The mayor’s task force on affordable housing presented its final report to North Perth Council Monday night.
Russ Danbrook, who led the presentation, said they found a number of common issues among local employers, realtors, and residents when asked about affordable housing in the area, including a lack of options available.
"We pointed out there’s only about 16 houses listed here, at even higher prices than most medium incomes could afford. So the lack of affordable space right now is probably the biggest problem for everybody."
Danbrook and fellow task force member, Kourosh Mahvash, noted in the presentation that this isn’t just a North Perth issue, its a national issue.
Some solutions offered include higher-density housing units or areas, more affordable rental options, and possibly house sharing in some full size family dwellings.
Mahvash said the 18-35 age group is most affected, and he says affordable dwelling has become a generational issue for that demographic.
"Given the income that they have and the way the market has grown for housing, there’s no way they can catch up with the market," said Mahvash.
Mahvash said younger people also tend to leave rural small towns for school and possibly work, and can’t come back because of the lack of affordable rental spaces, and they aren’t making enough out of school to afford a house.
Danbrook said it’s critical to find options for people making low wages at entry-level local jobs.
"To be able to create housing for those people that are earning $16, $17, $18 an hour is one of the tough questions, and that seems to be where we’re lacking the most."
