Claims about Lockyer redevelopment (Albany) 'scaremongering'

15/5/96

Claims that the State Government had weakened its commitment to the Lockyer redevelopment in Albany were nothing more than political 'scaremongering', according to Housing Minister Graham Kierath.

"There has been no watering down of the original commitment to redevelop the area. Already $7.4 million has been allocated for the development of 91 units of accommodation including development in Barrett Street," Mr Kierath said.

He said that claims by endorsed ALP candidate Matt Bensen of only two units for Lockyer in the 1996-97 Homeswest construction budget were misleading and wrong.

"The budget allocation for 1996-97 for the Lockyer project including the adjoining Barrett Street is for 22 units of accommodation - the total value of this construction activity is $1.765 million," the Minister said.

Kevin Prince, former Housing Minister and Member for Albany, said he was disappointed to see a worthwhile project designed to bring much-needed improvements to Lockyer used for political 'point-scoring'.

"Homeswest has spent $2.06 million on redeveloping older properties in the suburb to allow for the creation of 102 building blocks," Mr Kierath said.

"As part of the upgrading of the suburb, Homeswest is renovating selected houses for sale to the public. The first house to be upgraded under this program is now available for sale for $75,000 and a further 29 such houses are expected to become available during redevelopment.

"As part of the redevelopment effort the local authority is enclosing the open drains and resurfacing roads in the Lockyer area.

"The project is proceeding in stages, with the associated planning and organisation required for such a major redevelopment.

"The program is demand-driven and as the new housing lots are taken up by private buyers, the rate of building commencements in the area will intensify."

Mr Kierath said that the latest land release - 30 building lots - at Lockyer were put on the market in November and seven of these have been sold so far.

"The sale of building blocks to new home buyers will also see a more balanced mix of public and private houses," he said.

"The aim is to reduce Homeswest's rental presence from 63 per cent down to 12 per cent."

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444