Media Statements - All go for Tambrey development with Nickol and Bayton West to follow

8/12/05

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today announced a significant development for Karratha and its residents with the commencement of the sales process for Stage One of LandCorp’s Tambrey subdivision, with further developments at Nickol and Bayton West being planned.

Ms MacTiernan said the call of registrations of interest for the Tambrey residential land was advertised yesterday, and would be administered by a public ballot process.

“This is an important release for the town of Karratha, to accommodate the steep growth in demand for residential land which has been experienced through current expansions in the resources industry,” she said.

The Tambrey subdivision will be a 23.8ha, high quality residential estate which will ultimately provide 176 lots ranging in size from 530sq.m to 853sq.m, delivering a mix of standard, triplex and grouped housing sites.

“We know this is unlikely to satisfy demand so LandCorp is already working on two future residential estates adjacent to the Tambrey subdivision,” the Minister said.

“We are preparing a draft development plan for both residential developments, which will be put to Roebourne Council in early 2006.”

Ms MacTiernan said the three future developments would be integral to the growth of Karratha as a key centre in the Pilbara.

“A 100ha parcel of land in Baynton West, which is located on the other side of Dampier Road will be capable of yielding 800 lots, with the development of a 45ha parcel of land at the Nickol development on Balmoral Road expected to provide an additional 400 lots,” the Minister said.

“The three developments are expected to provide up to 1,400 lots for Karratha, which will help address the demand for land in the region.”

The State Government will also make a reasonable allocation of lots available to the Department of Housing and Works and the Government Employees’ Housing Authority to ensure teachers, doctors and nurses are adequately catered for in the region.

North-West Coastal MLA Fred Riebeling welcomed the Minister’s announcement of the ballot process, saying it provided a fair approach for all concerned and would help ensure land released by the Government would not be snapped up by speculators.

Ms MacTiernan highlighted that design guidelines would encourage high quality building and deliver greater energy and water efficiency.

The Minister also said the development was adjacent to the local primary school and the sporting and recreational facilities of the Tambrey Centre, providing a prime location for the subdivision.

Earthworks and construction are scheduled to commence in February 2006, with the release of titles anticipated in July 2006. The civil works contract is currently out for tender, closing December 20, 2005.

Ms MacTiernan said she hoped the Balmoral Road subdivision would be under way in the second half of next year.

Shire of Roebourne president Danielle Nazzari said the work being done by the State Government, through LandCorp, was integral to the continued development of Karratha.

“The land in development by the State Government is much needed for the future growth of the region,” she said.

“This development should contribute to making the Pilbara a more attractive area to work and live and bring a more stable population to this important region.”

The ballot process for the Tambrey land:

prospective purchasers may only buy one lot but they may nominate their order of preference for as many lots as they wish;

everyone lodging a registration of interest will be sent a ballot pack containing a copy of the contract of sale, a lot plan, price list, design guidelines, and detail of the ballot process;

purchasers may only acquire one lot. However, they can nominate as many lots as they wish in order of preference;

ballot packs will be sent out to prospective purchasers in February 2006;

a $2,000 deposit must accompany the returned ballot papers;

successful purchasers will be selected through a random ballot process conducted by an independent auditor; and

all non-conforming and unsuccessful ballots will be returned by post to the relevant parties together with their respective deposit cheques.

Initial registrations of interest in Stage One of Tambrey Karratha can be made through the sales agent, Lindsay Gibson of Ray White Karratha. Phone: 9185 2444; mobile 0418 921 660 or email: karratha.wa@raywhite.com

Minister's Office - 9213 6400