58 new, affordable houses are to be built in the Pilbara region of Western Australia to help those workers who deliver critical services to the area.

According to the Regional Development Minister, Brendon Grylls, it is important that non-government employees (NGOs) are able to afford housing, because they currently struggle. An estimated AUS$35 million of royalties will be spend provide the housing.

The 58 properties will be prioritised in locations in Pilbara and Kimberly, including Karratha, South Hedland, Derby and Broome to name just a few. Mr Grylls said “Affordability is a key issue in the North-West of the State, with those outside the resources industry finding it difficult to afford housing…Suitable housing is critical to ensure that community services such as education, health, drug and alcohol counselling, Aboriginal community health care and legal services can continue to operate.”

Troy Buswell, Housing Minister added; “These new homes will be leased to NGOs at a discounted rate to support the social wellbeing and sustainability of regional communities by ensuring that NGOs can continue to provide their important services.”

Social services and housing departments have been working together to identify the needs of the NGOs, and applications for the housing opens this week. Each application will be assessed by an independent panel and an independent academic to decide who is eligible for the housing.

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