands at a next to nothing price in an attempt to combat the housing crisis.

The State Government will sell the 8.8ha of land at 165 Willcock Drive in Mahomets Flats to the City of Greater Geraldton for $1 in the name of unlocking further worker housing.

The State Government announced in February they would invest $8.7 million in the Mahomets Flats parcel of land as part of their Infrastructure Development Fund, which assists with the costs of essential utilities.

The funding and sale of the land is the first step in the development of a 140-dwelling key worker village.

City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said the “crucial” change of hands would assist in converting the land to housing.

“This exciting announcement brings us one step closer to significantly expanding much-needed housing options in Geraldton and we are extremely grateful for the State Government’s generous investment,” he said.

“We recognise the national housing shortage and the importance of creating new accommodation options in Geraldton. Although housing delivery is not traditionally a local government role, we remain mindful of cost‑of‑living pressures and are committed to assisting where we can.”

Mr Clune said the council was looking to acquire further grant funding for the development of the housing project and described the delivery of the site as “challenging”.

Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said they were supporting the city with both unlocking the underutilised land and funding.

“The sale of this land for $1 is a recognition of the significant benefit this project will have for the Geraldton community and for the region’s growing economy,” he said.

The $4.7m Olive Street project also in Mahomets, including seven executive homes for key public servants, is close to completion. The State Government contributed $1.6m and the city $3.1m.