The state government plans to invite the private sector to bid for state-owned properties that aren’t listed for sale under a proposed unsolicited bids process, while also announcing the listing of 40 extra assets in the second wave of its land sales program.
Lands Minister Terry Redman said a framework to reduce the risk of lobbying by property developers would be introduced to cabinet soon and that bids would be judged on a case-by-case basis.
The government also identified 40 land packages that will be prepared for sale, in addition to the 20 it announced in September last year.
The new sites include the Claremont Police Station, the Old Cottesloe Cable Station, and three disused school sites.
Premier Colin Barnett said the properties had been identified as surplus to government requirements and would now form part of the land sales program.
“Sales of the combined two rounds of properties are estimated to generate in the order of $268 million for the state,” he said.
“The proceeds will be reinvested back into the state, helping to drive down debt.”
Mr Barnett said the land sales program wasn’t just about raising revenue and reducing debt – it also provided a good opportunity to refresh and revitalise the city.
Mr Redman said the state government was working closely with government agencies to identify and bring surplus government properties to market.
