Joint media statement - Albanese Government funds $4.2 million for social housing boost in Albany

The continued partnership between the Albanese Labor Government and the Cook Labor Government will deliver another 12 new social homes in Albany, in a major boost to affordable and social housing supply in the Great Southern.

The 12 new social homes will be constructed on State Government-owned land in the Albany suburb of McKail, with a grant of $4.2 million to My Home Australasia Limited.

The project will see the construction of six one-bedroom and six two-bedroom homes built to a Silver Level Livable Housing standard and designed to be low maintenance, with robust materials and fittings.

The project is funded through the Albanese Government's Social Housing Accelerator Program (SHAP).

The $2 billion SHAP aims to build around 4,000 homes for vulnerable Australians, with each state and territory receiving a share.

Western Australia's share - totalling $209.2 million - will deliver more than 260 social homes and ensure refurbishments can be undertaken to more than 300 existing social homes across the State.

Upon completion, property and tenancy management services for the Albany homes will be provided by Advance Housing, who have been granted a 40-year ground lease of the site.

The builder for the project will be South West-based company Smith Constructions.

Construction is expected to commence in early 2025.

Quotes attributed to Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness Minister Clare O'Neil:

"The Albanese Government is continuing its partnership with the Cook Government to ensure more Western Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home. 

"Across the country, the $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator is delivering around 4,000 homes, and it's just one way we're supporting Australians facing housing challenges. 

"Our ambitious housing reform agenda is working across the board - with more help for homebuyers, more help for renters and more help for Australians needing a safe place for the night."

Quotes attributed to WA Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey:

"The Cook Labor Government is investing a record $4.5 billion in housing and homelessness measures, and this is complemented by the Albanese Government's Social Housing Accelerator Program - injecting a further $209.2 million into WA's social housing.

"We continue to partner with the Federal Government through their $209 million injection in WA, which has delivered another $4.2 million for 12 new social homes in Albany. 

"On completion, these new homes in Albany will be managed by community housing provider Advance Housing, a local and respected community housing organisation.

"The 12 homes provide a mix of one and two-bedroom social homes, which will provide housing to the most vulnerable members of our community.

"Today, the Cook Labor Government has also announced the completion of a further 16 new social homes through our record $4.5 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures.

"We've been very clear - we're not stopping our reforms to bolster housing supply - this remains a key priority for the Cook Labor Government, and we'll keep doing everything we can to boost housing supply across Western Australia - particularly in the regions."

Quotes attributed to Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:

"This is another tremendous outcome for the Albany community, and I'll continue to advocate for more affordable housing right here in Albany.

"The Cook Labor Government continues to partner with the Albanese Government to increase housing supply. I'm deeply proud to see Albany receiving its share of more affordable and secure housing, which will be available to those in our community who need it most."

Quotes attributed to "My Home" Founder and Chair Michelle Blakeley:

"The most efficient and effective way to deliver housing for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Western Australia is by bringing together government, the private sector and the community sector in a collaborative partnership. The "My Home" McKail housing development is a demonstration of the powerful impact of collaboration.  

"My Home" is very grateful to the Cook and Albanese governments for enabling the funding for construction of the McKail houses in an area which so desperately needs affordable housing. We look forward to future collaboration with State and Commonwealth governments."

Quotes attributed to Advance Housing CEO John Lysaught:

"Advance Housing Ltd sees partnership opportunities that bring together diverse expertise and will, such as that held by Advance Housing and My Home Australasia Ltd, in combination with vital financial support from both the State and Commonwealth governments as a great way to boost housing supply as quickly as possible.

"Advance Housing Ltd is pleased to play a key role in bringing additional housing supply to those most in need in the Albany community and commend both the Cook and Albanese governments on this critical regional initiative."