The WA Government has approved the sale of 6,761 square metres of Crown land to the Shire of West Arthur Council at a 72% discount to deliver new aged care housing in Darkan.
The site, located opposite the existing West Arthur Cottage Homes development, is being repurposed following the relocation of the Darkan Bowling Club.
Once built, the homes will be transferred to West Arthur Cottage Homes, a local not‑for‑profit provider, boosting the local community’s existing aged care housing precinct.
“There is a significant demand for more aged care beds, and the Cook Government is stepping in to support older Western Australians access the care they need close to home and in their communities,” said Aged Care and Seniors Minister, Simone McGurk.
“We know that we are facing a rapidly ageing population and that the demand for more residential aged care beds is increasing.
“Modelling shows that WA will need approximately between 1,600 to 2,700 new residential aged care beds by the end of 2030.”
Essential site works are expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, supported by funding from the Australian Government’s Housing Support Program – Stream 2.
“Our government is unlocking surplus Crown land to support more housing, including to help facilitate this much-needed aged care project in Darkan,” said Planning and Lands Minister, John Carey.
“We know we have an ageing and growing population and that’s why we’re focused on boosting the supply of seniors’ accommodation and aged care beds.
“This land sale at a discounted rate demonstrates how we’re working with local governments and non-profits to accelerate housing supply, including for seniors and those in need of aged care.”
