State Government contract negotiations with Perth’s Westkey continue for Kalbarri workers accommodation

The State Government say they’ve delivered on their promise to unlock crown land for a workers accommodation hub in Kalbarri, despite the Opposition claiming more needs to be done to avoid further delays. The Opposition is asking why “nothing has been done” six months on since the State Government announced a preferred proponent to construct a multi-user workforce accommodation facility in Kalbarri. On March 7, 2022 the State Government unlocked suitable crown land for a development to support local businesses in attracting and retaining staff. On August 16 a preferred proponent was announced and the State would enter contract negotiations with Westkey Modular Housing. Member for North West Central Merome Beard and Opposition Leader and Moore MLA Shane Love travelled through the Mid West recently and assessed the empty site on Woods Street in Kalbarri. Mr Love said despite the State Government entering contract negotiations with Perth-based Westkey, the work was yet to get off the ground. “Nothing has actually happened there and yet we see businesses under stress in Kalbarri because they can’t get workers and there’s nowhere to put their workers when they can get them,” he said. “I think the Government needs to address this urgently and actually get on and make that deal and ensure that the site is delivered.” A State Government spokesperson confirmed contract negotiations were still ongoing between the State and the proponent. Mr Love said support was critical while Kalbarri continued to wear the damage from cyclone Seroja and with parts of the town still awaiting repair. “We know that there was a record amount of money devoted towards cyclone Seroja, everywhere from Kalbarri right through to the Central Wheatbelt for those communities that were affected, and only a fraction of that is actually rolled out on the ground,” he said. “Nothing’s been done to address those key issues such as the worker situation in Kalbarri.” In March 2022, Lands Minister John Carey said the State Government was committed to releasing suitable land for a multi-user workforce accommodation facility in Kalbarri and delivered on that promise. “Kalbarri’s economy relies heavily on seasonal tourism, and by delivering a new worker accommodation facility, we are supporting the long-term sustainability of local businesses and industry in the town,” he said. Petra Westkey’s submission proposed the construction of a 44-dwelling, 56-person capacity accommodation facility, which will consist of prefabricated modular dwellings constructed in Wangara and transported to Kalbarri. The proponent was contacted for comment.