Neighbours of the building formerly known as Fraser Suites in East Perth are protesting the State Government's plans to turn it into social housing.
Housing Minister John Carey has expressed his commitment to addressing concerns raised by residents regarding the Fraser Suites development following an extensive eight-hour meeting over the weekend. The State Government had previously purchased the East Perth hotel from the multinational company Global Frasers Property for $105 million. Under the plan, approximately half of the 236 apartments will be allocated for affordable housing, with the remainder designated for welfare purposes.
Residents in the surrounding area have voiced their fears that the development may lead to a decline in property values and an increase in antisocial behaviour. Many residents reported learning about the project through a recent article in The West Australian, rather than from official channels.
During the meeting, which took place in twelve sessions from 10:00 to 18:00 on Saturday, Carey acknowledged receiving a varied response from attendees. He noted, “There were people who were understanding and supportive. There were also those who were apprehensive and others who were clearly hostile.” Some residents expressed their frustrations, with one individual even calling him a “communist” and stating that they would not vote for him again.
Despite the mixed reactions, Minister Carey pledged to work collaboratively with residents to address their concerns. He outlined plans for upgrading surveillance measures, including enhanced CCTV coverage and improvements to parking facilities around the complex. “I respect there are people who do not believe social and affordable housing should be in that location… we’ve been able to identify issues that need addressing,” he stated.
In addition to the Fraser Suites development, the State Government announced two new affordable housing projects in Subiaco and East Fremantle on Monday. Funded by the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund, these projects aim to create 447 affordable and social housing dwellings in Subiaco over the next two and a half years, along with an additional 34 social homes in East Fremantle by the end of 2027.
Chief Executive of Shelter WA, Kath Snell, emphasized the importance of developing affordable housing in urban areas. “It’s vital that we embrace different housing options in all our neighbourhoods,” she remarked. Snell expressed disappointment at the opposition to social housing and noted that antisocial behaviour is present in all communities, not just in areas with social housing.
Minister Carey reiterated that the Western Australian Government is committed to increasing housing supply to alleviate pressures in the rental market. “We are in extraordinary times and recognize that we face significant housing pressures,” he said. “More housing supply provides relief to the rental market, and that’s why this Government is funding and enabling new community housing projects.”
Premier Roger Cook also affirmed the Government’s commitment to enhancing housing availability in Western Australia, noting that the state has the fastest-growing population in the country. “We want to ensure that regardless of where you live in this great State, you still have access to affordable, quality housing,” he stated.
The ongoing dialogue between the government and residents reflects a broader effort to balance community concerns with the urgent need for affordable housing in urban centres.
