Housing market dynamics in resource boom towns
Resource boom towns in the Pilbara and Goldfield regions of Western Australia and the Bowen Basin region of Queensland have experienced recurring housing shortages and crises. The housing situation has had a negative impact upon these communities in a variety of ways, and in the case of Karratha in particular, constitutes a community crisis. This study demonstrates the important linkages between housing and the resources industry. It discusses the key issues evidenced by case studies of four resource boom towns; two in Western Australia and two in Queensland. These case studies provide a detailed picture of the wide range of issues faced by these towns and the social, economic and structural consequences of the resources boom.