10 Queen Victoria Street Apartments Power Ahead

The Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Federal MP for Fremantle, Josh Wilson, held a doorstop interview at 3 Beach Street, Fremantle today with the State Minister for Housing and Works, John Carey, and the State Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, and MLA for Fremantle, Simone McGurk, to share the good news, just before Christmas, that the Cook and Albanese Labor Governments are partnering with Bethanie Community Housing to deliver more social housing for seniors and low-income earners, with construction at 10 Queen Victoria Street, Freo now underway.

Artist’s impression

The State Government has provided Bethanie Housing a $10.5 million capital grant to support the construction of a new seven-storey apartment development at 10 Queen Victoria Street, Fremantle.

The development also received support through the Cook Government’s Infrastructure Development Fund, with $500,000 allocated to cover the upfront costs of connecting to utilities.

The Albanese Government has provided $49.5 million in capital and operational funding through an $18.4 million Housing Australia Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator (AHBA) concessional loan and $31.1 million from the Housing Australia Future Fund.

Artist’s impression

Of the 50 self-contained apartments, 32 will be social housing and 18 affordable rentals.

This includes 28 two-bedroom apartments and 22 one-bedroom apartments, specifically for people aged over 55 and low-income earners and built to a Silver Liveable Homes Design Standard.

All apartments will be owned, maintained and managed by Bethanie Housing.

Bethanie Housing is a well-established community housing provider that owns and manages social housing, including apartments and villas in Perth and regional WA for over 55s.

The development is within walking distance of Fremantle’s town centre, providing tenants with convenient access to services and amenities.

Atlas Building WA is now constructing the 50-apartment complex, which is expected to be completed in the final quarter of 2027.

Josh Wilson said that –

“The Albanese Labor Government is determined to keep addressing the long-neglected causes of our nation’s housing shortfall through every means available – building more homes, making it better to rent and backing first home buyers.

John Carey added that the State Government “is doing everything it can to ensure West Australian seniors have access to safe and secure housing” and explained that its $11 million investment demonstrated its commitment to boost the supply of social housing. He pointed out that the investment is
“ part of our record $5.8 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures since 2021, including the delivery of more than 3800 social homes”.

Simone McGurk highlighted that –

“The community housing apartments built for people aged over 55 and low income earners will offer housing that is safe, supportive and community focused.

“We know keeping older West Australians well connected to their community is a key for aging well.

“These apartments on Queen Victoria Street are well positioned for seniors to access health services, public transport and services in Fremantle.”

Bethanie Community Housing Acting CEO Lindsay O’Sullivan, who also attended the presser, said –

“This development creates much-needed community housing for older Western Australians, in the heart of Fremantle.

“This project would not be possible without State and Federal Government funding support, and Bethanie Community Housing has worked collaboratively with all levels of government during this process.

“Every apartment has been designed to meet Liveable Housing Design standards, ensuring accessibility and comfort for older Western Australians.

“Bethanie is also proud to support the revitalisation of Fremantle. This is a beautifully designed building that respects the heritage of Fremantle, and aligns with the city’s vision for sustainable growth and inclusion.

“We believe this development is a great demonstration of government, community and not-for-profit organisations working together to deliver practical housing solutions for Western Australians”