With a WA housing stimulus package announced earlier this week, Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney is calling on the State Government to ensure housing redevelopment in Spalding is not overlooked whilst regional programs under the initiative are being finalised.
“With roughly $100 million set to be spent in the regions, housing redevelopment in Spalding cannot afford to be ignored,” Mr Blayney said.
“There are 34 vacant properties in Spalding that are earmarked for redevelopment or refurbishment – which is now long overdue, so it’s imperative the stimulus package provides the boost that’s needed to enable work on these properties to finally start.
“Not only will this give much needed encouragement to Spalding residents and community organisations who regularly use the area, but the program will also be welcomed by local builders and construction companies who were struggling before covid created an even bigger blow for the industry.
Mr Blayney said he intends to keep the pressure on the Government in Parliament to seek further detail on the package, particularly for social and community housing projects allocated to Geraldton, as well as continuing to advocate for Royalties for Regions to be used for the Spalding redevelopment.
“The Minister’s announcement was lacking in details with regards to where money reserved for the regions will be spent,” Mr Blayney said.
“Since the closure of Cameliers and the Sobering Up Centre, I have echoed the community’s disappointment with this government’s lack of investment in social and community housing in the region.
“I will use this opportunity to continue to scrutinise the Government’s allocated funding for future initiatives that should benefit Geraldton whilst in Parliament.
“With the Treasurer’s Quarterly Financial Results Report at the start of the month revealing the underspent Royalties for Regions funding, it is vital the Government still consider injecting funds from this program into the Spalding Redevelopment, despite the announcements this week.
“Plans drawn up for the Spalding redevelopment include changes to roads as well as housing, so a significant portion of Royalties for Regions funding should also be directed towards this, instead of being misused on projects in Perth, or returned to Treasury.”
