Milestone in Koongamia 'Eastern Horizons' New Living Project

Significant infrastructure projects and community projects have been completed at Koongamia as part of the State Government's Eastern Horizons New Living project.

Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts joined the Koongamia community today to celebrate the completion of Lloyd Penn Park.

"The New Living project in Midland, Midvale, Koongamia, Middle Swan and Swan View involves the refurbishment of properties for sale to the public and for retention as rentals by the Department of Housing Works," Mrs Roberts said.

"Infrastructure works have also been completed in the suburbs, to beautify parks and gardens, upgrade street lighting and roads and enhance streetscapes."

Community involvement and co-operation have been an integral part of the success of the New Living project.

"The second and final stage of Lloyd Penn Park and the second stage of the streetscape improvement program were done in conjunction with the City of Swan," the Minister said.

"Students from the nearby Clayton View Primary School have made a fantastic contribution to the park upgrade, completing three beautiful mosaics.

"This partnership between the State Government, local government and the community is a major factor in the success of the New Living program."

A combined entry statement, landscaping and restoration of the old Koongamia rail platform were undertaken in partnership with the Shire of Mundaring.

Mrs Roberts said the public art at the former rail platform reflected both the past and present of the area.

"Koongamia was originally a reserve that was developed for housing after the war, with the first sub-division opened up in 1953," she said.

"The Koongamia rail station, carrying freight and passengers, opened in the early 1960s.

"Now defunct, it has been transformed with contemporary art to reflect the history of the suburb."

Set on the Darling Scarp, Koongamia has proved popular with homebuyers.

The Minister said the New Living program was part of the State Government's commitment to providing affordable housing options and quality public housing which integrated well with private homes.

"Houses in Koongamia have been refurbished as part of the highly successful New Living program which is the largest urban renewal initiative ever to take place in Western Australia," she said.

"Homes sold in the New Living program provide an affordable option for first homebuyers and reducing the level of public housing in neighbourhoods improves the social mix."