Planned redevelopment of Karawara public housing estate in jeopardy

28/7/97

A planned multi-million dollar redevelopment of the old Karawara public housing estate has been placed in jeopardy by an intransigent minority of South Perth City councillors, Housing Minister Dr Kim Hames said today.

Dr Hames said Homeswest had negotiated with the council over several years to develop a proposal which would have brought enormous benefits to the local community.

But the council, at its meeting this week, failed to resolve ongoing problems which had stopped the redevelopment proceeding.

Dr Hames said the proposed transformation of Karawara would have seen the old public housing blocks of flats demolished, with the land subdivided and redeveloped into a vibrant, modern residential centre.

Substantial funds were earmarked for infrastructure improvements, and the very high public housing presence in the area would also have been significantly reduced.

However, new councillors elected in May had stymied the plan by passing a motion demanding the retention of large areas of degraded bushland.

This made the redevelopment financially unviable, and Homeswest had indicated it would not proceed.

The council reviewed the matter this week to try to resolve the problem, but while a majority of the councillors voted 8/7 in favour of overturning their previous decision, this was one vote short of the absolute majority required.

Dr Hames said that as part of the redevelopment, Homeswest would have provided $600,000 for construction of a new community centre, $250,000 for local environmental projects, and dollar-for-dollar funding with the council for infrastructure works including improvements to existing parks and gardens, road and road verges, entry statements and security.

"All these community benefits are now at risk," he said.

"Homeswest has indicated it will not proceed with the redevelopment unless all of the site is rezoned urban, as originally agreed. This is the only way the project can be financially viable, and I fully support Homeswest on its assessment."

Dr Hames said he would raise his concerns about the council's actions with Planning Minister Graham Kierath, with a view to lodging an appeal with the Western Australian Planning Commission.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy (08) 9424 7450