House proud: One of the new two-bedroom units.

Karratha accommodation upgrade

NEW apartment accommodation is available for Members without Dependants (MWOD) posted to the Pilbara Regiment in Karratha.

Twelve units – comprising two three-bedroom units and 10 twobedroom units – are available for use by MWOD, but are not classified as living-in accommodation or service residences.

The accommodation has been allocated as rent allowance properties at full market rent.

In the past, MWODs have been accommodated in either the Karratha International Resort or the Karratha Central Apartments, costing Defence about $735 a soldier a week in rent.

Rent ranges between $430-450 a week, resulting in rental savings of up to $305 a week a person, in addition to a reduction in storage costs for members’ furniture and effects.

The move was initiated following information that the current resort and apartments would increase their room rates.

An increase in demand for contractor accommodation also meant that the continued supply of rooms for the Pilbara Regiment’s MWOD could not be guaranteed.

Defence Housing and Removals Policy approved the construction of the DHA units.