Western Australia's birth rate has plummeted to a 17-year low, sparking urgent calls for effective solutions to address the "baby drought". Last year, 30,825 babies were born in WA, an almost 14 per cent drop from the all-time high of more than 35,500 in 2016. The escalating cost of living has emerged as a significant obstacle for couples. High school teachers Hollie Gibbons, 29, and Adrian Castle, 30, want to grow their family but face significant financial barriers.