As Perth aims to build 47 per cent of all new homes in established suburbs, a new report by the Property Council WA, and prepared by The APP Group, has revealed efforts to boost diverse housing options are falling short.
The report reveals a persistent shortfall in meeting infill targets since 2017, indicating a gap between planning ambitions and implementation.
Moreover, residential infill rates have even regressed in recent years, pointing to systemic issues hindering densification efforts. Compared to other major Australian cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, Perth lags behind in the proportion of apartments or flats, with only seven per cent of its housing stock falling into this category.
Property Council of Australia WA Interim Executive Director, Emily Young said a whole-of-community approach is needed to boost housing stocks.
“When we say no to good development for fear of change or personal interest, we must consider what we are expecting in return.
“Less homes mean more homelessness, tougher rental conditions and rising prices. A lack of housing diversity means West Australians don’t have the means or opportunity to stay in the communities they love.
“Too often, objections are based on myths and fundamental misconceptions of what diversity means for a local community. It’s time to change the conversation and say ‘Yes In My Backyard’. “Encouraging housing diversity in our established suburbs is vital to stopping unsustainable urban sprawl.”
“The proximity of housing with existing community infrastructure is a winner formula in cities around the world for Perth to see these benefits, we need to change the conversation around where and how we deliver housing.
“Understandably, people want to live in suburbs with infrastructure, amenities and public transport, so ensuring we can intensify the populations in these suburbs is crucial.
“We have seen transformative revitalisation stories in suburbs following apartment projects bringing housing diversity into established communities and it’s not just the residential community that benefits, it’s also the visitor economy that can enjoy the concentration of hospitality venues, retail outlets and employment opportunities generated by thriving local economies.
“But we need to do much more to ensure every West Australian can put a roof over their head. Delivering more homes in the right places is the key to solving our housing crunch.”
The Yes In My Backyard report debunks the arguments often used to oppose new developments and shows their impact on housing availability and affordability across Perth.
The report also highlights WA’s progress in meeting housing targets set in Perth and Peel @3.5 Million, explores examples of how a “Yes” approach to development has supported affordability and social outcomes in other jurisdictions and provides clear recommendations to boost residential availability in existing suburbs and communities.
The APP Group General Manager Advisory WA, Sean Morrison said there is a growing awareness that more housing options can help us get out of the housing crisis.
“When analysing ‘Yes in my backyard’ (YIMBY) movements across the world, it is evident that there is increased community awareness and understanding that more housing options in existing suburbs, helps to navigate a way out of the housing crisis.”
“While our recently reformed planning system generally delivers efficient decision-making, the underlying frameworks that guide the scale of housing supply achievable needs work.”