Page Title

Geraldton Housing Action Plan

The Commission delivered the Geraldton Housing Development Forum in 2023, providing an opportunity for industry, Government and key stakeholders to discuss housing solutions to improve the capacity of the local housing market, respond to the needs of current and future population growth, learn about government funding opportunities, address key challenges and connect with industry partners.

Two workshop sessions were held with Forum attendees, which focussed on supply and demand challenges and possible interventions in the constrained Geraldton housing market.

These identified several priority actions including the development of a Geraldton Housing Action Plan, and formation of a Geraldton Housing Advisory Group and Geraldton Housing Industry Working Group.

The Action Plan identifies actions, opportunities and outputs from the Forum workshop to increase housing for workers and provided recommendations for how the development of housing might be best facilitated in the city centre, including ranked priorities, lead agencies and potential funding.

The framework for the Action Plan is based on achieving seven critical outcomes to improve housing market efficiency and address the identified supply and demand challenges and opportunities.

The seven outcomes are:

• Supply side responses - to remove barriers to the local market’s ability to deliver the required accommodation to meet demand:
  • Optimise existing housing and land stock
  • Enable new housing and land supply
  • Increase housing market capacity
  • Attract funding and financing.
• Demand side responses - to cultivate, shore-up and bring forward the demand required to secure the required supply:
  • Coordinate current and future demand
  • Optimise outcomes from (Government and private sector housing and worker accommodation) tender processes
  • Increase investment in housing in the Mid West region.

Geraldton Housing Advisory Group

The Geraldton Housing Advisory Group (GHAG) is a collective of stakeholders from Government and industry who aim to foster a better understanding of the constraints and limitations for Geraldton housing supply, and to identify proactive solutions.

The GHAG members share knowledge and provide strategic advice and guidance to the Commission and other relevant agencies on strategies to increase housing supply as identified in the Geraldton Housing Action Plan.

The purpose of the GHAG is to:

• Support and guide the review and implementation of initiatives and actions in the Geraldton Housing Action Plan.
• Engage with government agencies, the private sector and relevant peak bodies on key housing issues.
• Collaborate with key representatives and stakeholders from across the housing sector, relevant community organisations and peak bodies as required.
• Identify solutions and next steps, including alternative housing solutions to address project-driven population growth, and associated delivery models.
• Leverage existing Government support with an understanding of the constraints and limitations for Geraldton housing supply, including capacity constraints.

Chaired by the Commission, the GHAG is made of industry peak bodies and key government bodies.

It provides advice to the Commission on local and State Government land supply and development options, project workforce accommodation needs, investor and industry attraction models, and other relevant issues.

Geraldton Housing Industry Working Group

The Geraldton Housing Industry Working Group (GHIWG) is a forum for building and construction industry leaders to develop a shared vision and cohesive industry voice.

The GHIWG provides insight and an understanding of the constraints, limitations and potential solutions for Geraldton housing supply, and feedback on key initiatives in the Action Plan.

The purpose of the GHIWG is to provide ‘real time’ insight into the housing and construction issues in Geraldton.

It advises the GHAG and ensures that any planning is directly informed by those currently working in the local construction industry.

North Midlands and Batavia Coast Housing Forum

The North Midlands and Batavia Coast Housing Forum connected Government and construction sector representatives, particularly modular building companies, in March 2024.

Different housing scenarios and case studies were shared, with delegates concluding that the following were critical to facilitate the required housing supply in these communities:

1. Land availability – accessible land, suitably zoned and serviced to support the intended housing / accommodation outcomes
2. Certainty of demand – proponent commitments to occupy and pay for the housing
3. Funding and financing – a clear pathway to secure the required project funding and / or financing arrangements
4. Delivery capability and capacity – ability of industry to efficiently deliver the required built form solutions to the desired scale, time, cost and quality standards.

Participants were invited to workshop the issues and collaborate to identify, plan and deliver specific solutions - and describe what they were willing to contribute.

The Forum concluded that a number of initiatives are necessary address this challenge, with strong willingness from all parties to work together.

The Commission continues to work with stakeholders to develop and progress tailored housing solutions.

Murchison Housing

The Commission funded a Murchison Housing Study in 2022-23 that was undertaken during 2023‑24.

The study explored options to address the challenges facing housing delivery in the Murchison subregion, which is also severely constrained by high development costs, scarcity of suppliers, cyclical economic conditions and relatively low investment returns.

