Geraldton housing crisis: Spalding face lift closer after “enthusiastic” talks with minister John Carey

Action is finally being taken on the livability of a Geraldton suburb plagued by boarded-up public housing properties and a lack of amenities, says the City’s mayor.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said recent talks with Member for Geraldton Lara Dalton, local Department of Communities heads and State Housing Minister John Carey was the “first time” commitments had been given by the Government towards implementing the Spalding Precinct Plan since it was created in 2017.

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There are more than 50 uninhabitable public housing properties in Spalding, with the State Government previously committing $14 million to revitalising the suburb through several projects, including repairing the properties and decreasing their concentration.

Mr Carey last week undertook a tour of the Mid West region, meeting with 12 local governments including Mr Van Styn to discuss the suburb of Spalding and potential renewal programs, also visiting the supported youth accommodation service STAY.

He said the State Government was working with CGG on the Spalding plan, a long-term strategy for future development and investment in the suburb to encourage a safe, connected and supported community.

“The aim of this urban renewal in Spalding is to make it a more attractive place to live, including for public housing tenants,” he said.

“The Spalding Plan includes repurposing some of the Department of Communities’ housing assets in the suburb, which is why some of its properties, including those in a number of complexes, are vacant.”

It’s important the State focuses on works not just in social housing but on the amenities of the suburb for the private owners, who make up about half of the population of Spalding.

“We look forward to working with him and the department over the coming months to begin delivering real outcome for the Spalding Precinct Plan and to hearing details of what those commitments and actions will be,” he said.

“It’s important the State focuses on works not just in social housing but on the amenities of the suburb for the private owners, who make up about half of the population of Spalding.”