WA news LIVE: Labor shoots for the stars; Perth’s apartment shame

Good morning readers, and welcome to our live news blog for Tuesday, February 25.

Making headlines today is a bold plan from Labor that would be one small step for WA, and one giant leap for aspiring astronauts across the state.

Yes, Labor plans to go to infinity and beyond with their election pledge for a space launch facility (or at least fund a business case for one) in WA, which would allow businesses to launch satellites and spacecraft into orbit.

And if the polls don’t go their way on March 8? Well, at least in space no one can hear you scream.

OK, we’ll stop with the puns now. Because there’s more serious news to report.

Like the latest on Perth’s aversion to apartments and its toxic relationship with sprawling suburbs.

New data shows units form a significant proportion of housing options in the world’s biggest cities, but here in the west, Perth has the second-lowest proportion of units to houses in the nation – behind only Hobart. And Hobart has an excuse because, well, it’s Hobart.

One property expert believes Perth’s transition to a bustling city with a high proportion of units to apartments is inevitable.

But it’s hamstrung by the availability of relatively cheap land on the urban fringes.

Sarah Brookes has the latest. You can read all about it here.

Thanks for tuning in today. Stay with us as we bring you more news you need to know.