Recent survey highlights housing crisis impact in Esperance as shire calls for more government support

The Shire of Esperance will continue to push for more housing and land support from the State and Federal governments — including a multi-million-dollar workers’ camp — as it battles to keep up with growing residential, tourism and business demand. A recent key worker accommodation survey conducted by the shire revealed there were at least 60 jobs that could be filled immediately in the coastal town if accommodation were available. In a statement, the shire said more workers’ accommodation was urgently needed to support local businesses and services. “Addressing this issue is not only vital for the economic health of the Esperance region but also for the wellbeing of its residents,” the statement read. “The Shire of Esperance is committed to working with the State Government and other stakeholders to help resolve the housing crisis and ensure a prosperous future for our community.” Shire acting chief executive Shane Burge said the shire was still seeking funding to help build a 20-unit worker accommodation project, estimated at $7.95m. He said the recent survey data, along with information from the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Workforce Australia, would be used to highlight the critical need for housing to the State. “The Shire of Esperance has committed to a contribution of $1.5m, and to provide land valued at $1.5m to realise the project. However, the remaining funds are being sought from the State Government,” he said. “Without State support, the project will not be financially viable for the Shire and the Esperance community.” Shire president Ron Chambers said the absence of wages, productivity, expertise and additional family members due to those 60 vacancies alone represented an economic loss that would “run into millions of dollars each year”. He said the shire was taking proactive steps to address housing issues, but State support was needed. “While acknowledging housing should be addressed through State Government and the private sector, current conditions show a clear market failure, with investment not meeting current demand,” he said. “The Housing and Land Study (2023) emphasises that continuing with a ‘business as usual’ approach will not solve the housing crisis. “Instead, robust measures and significant investment are needed to ensure sustainable community development and economic growth.” Mr Chambers said the 2023 housing and land study provided a detailed analysis of the housing situation and future needs for the town. “The study identifies key challenges, including high land development and construction costs, long build times, supply chain delays, and State Government and industry use of existing housing resources, rather than creating new housing stock,” he said. “These factors contribute to the limited housing capacity, which is unable to meet or keep up with growing demand. “The study also notes that the influx of new residents seeking a lifestyle change, along with the growth in tourism, have further strained the housing market. “Many investors are converting long-term rentals into short-term accommodation, exacerbating the shortage of available housing for workers.” Key focus areas highlighted in the study include increasing land supply with funding from State and Federal agencies for construction and servicing costs to develop residential and industrial land, and development of “significant” State-owned land parcels to increase the supply of land to the market. It also points to increasing Government Regional Officer Housing to free up private rentals being occupied by government workers, advocating to the State for financial incentives to encourage affordable housing construction and collaborating with private developers to leverage resources and expertise. “By prioritising advocacy for these strategies, the Shire aims to create a more robust and resilient housing market, accommodating the needs of current and future residents,” Mr Burge said.