Talking points at C2030 Broome on housing & affordability were presented by Kathleen Gregory, Foundation Housing, Rowena Strain, Homeless Action Group & Antoine Bloemen, Kimberley Magistrate

Some of the points that arose were –

The Kimberleys & Broome in particular have the highest rate of homelessness in Western Australia

·         There is a real need for different styles of housing & accommodation that is sensitive to the cultural background of the potential inhabitants

·         Broome is in a catch 22 situation where land prices on new releases are artificially inflated by controlled supply to support existing housing prices

·         There is no denying the massive availability of land

·         Construction costs in the far north of Western Australia are very high

·         Container homes with a ‘Broome Design’ may be part of the solution

·         The situation is dire & needs immediate attention

Proceedings for the C2030 Broome summit program were opened by Hon Brendon Grylls MLA.

·         Traditional owners were acknowledged

·         Queensland was presented as a model for the development of the vast expanses of Western Australia with regional centres seen as a core component of any development process

·         The heat & humidity should not be seen as a deterant for human settlement with the north of Queensland been presented as an example again

·         The richness of the resources of the region were focused on with particular mention made of the Ord agricultural area and associated expansion there

·         The value of eco tourism received mention

·         Traditional housing models were shown to be flawed with Brendon providing an alternative option in container homes / transportable. (Search futureWA website for more on container homes as it is a topic that drives significant traffic to this site)

·         Mention was made of the James Point gas hub with Brendon suggesting that there should be growth in areas beyond the realm of pearl farming, agriculture & tourism

·         Royalties for the Regions program and significant state & Federal $’s have been committed to the Ord & the East Kimberley