Western Australia is preparing for a surge in housing development, with projections indicating the completion of more than 100,000 new homes over the next four years. This ambitious target includes a similar number of properties currently under construction, focusing on both greenfield suburbs and inner-city areas to address the growing demand for housing. The initiative aims to alleviate the pressure caused by a constrained supply and rising property prices, particularly in regions like Perth, where families face challenges securing affordable homes. Prithvi Shiva Kumar, a recent immigrant from Scotland, exemplifies the struggles many face in the current housing market. After relocating in mid-2025, Kumar and his family spent months searching for a suitable residence, encountering fierce competition in areas like Alkimos and Yanchep. Despite efforts to secure a home through rental options, the couple eventually turned their attention to vacant blocks of land in greenfield areas. Their preference for a backyard for their young daughter led them away from apartments, which they deemed too costly for the space available. The approval of the East Wanneroo District Structure Plan in August 2025 marked a pivotal moment for Kumar's housing quest. Although they initially missed out on the first batch of blocks due to high demand, they successfully secured one of 128 lots in the Stocklands Grevillia estate. This achievement came less than 12 months after early works began, highlighting the rapid pace of development in the area. Stockland, the first major developer in East Wanneroo, anticipates the first residents moving in by mid-2027. The East Wanneroo District Structure Plan outlines the urbanization of 8300 hectares across Perth’s northern suburbs, aiming to support 50,000 homes and accommodate 150,000 residents. Stockland WA development general manager Col Dutton emphasized the importance of meeting the rising demand for housing, stating that it is crucial to ensure quality housing is accessible to all Western Australians. As part of Stockland’s vision for Perth’s northern corridor, the Grevillia community represents a significant step forward in urban expansion. City of Wanneroo mayor Linda Aitken highlighted the potential of the region to become one of Perth’s most significant urban growth areas over the next 50 years. She noted the substantial growth observed in communities like Alkimos and Yanchep along the northern coastline, suggesting East Wanneroo is poised to follow a similar trajectory. Housing Minister John Carey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to unlock more land for development, whether through infill or greenfield projects, to ensure broader access to housing. Recent data from the Department of Treasury’s housing supply unit indicates that in the 2025-26 financial year, 23,234 dwellings were commenced, while 24,732 were completed. Of these, nearly 19,472 were detached dwellings, representing a 10.3 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Multi-residential developments, including villas, townhouses, and units, saw a rise of almost 41 per cent, totaling 4,751 commencements. These figures underscore the momentum behind housing construction in Western Australia, with forecasts predicting an average of around 26,000 homes to be developed annually over the next four years. The state government is also implementing reforms to the Residential Design Codes to expedite housing supply. These changes aim to facilitate more subdivisions, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, shorten approval timelines, and enhance the efficiency of infill development. Such measures are designed to align with the increasing demand for housing, ensuring that the supply keeps pace with population growth and economic activity. As the focus shifts toward expanding housing stock, the integration of alternative transportation methods becomes increasingly relevant. A recent study conducted by the Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC) at the University of Western Australia explored the usage patterns of private e-scooters among Perth residents. The findings revealed that e-scooter users primarily rely on these devices to save time and money during their daily commutes, with a notable presence of older individuals utilizing them for similar purposes. The study underscores the necessity for improved public infrastructure to accommodate these emerging modes of transport effectively. The research highlights the importance of creating dedicated pathways and charging hubs to enhance the utility of e-scooters. It also emphasizes the need for rider education and safety initiatives to mitigate conflicts between different user groups on shared paths. By investing in comprehensive infrastructure and fostering a culture of mutual respect among path users, Perth can better integrate e-rideables into its urban transport network, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable mobility landscape.
★
Gardons l’information honnête.
ObjectiveNews est financé par ses lecteurs et sans publicité : nous vous montrons le biais au lieu de le cacher. Soutenez un journalisme indépendant pour 4 €/mois.
Devenir soutien
Australia
