Vivien Topalovic, Property Journalist
First published 23 Oct 2026, 2:03pm
A $105 million infrastructure upgrade will help expand housing supply across some of Perth’s most important growth areas.
Perth’s inner suburbs and major redevelopment precincts are set for a significant housing boost, with an infrastructure upgrade expected to support up to 60,000 new homes over the next 25 years.
The Western Australian government is investing $105 million to upgrade the Subiaco Water Resource Recovery Facility in Shenton Park, about 4km west of Perth’s CBD.
The upgrade is set to enable 60,000 new homes over the next 25 years. Picture: Getty
While the project is based in Shenton Park, its impact is expected to extend well beyond the immediate suburb. The increased capacity will support housing growth across Subi East, Belmont Park, Racecourse and Fremantle Port — areas identified for infill, renewal and large-scale redevelopment.
Together, the precincts are expected to accommodate homes for more than 135,000 people over the next 25 years, according to the state government.
The government says the upgrade will enable the creation of 60,000 new homes by providing the capacity needed for new development in established parts of Perth.
The announcement comes as governments across Australia look to infrastructure investment as a way to accelerate housing supply.
In established suburbs, projects that increase capacity for essential services can help remove one of the barriers to infill development and allow major precinct plans to progress.
The Perth project forms part of WA’s broader investment in infrastructure to support housing across the state. More than half a billion dollars is being invested in initiatives designed to support additional housing development, according to the government.
Other states have introduced similar programs. Queensland’s Residential Activation Fund is a $2 billion initiative aimed at accelerating essential infrastructure so more homes can be built.
The federal government also announced a new $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund as part of the budget in May 2026. The fund is designed to help states and territories deliver enabling infrastructure, including roads, water and sewerage, so housing projects can move from planning to construction more quickly.
For Perth, the focus is on using infrastructure to support more housing in established areas rather than relying only on new greenfield development on the city’s fringe.
WA housing and works minister John Carey said the project would enable greater density in existing suburbs and help expand the state’s housing supply.
"This upgrade will support 60,000 future homes across some of Perth's most important infill and redevelopment areas, including our new station precincts,” Mr Carey said.
"It's part of a record $10.8 billion housing investment since 2021, and a strong focus on accelerating housing and land supply."
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