UDIA WA has welcomed today’s announcement by the Albanese and Cook Governments that will unlock thousands of new homes to be delivered across the state.
The initiatives align with several of UDIA WA’s recommendations in the lead up to the State Budget which focused on impactful government investment in infrastructure and multi-unit development support, designed to increase supply and housing choice.
“UDIA WA provided solutions-based recommendations to address the ongoing housing supply crisis in our recent Pre Budget submissions, and we congratulate the Cook and Albanese Governments for listening and taking targeted action to shift the dial on new housing delivery,” UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said.
Essential infrastructure funding to catalyse identified growth areas
Included in the announcement today, the Federal and State Government will fund critical enabling infrastructure in key growth corridors including East Wanneroo and North Ellenbrook.
Expanding on the initial $400M State Government investment in the Housing Enabling Infrastructure Fund, the joint investment of another $522 million will help deliver critical power and water infrastructure to support housing for First Home Buyers.
“Lack of enabling infrastructure has been identified as one of the biggest blockages to the delivery of new land for residential housing,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“East Wanneroo and North Ellenbrook, receiving funding as part of the announcement today, were identified in both the 2024 and more recent 2026 iteration of UDIA WA’s Growth Corridors Infrastructure Requirements Report,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Our 2026 report found that with targeted investment in enabling infrastructure items identified in the report, new development in East Wanneroo and North Ellenbrook could ultimately unlock close to 70,000 new homes,” Ms Steinbeck said.
UDIA WA’s April 2026 Growth Corridors Infrastructure Requirements Report identified that an initial investment of $596 million over four years in strategic, enabling infrastructure would unlock land to catalyse the delivery of over 115,000 new homes across seven key growth corridors in Perth and Peel.
“It is important to note that these areas have been earmarked for much needed housing supply under the State Government’s existing planning frameworks. Government investment is supported by significant developer investment that funds community facilities, utility and road infrastructure,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“This is a big win for First Home Buyers looking to secure a new home.”
Much needed support for townhouse & apartment projects
Also announced today, the establishment of a new $250 million First Home Buyer Commercial Financing Facility to be offered by Keystart for eligible multi-unit residential projects.
This initiative was recommended in a proposal by UDIA WA last year in relation to Keystart’s transition to a Government Trading Enterprise, providing the financier the unique opportunity to offer project financing that supports affordable housing delivery.
“The Commercial Financing Facility is a fantastic complement to the previously announced Pre-Sale Guarantee Scheme to be delivered by Keystart, and it could be a real game changer in bridging the feasibility gap for shovel-ready multi-unit projects, getting more supply on the ground, faster,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“This will add to the new State-led build to sell program that will expand shared equity housing opportunities, an increasingly critical product for First Home Buyers,” Ms Steinbeck said.
The $40M top-up of the established Infrastructure Development Fund, which UDIA WA also advocated for, will continue to provide headwork cost coverage for eligible infill projects.
“The Pre-Sale Guarantee Scheme, Commercial Financing Facility and Build to Sell Program are meaningful and impactful ways that we can get more affordable housing choices out to the market and to first homebuyers that are desperate for options,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“We must continue to ensure housing remains within reach. Everyone deserves access to an appropriate, affordable home that meets their household’s needs,” Ms Steinbeck said.
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Contact:
Gemma Osiejak
Executive Manager Communications & Engagement
P: 0421 506 819
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au