Collaboration was identified as a key opportunity for shires to address housing challenges by pooling resources and coordinating advocacy, engagement and policy efforts to develop solutions.

An economic modelling tool was also produced that allows the comparison of different scenarios between individual shires and collectives.

The ‘model’ considers individual shire efforts as the ‘base case’ and compares this to individual dwellings and shared developments across multiple communities.

The model includes capital costs and expected revenues across individual and group developments, and allows users to consider the impact of external funding, interest rates, repayment periods and other factors on overall project feasibility (at a high level).

It highlights the value of collaboration and assumes benefits of larger scale developments in terms of external funding potential, streamlined design and procurement efforts and lower pricing.

The Commission shared the report with Murchison local governments during 2023-24 and will continue to encourage use of the model to compare different development scenarios.

Housing demands are unlikely to subside and the Commission will continue to advocate for collaborative efforts to address growing future housing demands across the Mid West.

Kalbarri key worker housing

Following STC Seroja in April 2021, there were various government efforts to provide short stay accommodation for key workers to aid the reconstruction efforts.

A suitable site opposite the Kalbarri foreshore was identified and although a preferred housing developer was selected, this process was later terminated.

Demand for key worker housing has not waned and the State released the Woods Street site to the Shire in 2023-24 for development.

The support the Shire’s efforts to develop the site, the Commission provided $130,000 for analysis of options, site designs and a business case.

Preliminary estimates suggest the lot will facilitate around 30 dwellings, which could mean accommodation for up to 60 key workers.

Future management of this site may include real estate services and tenancy management and servicing.

The business case will inform the Shire’s decision whether to manage these responsibilities in‑house or through a third party.

The dwellings will be modular in design to expedite development and reduce costs.

This project may also help introduce modular dwellings to the region, where standard ‘brick and tile’ construction methodologies and expertise are most prevalent.

The Shire confirmed plans for the modular dwellings late in 2023-24, which are expected to be delivered and erected within 2024‑25.

The first 1-2 dwellings will occupy Shire and contract staff involved with project management and site supervision for the Kalbarri foreshore redevelopment.

The emerging private sector focus on Kalbarri (e.g., renewables and garnet) is also driving significant demand from industry and government agencies.

Remaining dwellings may support these growing public and private sector demands in the medium-longer term.

Local content

The Commission is committed to capturing regional benefit from government and major industry investment by identifying local content opportunities from tenders or projects.

The Commission worked with local businesses to assess their capacity and capability to engage with government and the private sector for commercial tendering opportunities, identify support mechanisms and actively promote local content opportunities to businesses.

Supporting the development of new and existing Aboriginal owned and operated businesses is a priority.

By working closely with JTSI and the Department of Finance, regional businesses were better prepared to meet the requirements of the Buy Local Policy, Aboriginal Procurement Policy and Western Australian Procurement Rules, and participate in local tenders, contracts and projects.

Throughout 2023-24, the Commission worked closely with Multiplex, the head contractor for the State Government’s Geraldton Health Campus Upgrade.

A review of project documentation identified opportunities to isolate individual work packages suitable for local businesses and a Stage 1 minor works package was awarded to a local Aboriginal business.

As a result of the strong working relationships established with Geraldton Health Campus project managers, the Commission was then engaged in the early-stage development of the Meekatharra Hospital Project.

The process has also resulted in the development of a database of 500 businesses and detailed understanding of capacity and capability across the region.

Additional local content outcomes include:

• Value of contracts awarded to local businesses in the Mid West and reported for 2022-23 was over $14 million.
• Current estimated value of contracts awarded for 2023-24 in the Mid West is approximately $27 million.
• Forward procurement planning look ahead for the Mid West region for 2024-25 has approximately six opportunities with a value estimate of $23 million.
• Awareness-raising of State Government, local government, resources and large private enterprise tenders via weekly subscription email to local businesses.
• Increased local business engagement and awareness of opportunities for Department of Communities tenders.

Designated Area Migration Agreement

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) provide access to more overseas workers to a designated area than the standard skilled migration program.

DAMAs operate under an agreement-based framework, providing flexibility for regions to respond to their unique economic and labour market conditions.

A Mid West and Gascoyne DAMA Business Case was led by Regional Development Australia Mid West and Gascoyne in partnership with the Commission and Chambers of Commerce from Carnarvon, Exmouth and the Mid West.

This business case was driven by a clear understanding of requirements for a DAMA to exist in the Mid West and Gascoyne regions and recognises the job and skill needs of incoming major projects, renewable energies and future industries, along with traditional industries such as mining, agriculture and fishing.

