A $6.6 million State Government grant will fund the construction of 15 new over-55s social housing units in Witchcliffe, just 8km south of Margaret River and 280km from Perth. The homes will be part of a unique 25-home senior co-housing development within Australia’s first ecovillage.
The Witchcliffe Ecovillage, a 120-hectare sustainable residential community initiated in 1994 by Sustainable Settlements and the Perron Group, aims to set a new benchmark for regenerative living.
In 2022, community housing provider Co-operation Housing announced plans to develop the centrally located aged and dependent person housing site in the Ecovillage through the creation of the Kyloring Housing Co-operative.
At the time, Co-Operation Housing said the project would be based on successful senior co-housing communities worldwide.
“Whilst the project does not offer assisted living or nursing facilities, and each member is responsible for themselves, it is common in co-housing communities that if someone is sick, neighbours will help with activities like bringing them meals, walking their dog, or picking up medications,” read the announcement.
Social homes part of WA’s $5 billion housing investment
The 15 new social homes will be delivered under Co-operation Housing’s oversight and built by Bilco Construction.
The homes, located on Kyloring Drive, will meet Gold Liveable Housing Design standards, incorporating features such as wider doorways, ramps, and accessible kitchen and bathroom layouts tailored to support ageing in place.
Housing and Works Minister John Carey highlighted the broader efforts of the Cook Labor Government to address the housing crisis, particularly for vulnerable populations.
“The Cook Labor Government has now invested more than $5 billion in housing and homelessness measures, which has seen nearly 3,000 new social homes delivered since 2021,” Minister Carey said.
Elsewhere in the South West, 55 new social homes are also planned for Manjimup, located around 130km inland from Witchcliffe. However, only three of those homes are allocated specifically for seniors.
Construction of the 15 Witchcliffe homes is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
