The State Government is investing $1million to support industrial land needs in the Perth metropolitan area and Peel region by developing the General Industrial Land Planning Strategy.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the strategy would help secure a strong future for Western Australian industry.
"The take-up of serviced industrial land in Perth and Peel has almost tripled in the past five years from 50ha in 2001-02 to 130ha in 2005-06 and based on the current strength of the WA economy, this demand is likely to continue for years to come," Ms MacTiernan said.
"In order to boost stocks of industrial land, it is essential we undertake detailed planning and technical studies to identify land with good access to transport and other infrastructure that will support the continued growth of industry.
"As it can take several years to create new industrial estates, it is important to rebuild a supply of zoned industrial land in a range of locations by using a co-ordinated approach to land planning and assembly."
The scope of work to be undertaken includes an analysis of future industry needs, strategic site identification and amendments to the Metropolitan Regional Scheme. Feasibility assessments will also be undertaken for key sites and ways to fast-track new industrial estates will be explored.
In the last five years, LandCorp has released more than 200ha of industrial land across the Perth and Peel region. As a result of the increased demand, the release of a further 200ha will be accelerated by LandCorp within the next three years.
The planning studies and strategy will be led by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, with support from LandCorp and the Department of Industry and Resources.
The strategy is expected to be completed by December 2008.
The strategy will take into account future developments at Neerabup, Wangara, Hazelmere, Nambeelup, Forrestdale, Latitude 32 (Hope Valley-Wattleup area) and Port Kennedy. It will also complement existing State Government industrial developments including:
- the Australian Marine Complex at Henderson;
- Rockingham Industrial Zone;
- Cockburn Commercial Park;
- Access Park Forrestfield; and
- Enterprise Park Wangara.
