WA’s run as the fastest-growing State continue and Roger Cook pleas for the population to spread out north

Premier Roger Cook is looking to encourage more industries to open and move up north, as WA’s run as the fastest-growing State extends into a third year.

Reacting to new ABS figures that show WA’s population increased by 2.3 per cent in the year to March — the greatest growth of any State or Territory — Mr Cook said the fact that 2.8 million of the state’s 3.03 million people lived in Perth was proving “challenging”.

He nominated Port Hedland, Karratha, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie as places he wants new West Australians to live, because not everyone could live in Perth.

“It’s not unsustainable, but it’s challenging,” Mr Cook this week told The West Australian.

“We need to make sure that we consolidate the housing densities inside Perth.

“But ultimately, we need people to realise the great opportunities, and lifestyle opportunities, that comes with living in regional Western Australia.”

Prior to the March State Election, Mr Cook said he wanted to get more people living and working in country WA. But just how he intends to achieve that is yet to be seen.

But he said this week the advent of more renewable and clean industries in WA — particularly in the north of the State — would create more opportunities for people to work and live regionally.

He acknowledged a shortage of housing stock in country WA was an obstacle.

“We need to have more people living in regional towns or regional cities, such as Port Hedland, Karratha, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and so on,” Mr Cook said.

“So, we need to build the housing supply — particularly in regional Western Australia to make sure that people have places to go in great communities.

“We’ll be making more comments about that in the future.

“At the moment we are focused on getting those industrial projects moving.”

Mr Cook’s comments come just ahead of the Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme — which allows first home buyers to buy property with just a 5 per cent deposit — coming into effect on October 1.

While the scheme is a boon for young people trying to get into the property market, there are also fears an influx of buyers - on limited for sale housing stock in Perth, will keep driving prices up in the Perth capital and regional areas.

“The scheme will increase demand in a market already suffering from historic undersupply, pushing prices higher for everyone,” Senator Smith said.

“WA families are facing rising property prices and living costs, and this policy will make it harder, not easier, to buy a home.”

Perth property analyst Gavan Hegney said although the scheme might drive property prices up, it also enabled wannabe first home buyers get into the market.

“Any incentive that assists a person to buy a home, ultimately is a good move,” Mr Hegney said.

“Home ownership has been proven in this country to be a prime source of wealth.

“And that provides not only security, but also for people’s retirement years.”