For the Mid West Gascoyne DAMA, two visa subclasses were sought:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
2. Provisional: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional (subclass 494).

For both visas, an allocation of 600 total workers across the first three years of the five‑year initial agreement is proposed.

The final business case included 249 occupations and concessions across all sectors.

The new Western Australian DAMA (June 2024), combined with existing State Nominated Migration Program, will enable up to 10,000 overseas workers to settle in WA annually.

The Commission will continue working with the Department of Training and Workforce Development and regional stakeholders to highlight key industries of demand, and support positive migrant workforce outcomes for the Mid West.

Batavia Coast Marina Stage 2

The Batavia Coast Marina Stage 1 (BCM1) development comprises high quality residential and commercial property, short stay accommodation, retail and Museum on the Geraldton waterfront.

The adjacent Batavia Coast Marina Stage 2 (BCM2) site is partly owned by the Commission and has undergone extensive environmental investigations and remediation due to its previous life as railway and marshalling yards.

Remediation works were concluded in 2023-24, resulting in site reclassification to permit public access and further development.

The Commission has been working with lead agency, DevelopmentWA, and the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) for many years through the BCM2 Steering Committee, with Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation (YSRC) participating from 2023-24.

The adjacent Lot 601 site is part of the Yamatji Nation ILUA (2021) settlement and will need to be planned and developed in concert with BCM2.

Concurrently, YSRC and CGG are undertaking further strategic planning for Lot 601, which has the potential to be a centrepiece development for Geraldton.

Residual Commission project funding was supplemented by Development WA to enable a review of previous BCM2 master-planning and concurrent delivery of key access roads, services, parking and potentially a small housing lot development from 2024‑25.

In time, BCM2 will be developed as an iconic CBD site that complements stage 1 and Lot 601, and becomes a high value inner city precinct that drives higher density living and urban activation.

Arts

The Arts and Recreation Services sector generates more than $42 million of annual economic output and supports more than 175 workers across the Mid West.

This year, the Commission supported a range of creative industries initiatives including:

• The 2024 Geraldton Open Studios and Surrounds (GOSS) program
• North Midlands Project’s expansion of their Here+Now creative program to Northampton and Mullewa; Stronger Together program of community lunches and dinners through the North Midlands and Mullewa; and their Women of the Hinterlands + International Women’s Day programs with Martine Perret
• Euphorium’s development of a Mid West event suppliers and providers portal
• Regional Arts WA’s Mid West Creative Ecology Summit planned for February 2025
• Mullewa Community Resource Centre’s Community Harmony Mosaic Project for Harmony Week 2024
• Mingenew Shop Rejuvenation Project, which features a new mural artwork
• Town Team Movement’s Morawa Makeover
• Badimia Land Aboriginal Corporation for Wirnda Barna Arts Centre’s art classes in Mount Magnet.

The Commission has participated in Department of Local Government Sports and Cultural Industries and Regional Arts WA funding panels, coordinated the Regional Development Commissions’ (RDCs) Creative Industries Group and is on the planning committee for the Mid West Creative Ecology Summit in 2025.

Cross-regional Aboriginal arts investment

The Commission is supporting development of an Aboriginal Visual Arts Industry Investment Package, led by the Pilbara Development Commission, in collaboration with other RDCs.

The project is funded by Lotterywest and DPIRD.

The Aboriginal Art Centre Hub of WA is consulting Mid West Aboriginal Art Centres and independent Aboriginal artists through this project.

There are 5,427 artists represented by Aboriginal Arts Centres in WA. The consultation process has considered infrastructure and level of resources, with an aim to ascertain future feasibility.

From this, a Business Case will be developed to support future investment through Lotterywest.

Film friendly

As a Film Friendly region, the Commission also worked closely with Feisty Dame Productions to support local writer Holden Sheppard’s ‘Invisible Boys’ to be filmed in Geraldton.

This was estimated to have brought more than $6.4 million expenditure to the State, boosting businesses and creating 280 local jobs.

The Stan series has received support from Screenwest, Lotterywest, Screen Australia and the WA Government’s Regional Screen Fund.

The Commission works closely with Screenwest to generate positive social and economic outcomes for the region with productions accessing the WA Screen Fund.

North Midlands Project

Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Regional Development allocated a fund for small grants to the nine Regional Development Commissions across the state in 2023-24.

This initiative was designed to support local projects that address community needs, strengthen social bonds and encourage active participation, thereby contributing to the overall development and resilience of the regions.

