Opening of seniors' accommodation at Kwinana Village

26/3/96

The latest stage of accommodation for seniors at Kwinana Village will be officially opened by Housing Minister Graham Kierath today.

"The progressive development of this site to provide 75 units of well-designed and affordable housing for seniors, serves as a model for other local government authorities to follow," Mr Kierath said.

Twelve two-bedroom units have been added to the complex in Stage 5 and were built as part of a progressive joint venture between Homeswest and the Town of Kwinana.

The partnership began in 1984-85.

Mayor of Kwinana John Slinger said the 10-year partnership with Homeswest had been particularly satisfying with each distinct phase of the project completed smoothly and professionally.

"It is with visionary partnerships such as these that Kwinana is developing a new and inspiring profile as a community with diverse amenities and a great future," Mr Slinger said.

"It has been a long and successful partnership that has produced much-needed,well-designed housing for older members of the community," Mr Kierath said.

The units were designed by architect Silver Thomas Hanley and built by Tara Constructions.

"The Government, through Homeswest, is also currently involved with the Town of Kwinana in a major redevelopment and refurbishment of the suburb," Mr Kierath said.

"The up-grading and improvements are already quite visible and progressively, over the next six years, will transform the suburb and bring new homeowners into the area."

Mr Kierath commended the contribution of members of the Landcare and Environmental Action Program (LEAP) to creating a central village green in the midst of the Kwinana Village complex.

A group of unemployed 15 to 20-year-olds on the LEAP program prepared the ground, put in reticulation, planted turf and built a gazebo as a training project under the program.

One resident described the result as 'like living in a park'.

Media contact: Steve Manchee 481 2133