Manjimup Shire president Paul Omodei calls for more affordable homes after complex filled with social housing

Manjimup Shire president Paul Omodei has called on the State Government to spend more on affordable homes in the town after a new complex intended for seniors was filled with social housing. Construction has started on six social housing lots at the Cherry Glades development in Manjimup that will sit in a cluster at the southern end of the new 26-lot complex. First announced in 2019 as a partnership between the Shire and the Department of Communities, the site was intended to provide affordable housing for people aged over 55 wanting to downsize, but only nine lots have been built for seniors, with 11 sitting vacant. Mr Omodei said while he welcomed increased social housing in Manjimup, it was never the Shire’s intention for Cherry Glades and it had hindered its plan to free up housing in the area. “More options for affordable housing for over 55s to downsize and age in place are desperately required,” he said. “While we welcome social housing, we are hopeful that there’ll be some more affordable housing to keep the balance, as soon as possible. “We would like to see the State Government spend more money on affordable houses, similar to the ones that have already been built.” Mr Omodei said the Shire aimed is to attract more housing and was working with DevelopmentWA to identify land within the area suitable for subdividing. “We have identified a number of pieces of land and we’re hoping that we’ll be able to get those converted to Shire-owned land and then find a developer to develop it,” he said. “In the town planning scheme there is something like over 2000 lots available of zoned land. “At the moment there is a big demand and we would be encouraging people to develop the land if they possibly can.” Housing Minister John Carey said the State Government continued to work with the Shire on the Cherry Glades development and had always operated within the scope of the agreement. “We’re pleased to see six new social homes being made available in Manjimup, which will house and be rented by seniors, consistent with the original intent at Cherry Glades,” he said. “It’s baffling the Shire president does not seem to support the transfer of these six dwellings to social housing as these will provide a home for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. “As part of our Government’s $2.4 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures, it’s vital, noting the current housing environment, to provide as much social housing as possible.” Mr Carey said the South West region had experienced significant housing pressure with the current tight rental market. Cherry Glades also features an undeveloped parcel of land under the control and ownership of DevelopmentWA, which is undertaking feasibility investigations.