The North Midlands Project is a regional development initiative aimed at supporting and revitalising rural and remote communities in the North Midlands.

The Project often includes collaborations between government agencies, local councils, businesses and community organisations to achieve its goals.

“Hinterland”, a German term for the land behind, signifies regional areas inland from the coast.

From 2021 to 2024, renowned photographer Martine Perret collaborated with North Midlands Project, exploring Amangu, Badamia, Wajarri, Widi, and Yued country.
Perret captured aerial landscapes and worked with local women to document their perspectives and create stunning portraits.

Funding from the Commission assisted in recognising these important regional women, supporting Perret’s engagement in a series of skill-based workshops with local youth, and expanding the Women of the Hinterlands series to include Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women.

The project produced 18 portraits and accompanying stories of women from Carnamah, Coorow, Latham, Mingenew, Moora, Morawa, Mullewa, Piawaning, Perenjori, Three Springs and Warradarge.

These works responded to themes of Ebb+Flow, Time+Place, and Here+Now, which reflect life’s natural fluctuations and the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

The expanded Women of the Hinterlands series was launched for the 2024 International Women’s Day in Carnamah and toured through Mingenew and Mullewa.

It was also showcased across the State, with viewings held in Geraldton, Moora and Margaret River, drawing enthusiastic participation and positive feedback to recognise and support regional women and their achievements, which is crucial to encourage community resilience and celebrate diverse contributions.

Carey Right Track Foundation

Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Regional Development allocated a fund for small grants to the nine Regional Development Commissions across the state in 2023-24.

This initiative was designed to support local projects that address community needs, strengthen social bonds and encourage active participation, thereby contributing to the overall development and resilience of the regions.

The Carey Right Track Foundation is a not‑for‑profit organisation established in 2010.

The Foundation is dedicated to empowering remote and Aboriginal communities through athletic development.

The Foundation promotes the belief that lasting positive change requires consistent engagement and self-sufficiency, focusing on enabling these communities to independently develop and sustain year-round athletics programs.

The Commission’s funding benefited the Pia Wadjarri community through delivery of an athletic program that promoted physical health, social and emotional wellbeing, and deep connections with Aboriginal culture.

Carey Right Track Foundation will conduct another workshop in Term 3 2024.

Remote and under-served communities often face significant barriers to accessing organised sports, with limited resources, inadequate facilities, and a shortage of trained coaches.

Commission funding enabled provision of essential equipment, the organisation of specialised programs, and the travel of facilitators who bring expertise and engagement to these communities.

Tertiary education

The Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) is an independent, not-for-profit, incorporated body, supporting university courses on behalf of partner universities from around Australia.

There is a gap in the market for courses supported by Western Australian universities, which is resulting in some students needing to travel interstate to complete some elements of coursework, as their desired study areas are only offered through interstate institutions.

The Commission supported GUC to take part in the WA Regional Higher Education Exchange in Perth in March 2024.

The Exchange brought together all WA universities and Regional University Centres and Study Hubs.

One of the key areas explored was the need to develop more courses that were fully accessible for regional students.

The Commission is continuing to work with GUC to progress initiatives that support these important outcomes.

The initial focus is on the critical areas of Allied health and Secondary Education Teaching courses, which can be delivered into Geraldton, and other regions, via WA universities.

Geraldton Universities Centre Scholarship

The Commission has been a longstanding donor to GUC’s Hollomby Foundation Scholarships, and was delighted to attend its annual presentations to award the Commission’s scholarship to recipient Chelsea Routledge.

Chelsea is studying a Bachelor of Social Work degree with GUC partner, CQUniversity.

Named in honour of the late Joe Hollomby, the Hollomby Foundation supports the GUC and Mid West students to access tertiary education without having to leave their community.

By providing opportunity for all local people and recruiting students to courses that address local workforce needs, GUC has pioneered an innovative model over the past 20 years, building the capacity of our region, particularly in the education, health and business sectors and we are honoured to be a long-standing advocate of GUC and donor to the Foundation.

Central Regional TAFE Scholarship

The Commission continued its partnership with Central Regional TAFE to offer course‑based scholarships in information and technology (IT).

Graduates with IT qualifications are in high demand across the globe and play a crucial role in helping communities and organisations stay connected.

Jong Johan Penetrado and Sanjanah Rughoobeer received the Commission’s scholarships in 2024 to complete their studies in Diploma of Information Technology and Certificate IV in Information Technology, respectively.