Construction has begun on a $3.25 million development for ageing residents in Donnybrook, with $2 million in funding support from the WA Government.
On Saturday, Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns turned the first sod on the Bridge Street Housing Project.
Ten independent living units will be built, providing affordable rental options for over-65s.
MacTiernan said the project will expand the stock of aged accommodation in the South-West, providing more options for older people to age in their own communities.
“We also see an increasing number of Western Australians choosing regional living – and expanding housing helps drive that positive trend,” she said.
“Not only are there social benefits, but also economic benefits associated with construction of aged care developments, including the creation of opportunities for local contractors and suppliers.”
Once complete, there will be eight two-bedroom units and two one-bedroom units constructed to adaptable housing standards on Donnybrook’s Bridge Street.
The Donnybrook town centre is being given a makeover at the moment and the development is close to local services and amenities.
Hanns said the project is a great opportunity, both for the residents of Donnybrook and the greater South-West, creating local jobs and supporting affordable housing initiatives.
“I care about the future of Collie-Preston and this project is an example of the way in which the McGowan Government is delivering on its promises in the region.”
The project is being delivered by Alliance Housing, with funding support from the State Government, and land from the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup.
Alliance Housing chairperson Jan Pedersen said the company is excited to deliver this modern housing project for the local community.
“Donnybrook is a wonderful place to live and Alliance Housing are thrilled to enable the older members of this community to age in place.
“The project has been a long time in the making and today marks the first day of the project coming to fruition.”
The McGowan Government is funding the project through the Regional Aged Accommodation Program, which helps to address the aged accommodation needs of regional Western Australia.
In the South-West, Brunswick River Cottages has expanded with support from the program, and Capecare Dunsborough will open its doors in the coming months.
South-West based JAK Civil has been contracted to undertake site works with Smith Constructions the successful tender for construction.
