Fraser Suites: Nearby residents of the controversial development deny opposing to social housing neighbours
About 40 people, many who have already bought apartments within a stone's throw of the 19-storey former East Perth short stay hotel, gathered on Saturday to protest Housing Minister John Carey's plan aimed at addressing the housing crisis throughout Perth and the State.
Mr Carey has decided buying established properties and converting them into government and affordable housing is another option that must be used, alongside building more social and affordable housing.
Residents say they weren't consulted on the State Government decision to purchase the hotel from Singaporean multinational Global Frasers Property for $105 million, with about 70 per cent of the 236 apartments to be used for affordable housing, and the rest for people on welfare.
They say the hotel rooms aren't suitable for long-term living, and there's no additional parking for people who move in.
Ben Stephenson, a resident of the Queens Riverside strata complex, which includes Fraser Suites, said people weren't against social housing in the area.
'We only found out (about the hotel conversion) two weeks ago,' Mr Stephenson said.
'It's not about it becoming social housing. It's about how the transition occurs.
'None of that (community consultation) occurred.
'The decision makers don't know the ground. The community is best known by the people that have experienced it for the last 10 years.'
Currently, there are more than 21,000 people on the social housing wait list.
Mr Carey told reporters on Saturday he was consulting residents on the project, via face-to-face meetings over two weekends.
'I am on my second day of almost two full days of direct engagement of local East Perth residents. It has been very productive,' Mr Carey said.
'The State Government has already committed to establishing a stakeholder reference group, that will include the City of Perth, residents and the Department of Housing and Works while we work through the transition, including the appointment of a community housing provider.'
He said while some people opposed the Fraser Suites project, others were 'supportive'.
'There are some loud voices who are very clear they oppose social and affordable housing in East Perth,' Mr Carey said.
'But there have also been residents who either have been supportive, understanding, or who have been apprehensive — but want their issues addressed.
'I am not dismissive of concerns, where people have that apprehension.
'There are already concerns about existing access issues to the car park. So we will use the reference group to work with residents on that.
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