Official opening of Ascot Waters urban development

19/4/98

The State Government and the City of Belmont's vision to transform badly degraded and under-utilised river front land at Ascot has been realised.

Premier Richard Court who today officially opened the Ascot Waters urban development and waterway connection to the Swan River, said the launch of the project was a triumph for partnerships between Government and the private sector.

"Without a true spirit of co-operation and the skill and expertise of the private sector the Ascot Waters development would not be the success it is today," the Premier said.

The $120 million project consists of a modern residential estate featuring significant recreational areas and a marina.

Previously the 100ha area consisted of the Belmont tip site, disused claypits and an area of wetlands.

Mr Court said the project was an excellent example of what could be achieved when private developers and Government at all levels worked together for the benefit of the local community.

"The City of Belmont deserves special recognition for its role in the project," he said.

"The Mayor, Peter Passeri, and councillors have devoted considerable time and effort to the progress of this project."

The State Government in conjunction with the City of Belmont secured $5 million for the project from the Commonwealth's Building Better Cities program.

Mr Court said the Ascot Waters Consortium - Domain Project Development Pty Ltd, Estates Development Company and Henry Walker Group - were to be congratulated for their commitment to the environmentally sensitive development of the area.

"Great care has been taken to maintain the ecological balance of the area and to preserve the wetlands which support various forms of bird life," he said.

"The decision by the developers to devote 75 per cent of the total area of the estate to open space underpins their commitment to enhancing the area's natural environment for the benefit of residents and the larger local community."

Ascot Waters will be home to more than 1,000 people.

Media contact: Casey Cahill 9222 9475