Shire of Broome strengthen call for affordable housing with new report
Published on 10 September 2025
At the August Ordinary Meeting of Council, the Shire of Broome has adopted the Broome Housing Affordability Issues and Advocacy Report (BHAIAR), developed with funding secured through the Australian Government’s Housing Support Program.
The report identifies a range of factors contributing to the housing affordability crisis in Broome and recommends practical actions the Shire can undertake to advocate, investigate, and support more affordable housing opportunities for the community.
In particular, it highlights that several interconnected challenges are driving this acute issue. Such as Broome’s reliance on a seasonal workforce which places significant pressure on rental availability, with many properties used for short-term accommodation rather than long-term housing.
Broome’s remote location contributes to higher construction, land release, and service delivery costs, which affect the availability of new housing. At the same time, population growth is outpacing the rate of new housing development, due to a limited number of land releases. This gap presents challenges for locals seeking housing and for the town in attracting and retaining workers to support the local economy and essential services.
Shire of Broome President Chris Mitchell said housing affordability was one of the most pressing issues facing the region, but also one of the most complex.
“The Shire does not build or fund public housing directly, and many of the drivers of housing affordability are outside of our control. However, this report gives us a clear evidence base and a stronger advocacy platform to take to State and Federal governments,” Shire President Chris Mitchell said.
“It also provides practical, research-informed actions that the Shire can progress in partnership with landowners, Aboriginal Corporations, and other stakeholders.”
The report builds on the Housing Needs Survey conducted in December 2024, where community input helped shape the findings and recommendations. Alongside stakeholder consultation and technical research, the report identifies 14 actions for the Shire to explore.
Of these, five priority actions have been highlighted:
- Advocate for State and Federal governments to fund new housing construction projects.
- Ensure adequate and continual land supply for new housing in the Shire.
- Evaluate and monitor the benefits of assisting landowners to unlock redevelopment opportunities.
- Support landowners and Aboriginal Corporations to access grants and funding for housing projects.
- Continue working with North-West local governments and Regional Capitals Alliance WA (RCAWA) to advocate for new housing to meet Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) demand, rather than relying on existing housing stock.
While the report will primarily serve as a platform for State and Federal advocacy, the Shire is also progressing a number of local initiatives to play its part and help elevate the issue for residents.
Projects such as the McMahon Estate development and the Sanctuary Road key worker accommodation project are examples of how the Shire is working to increase housing availability and diversity within Broome, alongside broader advocacy efforts.
The Shire continues to seek adequate funding support from State and Federal agencies to help progress these projects and ensure more housing options are delivered for the community.
Shire President Chris Mitchell stated that the Shire would continue to utilise the report as a foundation for collaboration.
“Addressing housing affordability requires coordinated action across all levels of government and industry. This report ensures that Broome’s voice is strong, informed, and proactive in those conversations.”
The Broome Housing Affordability Issues and Advocacy Report is now available via the August Ordinary Meeting of Council Minutes at, www.broome.wa.gov.au/minutes_agendas