Prominent Bunbury real estate agent Den Baldwin has joined the affordable housing discussion by suggesting a popular trend rising among home builders in Rockingham, Perth and the UK could be the answer.
Mr Baldwin said sea containers could be used to create a donga-style village in the South West which would create cheap and affordable housing for the homeless, financially challenged and even former prisoners struggling to find residence.
“If we can utilise the knowledge of town planners we could use sea containers to build a village where people could find temporary or perhaps permanent residency while creating a supportive community for those in need,” he said.
“The first step would be forming a committee to discuss funding, location and other issues.”
Last week Labor candidate for Bunbury Don Punch announced plans for the redevelopment of Withers, with a strong affordable accommodation focus.
Mr Punch said a sea container village was just one of many low cost avenues they could take with the project but there would need to be a consultative process.
“Low cost housing must be accessible to transport and services, especially health and social services,” Mr Punch said.
“Access to support services is critical to address the problems that lead to homelessness.”
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said he did not support the plan and preferred the current approach which spreads social and crisis accommodation through the urban area.
Blayde Grzelka
Journalist for the Bunbury Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Journalist for the Bunbury Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
