Initiatives to boost housing and release more land in South Hedland

18/10/06
Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts has announced a series of initiatives to create more housing opportunities in South Hedland.
Mrs Roberts said about 80 lots would be made available in the next six months, with another 300 to be released for sale within the next 18 months.
"This is in direct response to the need for housing in the South Hedland area, which is an integral part of the Pilbara region's economy," she said.
The Minister said that in addition to the new residential lots, the expanded South Hedland New Living Project would provide quality, affordable housing to local residents over the next five years.
"During the project, 187 properties will be refurbished and sold to the public," Mrs Roberts said.
"Public housing will also be improved, with 293 homes to be refurbished and retained by the Department of Housing and Works."
Mrs Roberts opened a new sales office in South Hedland, where refurbished public housing would be offered for sale to the public.
The New Living program is the largest urban renewal initiative ever undertaken in Western Australia.
"The project is beneficial it reduces the public housing presence in the neighbourhoods and contributes to the WA Government's commitment to affordable housing and quality public housing integration," the Minister said.
"New Living redevelops older public housing estates to create more attractive living environments and encourages home ownership."
Properties offered for sale under the New Living program will undergo extensive upgrades, including landscaping and internal renovation, before being put on the market.
Typical refurbishment of houses prior to sale will involve kitchen and bathroom improvements, interior and exterior painting, fencing, landscaping, roof restoration, replacement of floor coverings and the provision of carports.
"Enhancing public infrastructure and improving streetscapes are also a strong focus of the New Living program, along with a strong emphasis on community development through various programs and employment initiatives," Mrs Roberts said.
Central Kimberley-Pilbara MLA Tom Stephens said the aim of the South Hedland New Living project was to help ensure that this important Pilbara community was an attractive place in which to live and work.
"South Hedland will grow as a community and become a better and safer regional community," Mr Stephens said.
"Planning and community consultation phases have begun.
"A memorandum of understanding between the Department of Housing and Works and the Town of Port Hedland is in place, which effectively means the sharing of infrastructure works on an equal basis has been agreed on.
"Co-operation with local government has been a key factor in the success of New Living projects across the State, and that continues with the South Hedland project."
In addition to South Hedland, there are now nine New Living projects under way in regional WA:

• Spencer Park / Mt Lockyer (Albany);
• Carey Park and Withers (Bunbury);
• Collie;
• Nulsen (Esperance);
• Narrogin;
• South Kalgoorlie;
• Geraldton; and
• South Carnarvon, Brockman and Morgan Town (Carnarvon).