Published on Thursday, 6 August 2026 at 8:35:31 AM
The Shire of Victoria Plains has secured $3.2 million through the Western Australian Government's Regional Housing Support Fund (RHSF) to deliver eight new key worker homes as part of the Edmonds Street housing development in Calingiri, helping address one of the region's most pressing challenges in housing availability.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the Edmonds Street housing development, which was first endorsed by Council in late 2025 as part of the Shire's long-term commitment to increasing housing supply and supporting population growth in Victoria Plains.
The funding will support the construction of a mix of two and three-bedroom homes designed to attract and retain essential workers and their families. Earlier funding enabled site preparation and supporting infrastructure works, while the newly announced RHSF funding will support construction of the homes through local building contractors.
Shire President Cr Pauline Bantock said housing availability remained one of the most significant challenges facing regional communities.
"Housing shortages continue to impact communities right across Western Australia, but the challenge is often even more acute in regional areas where a lack of suitable accommodation can limit our ability to attract and retain the workers needed to support local services, businesses and industries," Cr Bantock said.
The project forms part of the Shire's broader commitment to increasing housing supply and builds on work already underway through the Wheatbelt Regional Housing Initiative, a collaborative program led by the Shire of Victoria Plains and involving 10 Wheatbelt local governments working together to address housing shortages across the region.
Sean Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer of the Shire of Victoria Plains, said the funding would help convert years of planning and advocacy into tangible housing outcomes for the community.
"This announcement is the culmination of significant work by Council, staff and funding partners to turn the Edmonds Street vision into reality," Mr Fletcher said.
"With enabling works already progressing, this funding allows us to move from planning and preparation into the delivery of new housing for our community."
The Edmonds Street development was specifically designed to help address identified key worker housing shortages in Calingiri, supporting the recruitment and retention of workers in sectors such as local government, healthcare, education, emergency services and agriculture. The new homes will provide additional accommodation options for workers and families looking to live and work within the Shire.
Cr Bantock said increasing housing supply was critical to supporting future growth and workforce attraction.
"Whether it's healthcare workers, teachers, tradespeople, local government staff or workers supporting our agricultural sector, access to suitable housing is often the deciding factor when people consider moving to a regional community," she said.
"Projects like Edmonds Street help ensure Victoria Plains remains a place with genuine space to grow by creating more opportunities for people to live, work and build a future in our community."
Mr Fletcher said the funding marked an important step forward for the Shire's broader housing strategy.
"This funding is an important milestone for Victoria Plains and builds on the groundwork already undertaken through the Edmonds Street project," Mr Fletcher said.
"By investing in housing today, we're creating opportunities to attract new workers, strengthen local services and support the long-term growth of our community."
Construction timeframes will be confirmed as detailed planning and procurement activities progress. Once completed, the homes will provide important housing options for workers who support the delivery of essential services and economic development across the Shire.
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