Joint ventures to open up land in Perth

The state government has entered into a joint venture with two construction companies, including Brookfield Multiplex, in an effort to make more affordable land available in Perth's southern and north-eastern corridors.

It's opening up three developments at Golden Bay, south of Rockingham; Hammond Park in Cockburn; and Henley Brook near Ellenbrook, are expected to boost the supply of serviced land for homebuilders by 5,277 lots.

Brookfield Multiplex has signed a joint venture to develop Henley Brook, 20 kilometres north east of the Perth CBD.

"This project will help address the strong demand for affordable housing in the north-east corridor. We intend to develop and market 225.7 hectares of residential land to create a total of 2,777 dwellings over the next 15 years at Henley Brook," said Housing Minister
Bill Marmion.

Development of the first 140 lots is expected to begin in mid-2010, with sales commencing around November.

"At Hammond Park, 25 kilometres south-west of the Perth CBD, the Department of Housing is joining major land developer Gold Estates Pty Ltd in a joint venture to develop and market over 400 new home sites on 32.31 hectares of residential land," Mr Marmion said.

Currently mainly undeveloped bushland, the site is adjacent to the southern railway line, the Kwinana Freeway and the Gateways Shopping Centre and close to existing schools, hospitals and employment centres.

"The medium and long-term potential of this area is second-to-none, and the Hammond Park development will be a real community, with a neighbourhood centre incorporating commercial and retail facilities, and a high and primary school," Mr Marmion said.

It is anticipated the Hammond Park development will be completed over a six-year period.

"The 160 hectare coastal site at Golden Bay will be developed into residential lots, a primary school site and a commercial area, and is ideally located, with close proximity to Rockingham, Mandurah and the proposed Karnup Train Station on the Mandurah line," said Mr Marmion.

"By incorporating a range of lot sizes, from cottage to larger coastal blocks, a variety of housing types and styles will be possible, creating an attractive mix of housing while also using the land more effectively," he said.

The first stage incorporating 150 residential lots is expected to be completed in early 2011.

Mr Marmion said the State intended to use all avenues to increase the supply of land.

"There is a huge demand for affordable housing and the overall focus at all these projects is on getting the maximum number of lots to market as quickly as possible, with an emphasis on what is within the reach of first home buyers and those on low to moderate incomes."