Kimberley MP mulls rental crisis solutions as pressure mounts for answers across regional WA

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna says she’s open to looking at service workers’ accommodation projects similar to those in the Pilbara, but doesn’t want to rush into things which “can leave us open to more issues down the line”. It comes as Regional Development Australia Pilbara chief executive Tony Simpson, a former Barnett government minister, said State-funded workers’ units needed to be revisited as the region grapples with a housing situation similar to the Kimberley. Mr Simpson’s comments echoed those of Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Neil Thomson, who said the State Government’s inaction had contributed to a worsening of the situation in many corners of WA. Australian Bureau of Statistics data released on Monday revealed 59 new dwellings were approved in Broome to May in 2020-21, one in Derby-West Kimberley, five in Halls Creek and 15 in Wyndham-East Kimberley. Speaking to the Broome Advertiser last week, Ms D’Anna said she had discussed the crisis with Housing Minister John Carey and other regional representatives, and the issue was “one of the top priorities”. “I know my colleague in Geraldton has tossed up the idea of using school camps as service workers’ accommodation, which so are we in Broome — that’s something I want to have a conversation with the education minister about,” she said. Asked if she would support the construction of Government- funded service workers’ accommodation, similar to Warambie Estate and Osprey Village in the Pilbara, Ms D’Anna said she would investigate the idea. “My understanding of the Osprey situation was the previous government rushed it, there wasn’t a proper business case, and it went over budget,” she said. “Rushing into these projects can leave us open to more issues down the line, but I will absolutely investigate similar projects and advocate for them if they’re a good solution. “I am willing to look at and have those discussions about what was done in other regions to help the situation.” Ms D’Anna said she was unable to make it to any of the housing roundtable meetings organised by the Shire of Broome because of Parliament sittings and COVID-19 restrictions, but she would be attending this month’s meeting. Broome Shire president Harold Tracey recently said he was expecting Ms D’Anna to “knock some doors down in Perth and get some action” on the issue. Cr Tracey said a significant State Government investment in Broome housing was required to ease the crisis.