Construction is underway on a new Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation facility at 110A Hamilton Street in Cannington.
The project, led by the WA Department of Communities, will provide culturally appropriate and affordable short-term accommodation for Aboriginal people travelling to Perth from regional and remote areas. A community drop-in session about the proposal was held in Queens Park in March 2023.
One resident who has lived in the area for more than three decades told the Examiner that development along Hamilton Street had been slow for many years and described the site as a long-standing wasteland.
They said the new building would be a significant change for the neighbourhood at the junction of Cannington, Queens Park and Bentley.
The facility’s size and 100-bed capacity would bring more movement to the area throughout the day and night, but also believed the project would give Aboriginal people a safer place to stay instead of sleeping rough in the Perth CBD.
It will include universal access, family, double and single units set among culturally considered landscaping intended to support healing, privacy and community.
The City of Canning confirmed construction is in progress and said it was consulted as a referral agency for the development application in late 2024.
The State Government is responsible for planning approvals and building permits.
Mayor Patrick Hall said a Transport Impact Statement submitted with the development application found that traffic impacts on surrounding roads are expected to be low.
The statement predicts about 15 vehicle trips during the morning peak and 16 in the afternoon peak.
He said the future operator of the facility will provide a minivan transport service to and from the airport for most guests, which is expected to reduce pressure on parking and local streets.
All community consultation for the development was carried out by the State Government.
The city will not manage the ongoing operation of the facility, with the service provider to be appointed through a State-led tender process planned for mid-2026.
More information from the Department of Communities is expected.
A spokesperson for the Department of Housing and Works said targeted stakeholder consultation was undertaken during the development of the business case.
This involved the cultural advisor, multiple government agencies and local residents to help identify essential design elements.
The spokesperson said the service model was shaped through 25 consultation sessions with Perth-based service providers, interested individuals and four Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
The project team and builder, Devlyn Australia, also engaged with local residents before construction began, hosting a community drop-in session to provide project details and answer questions.
Further community engagement activities are planned closer to the facility’s opening, which is anticipated in 2027.
The spokesperson said it is important to take the necessary time to consult with Aboriginal people and organisations to ensure culturally safe accommodation.
