Premier Mark McGowan unveils singles social housing boost in $4 million Spencer Park plan

Up to eight one and two-bedroom units will be built in Spencer Park to bolster social housing stocks for individuals under a $4 million WA Government budget boost.

Premier Mark McGowan made a whirlwind trip to Albany yesterday, stopping in Spencer Park to unveil the plans promising to meet the high demand for singles accommodation in Albany as the July rental vacancy rates remain at 0.7 per cent.

The units will be delivered as part of a $20 million regional housing revitalisation pledge across Geraldton, Bunbury and Albany announced as part of the State Budget last week.

Housing Minister John Carey said the final works were still being planned.

“The overwhelming advice I receive as the Minister for Housing is that we need more accommodation for singles, particularly in Albany, and the Spencer Park renewal project will help address that need,” he said.

“The Spencer Park renewal project is about improving the overall amenity of the suburb, as well as the housing options that are available.

“We will refurbish existing assets, build modern units for singles and carry out works that improve the liveability and connection for all of the people living in Spencer Park.”

Premier McGowan said in the next four years the Government would invest more than $2.1 billion in social housing including the delivery of about 3300 new homes across WA.

“My Government is focused on improving the well-being of vulnerable Western Australians, including those in the Albany community,” he said.

Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens said the renewal of Spencer Park was a priority and she was confident the investment would make the suburb a better place to live.

“We will improve the amenity through better road connections, more footpaths, and street and landscaping, but this announcement today will also help to modernise and improve the variety of housing available to the most vulnerable people,” she said.