14/11/05
The State Government will develop its 338ha Banksia Grove site in Perth’s northern suburbs in a joint venture arrangement with the private sector.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan today announced the joint-venturer would be the Western Australian-based company Property Resources Management (PRM) and its partner Walker Pty Ltd.
Mr Logan said PRM had been chosen ahead of several other high quality applicants because it represented an excellent standard in land development and marketing expertise.
He said he hoped the new partnership would build on the State Government’s joint venture program.
Banksia Grove is bounded by Flynn Drive and Carramar Park Estate and is located about five kilometres from the Wanneroo townsite and 27km from the Perth CBD.
The joint venture agreement will deliver approximately 2,990 residential lots, averaging 535m2 in an area eventually expected to support a community of 8,500 residents.
The Minister said attention would be given to ensuring a supply of blocks in the affordable housing price range. The Department of Housing and Works (DHW) would retain a number of lots as part of its public housing program and would include provision for seniors and the disabled.
“When seeking a joint venture partner for this project, the DHW placed enormous emphasis on the Community Planning criteria because it is important that new and existing developments merge seamlessly to form a fully-integrated community,” Mr Logan said.
“The submission by PRM and Walker Pty Ltd incorporated strong and workable initiatives for sustainability and affordable housing, together with proven ideas for employment creation.
“Planning for Banksia Grove called for a highly accessible subdivision, with a linked series of parks and bushland reserves. These will be creative and efficient responses to the social and recreation needs of the community, as well as meeting the prerequisites of environmental sustainability.”
The Minister said the proposed initiatives would meet State Government triple-bottom-line objectives toward integrating economic, social and environmental sustainability through the creation of vibrant and attractive communities.
He said the Gallop Government was committed to improving the quality of services to all Western Australians, wherever they lived.
Mr Logan said education facilities would include a high school site and two primary school sites. A district centre would incorporate a 'Main Street' retail component and commercial use.
The DHW has begun ongoing discussions with the existing community at Banksia Grove to ensure their interests a taken into account. A committee will be set up with representatives from the DHW and the community, with Wanneroo MLA Dianne Guise as chairperson.
Minister's office: 9222 8950
