Fenix Resources resorts to building quality housing in Geraldton to attract workers due to housing climate

A mining company operating within the Mid West says difficulties in the Geraldton housing market has forced it to build its own housing estate worth $30 million to attract and retain staff. Fenix Resources, which since 2020 has delivered mining, transport haulage, and port services within the Mid West, has seen hundreds of jobs created since then, with a strong aim of having workers based in Geraldton. However, with the local housing market proving a barrier to attracting workers, the company invested in land in Beresford with the aim of constructing more than 60 quality dwellings to house workers. Executive chair John Welborn said it was done out of necessity, but believed there was a benefit for the community. “In order to provide us with the ability to continue to create new employment, we’ve somewhat reluctantly been forced into the property development game,” he said. “Fortunately, in the way Geraldton’s looking both with our business and others, we think that’s going to be a success for everyone, the local community and our workers.” Situated off Ord Street near North West Coastal Highway, workers from Red Dust Holdings were spotted continuing on-site earthworks at the proposed estate. With the site being of significant size, Fenix is committed to building quality homes to attract workers and their families. Mr Welborn said many options were still on the table in terms of how the properties would be used. “Obviously the reason we’re building it, the prime function would be to provide housing for workers,” he said. “This is a residential development project, we could decide to sell them or rent them. “They’re basically just increasing the pool of what we would hope to be high quality, appropriate accommodation in a nice part of town.” Mr Welborn said building houses would also boost the supply, which would help ease some of the housing stress seen in Geraldton. He conceded the move was “an unusual step”, but believed it was worth doing. “We think it’s essential in order to attract the right people is to have the housing,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of success with having people integrated into the local community.” A timeline had not yet been made public, but he estimated the project would be finished in 2026.