I was wondering about your area, a very good example. If it seems likely that a mining company will be in town long term, i.e. 50plus years, maybe it could be including within the state gov / company deal to include additional homing to be built within the area - the other issue that's tied to this is infrastructure, such as water supplies, internet, roads.... the list is endless really. The mining boom will probably go on for another 200 years, perhaps we need to look that far ahead.
I have family in Karratha and if it wasn't for her employers having accommodation set aside for her, the same 3 bedroom house would be 2500 plus a week so i've been told.