Shire of Broome, Western Australia, hosted a roundtable meeting with relevant stakeholders last week to address the current shortage of housing locally.
Broome currently has a shortage of rental properties, with concerns over accommodation ahead of the impending tourist season as an influx of people prepare to travel to the town.
Attendees at the meeting on 13 April included representatives from Development WA, the Kimberley Development Commission, Nyamba Buru Yawuru, Department of Communities, Foundation Housing, and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
Six Shire councillors also attended to represent the Broome community.
Deputy Shire president, Desiree Male said the meeting was productive, with some innovative ideas put forward that would now be examined in more detail.
“As a local government, the Shire has a limited role to play in relation to housing, but we want to get on the front foot and be part of the solution to what is a very concerning situation.
“By getting the key stakeholders to the table, the Shire is encouraging the identification of solutions and there has been a commitment from the working group to meet regularly moving forward.
“Broome is experiencing something of a perfect storm at the moment in relation to housing – but we certainly are not alone in that. Most communities across WA and indeed Australia face the same problem.
“However, working in collaboration with the housing agencies both locally and at State level, the Shire is confident of playing a role in finding solutions before the influx of tourists and seasonal workers in coming months.”
