The Cook Labor Government has announced a major new residential land release in Bunbury’s southern suburbs, with more than 55 hectares of zoned land at Usher to be brought to market by DevelopmentWA. The release is designed to fast-track housing delivery in the South West, one of Western Australia’s fastest-growing regions, and could deliver up to 300 new homes.
Addressing Local Housing Pressure
Like much of regional Western Australia, Bunbury and its surrounds are experiencing strong population growth but limited new housing supply. Rising construction costs, tight labour markets, and infrastructure bottlenecks have placed pressure on affordability and availability.
The Usher release is being positioned as a catalyst project to help ease those constraints. According to the State Government, DevelopmentWA has finalised planning reviews to ensure the land meets modern residential development requirements, while the Water Corporation has committed funding for key infrastructure upgrades subject to agreement with the incoming developer.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said the initiative was part of the Government’s broader strategy to unlock land supply across WA:
“Our Government is working to accelerate the delivery of housing, including through land releases across Western Australia. This release creates development opportunity for new homes in Bunbury, and through DevelopmentWA, the land will be fast-tracked to the market.”
What the Release Involves
- Location: Usher, within the City of Bunbury
- Size: 55 hectares of zoned residential land
- Capacity: Up to 300 residential lots once developed
- Delivery Partner: An incoming developer to be appointed via market process
- Infrastructure: Water Corporation funding confirmed for required upgrades
The site’s proximity to Bunbury’s established services, schools, and transport links makes it one of the most significant greenfield opportunities in the South West.
Ministerial Backing for Growth
Water and South West Minister Don Punch, a long-time advocate for the project, said the release would play a crucial role in meeting housing demand:
“As Bunbury and the wider South West region continues to grow, so does the need for more housing. The land at Usher, once developed, has the potential to provide up to 300 new homes and will help to address housing needs in the area. I am thrilled this development that I strongly advocated for has come to fruition.”
Why It Matters
Western Australia is in the middle of a state-wide push to boost housing supply. Government forecasts suggest the State needs tens of thousands of additional homes over the coming decade to keep up with demand, particularly in fast-growing regional centres like Bunbury, Busselton, and Albany.
This release is part of a series of land and housing initiatives being rolled out by the Cook Government, including:
- Urban infill projects in Perth’s metropolitan area
- Regional land development programs targeting the South West, Pilbara, and Kimberley
- Partnerships with local governments and developers to speed up approvals and infrastructure delivery
For Bunbury, the Usher project is a tangible sign that the State is committed to supporting the region’s growth.
Opportunities for Developers
DevelopmentWA will offer the land as an attractive, ready-to-develop package for an incoming private developer. With planning already in place and infrastructure upgrades secured, the site is expected to draw strong interest from mid-tier and major developers active in Western Australia.
Given the State’s push for a diverse housing mix, there will also be opportunities to incorporate affordable housing, first-home buyer products, and potentially medium-density dwellings into the final masterplan.
Local Industry Impact
For the South West’s building sector, the release represents not just more work, but also more certainty. Builders, subcontractors, and suppliers in Bunbury and nearby towns have faced fluctuating pipelines of projects in recent years. A 300-lot estate could provide a steady flow of detached homes over several years, supporting local jobs and businesses.
Moreover, with demand for trades still outstripping supply, the project may also encourage further investment in skills training and apprenticeships in the region.
The Bigger Picture
The Bunbury land release comes as state and federal governments across Australia move to unlock more housing supply in response to the national housing crisis. From Queensland’s Regional Activation Fund to New South Wales’ rezoning incentives, each jurisdiction is pushing for faster delivery of new homes.
In WA, the Cook Government has framed land release as one of its most effective levers for change, particularly in regional areas where private developers have been reluctant to take on the upfront cost of infrastructure.
The Usher site, with its funding support and streamlined planning, reflects this new approach: reduce the barriers, de-risk the site, and get homes delivered faster.
Looking Ahead
The timing of the market release will be closely watched by industry. Developers are facing challenges including rising construction costs and uncertain buyer sentiment, yet demand in Bunbury has remained resilient, particularly from first-home buyers and families seeking lifestyle and affordability outside Perth.
If successfully taken to market in the coming months, the Usher project could see civil works commence in 2026, with the first lots potentially ready for homes by late 2026 or early 2027.
The Good Builder Take
For builders in the South West, the Bunbury release signals both opportunity and responsibility. Delivering 300 homes will require collaboration between developers, local government, service providers, and the building industry. The project’s success will rest on ensuring not just the speed of delivery, but also the quality and diversity of homes created.
As with any new land release, the challenge will be to balance affordability with liveability, ensuring that homes are not only accessible to buyers but also designed for long-term sustainability.
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