28/3/03
Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens today celebrated the successful completion of the urban renewal refurbishment program in the Town of Kwinana.
Mr Stephens said the Department of Housing and Works' New Living Project had contributed toward vastly improved community standards and house values in the neighbourhood.
He said the enthusiasm of a community keen to see change in the areas of Kwinana, Medina, Calista, Parmelia and Orelia and the right private sector partner were vital in the New Living venture's success.
"Award-winning developers McCusker Holdings/Satterley Property Group proved to be ideal partners who were enthusiastic, innovative and prepared to work through problems," the Minister said.
"This enthusiasm was mirrored by the Department of Housing and Work's staff in co-operation with the Town of Kwinana."
Mr Stephens said the Town of Kwinana had enjoyed a significant refurbishment program with 795 former Homeswest houses renovated and sold, and 363 Homeswest rental properties refurbished for retention.
A total of 625 lots were also developed or identified and offered for sale to the general public with about 611 sold.
The project will continue for several years with its significant developments of broad hectare land in Windsor Hills and surrounding areas.
"According to REIWA, property values in the past 12 months have increased by 12.4 per cent for Calista, 17.4 per cent for Medina, 9.8 percent for Parmelia and 4.3 per cent for Orelia," Mr Stephens said.
"The once high concentration of public rental housing in this area has now been reduced from a presence of 27 per cent at the beginning of the project to 11 per cent, largely as a result of the sales and demolition program.
"Kwinana has also enjoyed a number of beautification works with inviting parks, well presented and maintained streetscapes, boulevards and entry statements created to enhance the visual and physical amenity of the suburb."
Mr Stephens said some of the infrastructure enhancements included the upgrade of the park and BMX track in Ridley Green, streetscaping along Gilmore Avenue from Thomas Road to Wellard Road and entry statements at Windsor Hills, Orelia, Chelsea Gardens, Parmelia and Medina Avenue.
As part of celebrations marking completion of the refurbishment program, the Minister also officially opened Kiara Gardens - the last complex of public housing units refurbished for sale in the Town of Kwinana under the New Living strategy.
The 28 two-bedroom units in Reilly Street, Orelia are now on the market with prices ranging from $72,000 to $75,000.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
