Western Australia Local Government Association (WALGA) President, Karen Chappel AM, is urging the State Government to recognise the growing population pressure on Councils, particularly in addressing the shortage of affordable housing.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Population Clock, Western Australia’s population surpassed 3 million on 24 October.
While a significant event in WA’s history, the growth presents more pressure for Local Governments to provide services and facilities to meet community needs and expectations, said President Chappel.
“100% of our 139 Member Councils view housing as a major challenge in their Local Government area,” she said.
“We are concerned about the supply of rental housing and the affordability of housing in general.”
As part of the 2025 State Election Priorities, WALGA is asking for the State Government to work with Local Governments to officially unlock underutilised Government-owned land for housing initiatives, to increase availability of temporary accommodation solutions and to review the role of Development WA to support housing developments in areas where private developers will not enter.
President Chappel is also asking the State to review the Government Regional Housing (GROH) Program.
“We need GROH to be more responsive and coordinated so Local Governments can invest in GROH housing.”
WALGA also recognise that a population of 3 million will place pressure on the use of recreation centres, swimming pools, playing surfaces and parks, as well as arts and cultural facilities and public libraries, she said.
“We are looking to the State to bolster the very successful but over-subscribed Community Sports and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) to cater for the inevitable increased usage of Council community facilities.
“We are asking for CSRFF to increase from $20 million to $30 million each year.”
