11/8/01
Attracting medical professionals to Three Springs will be made easier following a joint housing project between the Shire of Three Springs and the Country Housing Authority, Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens said today.
Mr Stephens said the two houses built in Three Springs for a community nurse and a doctor were good examples of the new Labor Government's commitment to delivering services to rural communities.
He said the houses were funded with a $100,000 grant from the Regional Development Trust Fund, and a loan from the Country Housing Authority to finance the balance.
Grants of $50,000 per dwelling were provided by the Country Housing Authority to 33 shires throughout the State, after it obtained $2 million from the Regional Development Trust Fund for its Housing Development Incentive Program - Local Government Initiatives.
Submissions were called from shires in smaller, more remote communities for grants to assist them in constructing houses for people such as tradespeople and professionals who provided essential services.
Mr Stephens said other neighbourhood shires that received grants included Mullewa ($100,000), Perenjori ($100,000), Dongara ($50,000) and Moora ($150,000). Their projects were still in the construction phase.
"This program is a fine example of partnerships involving the State, Local Government and the community," he said.
"It was developed in recognition of the natural advantage that country local governments have in delivering housing services to rural communities in partnership with the State Government.
"The objective is to encourage housing construction by making projects more affordable or viable through the provision of grant monies. The program is specifically designed to help country local authorities attract and retain key people in their community.
"We are now seeing a very positive outcome of 40 new rural houses built across the State in a short space of time for a minimal cost."
The Minister said the program could be adapted to encourage new business, development and job growth in rural Western Australia, which was the objective of the Regional Development Investment Fund, established by the Government.
He said the eligibility criteria included social and economic benefits for the town or region in terms of employment, regional and community development, provision of a service or product not available in the town, or better use of existing public infrastructure and services.
While the program was only in its infancy, its continuation would build on the interest local government had in sustaining communities through housing initiatives.
"Local government is closest to the practical concerns of its residents, and this program strengthens its position to provide infrastructure and services," Mr Stephens said.
"I believe the program could also be expanded and improved. For example, there is a need to specifically address the housing requirements of State Government workers, shire employees and rural health service providers.
"It is clear that there is a demand for assistance under this program. Twenty-four dwellings in the first round August 2000 were not funded.
"And it may also be necessary to provide larger grants to make projects more viable in more remote parts of the State."
Media contact: Julie Cole 9213 6500
