The Western Australian Government plans to deliver 305 homes for regional frontline workers in Karratha and Port Hedland, in partnership with the state’s resources industry’s Seven Cities project.
The housing program forms part of a statewide initiative to build more than 500 Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) homes across regional Western Australia by 2030.
The initiative is backed by a combined $170 million contribution from Rio Tinto, BHP and Hancock Prospecting, alongside State Government funding. Rio Tinto will contribute $100 million, while BHP and Hancock Prospecting will contribute $50 million and $20 million respectively.
Premier Roger Cook said housing supply would be central to supporting economic growth in regional communities.
“My Seven Cities vision starts with housing and ensuring Karratha and Port Hedland have the frontline workers needed to deliver quality public services,” Cook said.
“I commend and thank Rio Tinto, BHP and Hancock for partnering with my government on this GROH housing build, to support the delivery of better services in the communities in which they operate.”
The Pilbara allocation includes 195 homes in Port Hedland and 110 in Karratha, making it the largest regional component of the program.
The program is designed to address projected demand for housing for teachers, nurses, police officers and other frontline workers across regional WA.
The Seven Cities strategy identifies Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Port Hedland, Broome, Geraldton and Albany as key regional centres expected to support future industrial growth, including renewable energy and downstream processing industries.
Housing and Works Minister John Carey said the investment aimed to improve housing availability in the Pilbara.
“The Pilbara is the engine room of our state’s economy, and this investment recognises that housing is essential to supporting continued growth in the region,” Carey said.
“This will boost housing supply for key government workers in Karratha and Port Hedland, while also alleviating pressure on those communities’ private housing markets.”
The announcement comes amid continued housing pressure in the Pilbara, where rental shortages and population growth linked to major industrial projects have increased demand for accommodation.
Recent modelling cited by regional stakeholders has suggested Karratha could face a housing shortfall of up to 2000 dwellings within five years if supply does not keep pace with industrial expansion.
Regional development minister Stephen Dawson said Port Hedland and Karratha are bound for targeted investment in the infrastructure and housing that’s required to support workers.
“The Pilbara is a place of opportunity and economic strength and is a region that plays a vital role in Western Australia’s continued growth,” Dawson said.
The broader Seven Cities initiative will also include investment in transport, utilities, health services and training infrastructure to support long-term regional growth.
Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive officer Matthew Holcz said the company’s investment reflected the importance of regional communities to its operations.
“Rio Tinto has a long and deep connection to regional WA,” Holcz said.
“Being a good partner to those communities means investing in the things that make them work; the teachers, police, and frontline workers who keep them safe and thriving.”
BHP Western Australian iron ore asset president Tim Day said regional communities are dependent on affordable and safe housing.
“When people can find a place to live, they’re far more likely to build a life here, stay longer, and contribute to the region’s long-term success,” Day said.
“BHP’s investment will help deliver the housing the Pilbara needs to attract and retain essential workers and ensure our towns continue to be great places to live and work.”
Hancock Prospecting chief executive officer group projects Sanjiv Manchanda said the company is thrilled to be part of such an important and necessary project.
“This investment will help strengthen the towns that keep our state running and ensure those who provide such vital services, like our police, have a place to call home,” Manchanda said.
“When mining and the resources sector does well, the whole of Australia does well.”
Pilbara member of the legislative assembly Kevin Michel praised the Western Australian Government for its continued backing and support of the region.
“This building of 305 homes in Karratha and Port Hedland will ensure these regional cities can deliver quality services across the Pilbara.”
Construction timeframes and delivery schedules for the Pilbara homes will be outlined as part of the 2026–27 State Budget process.
