City of Greater Geraldton exploring more housing options on 8.8ha of unused Mahomets Flats land

The City of Greater Geraldton is exploring further options for housing solutions in Mahomets Flats on a big parcel of unused city land.

The council is looking into the future use of 8.8ha of land in the north of the suburb in a bid to provide more accommodation.

City development services director Ryan Hall said the project was in its infancy.

“It’s just in the early planning and investigation stages at this point,” he said.

“We know there’s a huge demand for accommodation and it’s hard to get it built with all of the disruption going on in the world.

“The city is just wanting to show some leadership. We’ve got some land under our control that’s underutilised, and we think it’s best to see how it can be used to help.”

Given the early stages of planning, the city said all options were being considered as to what the housing could look like.

Last week, the tender for a consultant to look into the site and figure out its best use closed.

Mr Hall said the feedback from the community indicated all types of accommodation were in demand.

“There’s a need for short stay, medium stay, and longer-term housing,” he said.

“It’s about supporting key workers that our town needs to provide those essential services.

“It’s also to support local businesses as well with staff — all businesses need people, and those people need somewhere to live.”

According to the city, pursuing housing opportunities has come from community feedback, where people have come to the local government asking for help.

The council had previously sought expressions of interest for the site to be developed, but did not receive any takers.

The site is about one kilometre north of the Olive Street housing project.