Western Australia moves to expand housing supply alongside major industrial investment
A new land release in the Pilbara is set to expand housing availability in one of Australia’s most economically important resource regions, as the Western Australian Government works to ensure workforce accommodation keeps pace with major project development.
The Cook Government has sold an additional 33 residential lots in the Madigan Estate in Karratha to global fertiliser manufacturer Perdaman, enabling the company to expand its workforce housing program tied to the $6.5 billion Karratha Urea Project.
The move forms part of a broader strategy to increase permanent housing supply in regional Western Australia while reducing reliance on fly in fly out workforces. The new lots will allow Perdaman to deliver more homes for employees working on the large scale industrial project currently under development in the Pilbara.
Government leaders say the initiative is designed to support regional economic growth while ensuring communities remain liveable as major projects scale up.
Housing supply tied to industry growth
The additional lots bring Perdaman’s total housing commitment in Karratha to 133 homes, forming one of the largest workforce housing developments linked to a single industrial project in the region.
Prior to the latest land release, Perdaman had already secured:
- 85 lots purchased from DevelopmentWA
- 15 lots acquired from the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation
Construction of the homes is already underway. According to project updates, 31 houses have been completed, while a further 30 homes are currently under construction.
All properties are scheduled to be delivered within five years, with construction being carried out by local building contractors.
Government officials say this approach ensures the investment supports both the housing market and the local construction economy.
Premier Roger Cook said the housing initiative reflects the government’s broader goal of strengthening Western Australia’s regional communities while enabling large scale industrial development.
“My government is prioritising a home for every Western Australian,” Cook said.
“That way, we can continue to attract the major projects we need to keep our State the strongest in the nation.”
Cook said ensuring housing availability for workers would help relieve pressure on the broader local market while allowing major projects to progress.
“By selling these lots in Karratha, my government has ensured there will be more homes available for Western Australians working in the Pilbara, taking pressure off the housing market and supporting development of Perdaman’s job creating urea project.”
A shift away from fly in fly out workforces
One of the key features of the housing program is that the homes will not be available for lease on the private rental market and cannot be used for fly in fly out accommodation.
Instead, the homes are reserved exclusively for permanent employees working on the Perdaman project.
The policy reflects growing efforts by governments and industry to encourage more permanent residency in resource regions that have historically relied heavily on FIFO labour.
Workforce housing shortages have been a long standing challenge across parts of Western Australia’s resource sector. Rapid project growth can quickly place pressure on local rental markets and community infrastructure.
By tying housing development directly to workforce needs, policymakers hope to create more stable regional populations while supporting long term community development.
Housing and Works Minister John Carey said the land sale demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving housing supply across regional Western Australia.
“The sale of additional lots to Perdaman demonstrates our government’s focus on boosting housing supply in regional WA,” Carey said.
“It is highly encouraging to see Perdaman forging ahead with their housing construction program, and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure the timely delivery of these homes.”
Madigan Estate expansion underway
The housing development forms part of the expanding Madigan Estate precinct, which is emerging as a key residential hub in Karratha.
DevelopmentWA is already planning Stage 3 of Madigan Estate, which will deliver approximately:
- 250 additional residential lots
- Land for a childcare centre
- A new primary school
The future development aims to support broader population growth in the region as new industries and projects continue to emerge.
Pilbara Minister Amber Jade Sanderson said strengthening the region’s residential communities is essential to supporting Western Australia’s long term economic strategy.
“Our government is ensuring the Pilbara continues to power our nation leading economy,” Sanderson said.
“That’s why we want it to be a vibrant region for people to live, work and raise a family.”
“By supporting housing for workers in Karratha, we’re ensuring the Pilbara can continue to play a leading role in diversifying Western Australia’s economy.”
Industry investment driving regional housing demand
The housing initiative is closely tied to the development of the Karratha Urea Project, one of the largest downstream gas processing investments currently underway in Australia.
Once completed, the facility will convert natural gas into urea fertiliser for global export markets, creating significant employment opportunities both during construction and throughout the plant’s operational life.
Perdaman’s founder and managing director Vikas Rambal said the company sees housing development as a critical part of its long term commitment to the region.
“This latest land release has increased Perdaman’s capacity to deliver even more housing in Karratha,” Rambal said.
“We will now proudly build 133 new homes for our workforce, helping to minimise pressure on the community.”
Rambal described the housing investment as part of a broader effort to build stronger local communities while supporting major industry.
“This is a long term investment in the Pilbara – local housing, local jobs and lasting community benefit.”
“By delivering workforce homes through local builders and continuing respectful partnerships with Traditional Custodians and key stakeholders, Perdaman is supporting a more sustainable, community based workforce.”
“Our legacy in Karratha must be measured by the strength of the community we help build.”
Local leaders focus on housing accessibility
Local political leaders say housing availability remains a critical issue in Karratha and across the wider Pilbara.
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said expanding housing supply is essential to supporting both workers and long term residents in the region.
“I’m focused on making sure people in Karratha have access to secure, affordable housing,” Michel said.
“This land release will help expand accommodation for essential workers and support Karratha’s ongoing development, ultimately creating more opportunities for people who live and work here.”
Housing availability has become an increasingly important issue as the Pilbara continues to attract new investment in energy, resources and manufacturing.
Without sufficient housing infrastructure, major projects risk creating shortages that impact local communities and businesses.
Housing and infrastructure must grow together
The Karratha housing initiative highlights a broader challenge facing Australia’s resource regions: ensuring that housing, infrastructure and community services grow alongside economic investment.
Major projects often bring large workforce requirements, but without coordinated planning they can place pressure on local housing markets, rental prices and essential services.
The Madigan Estate development represents an attempt to address this challenge by linking housing supply directly to project planning.
For the construction industry, the initiative also highlights the increasing role regional builders play in delivering housing tied to industrial development.
All 133 homes planned under the Perdaman program will be constructed by local building contractors, ensuring the project supports employment across the regional building sector.
Programs like this also create opportunities for local trades, suppliers and service providers to participate in large scale developments that extend beyond the industrial facility itself.
A model for future regional development
As Australia continues to expand its resource, energy and manufacturing sectors, housing supply will remain a critical factor in enabling growth.
The Karratha land release demonstrates how governments and industry can collaborate to address workforce housing needs while strengthening regional communities.
By prioritising permanent housing and community infrastructure alongside industrial investment, policymakers hope to create more sustainable regional economies.
For regions like the Pilbara, the approach signals a shift toward long term population growth rather than temporary workforce accommodation.
And for builders and contractors operating in regional Australia, it highlights a growing pipeline of opportunities tied to major project development.
Platforms like The Good Builder aim to shine a light on these kinds of initiatives, sharing the stories behind the projects shaping Australia’s construction landscape and the builders helping deliver them.
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