30/8/02
New plans for the Maniana precinct in Queens Park would be welcomed by the community, Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens said today.
Mr Stephens said there would now be revitalisation in situ, rather than a land swap involving relocation of Homeswest housing towards Welshpool Road.
"This means that the Maniana precinct will remain where it is, and be upgraded through the department's New Living program," he said.
"The decision was made after community consultation, discussion and agreement between myself, the Deputy Premier and Member for Belmont, Mr Eric Ripper; the Federal Member for Swan, Mr Kim Wilkie; and representatives of the Canning City Council, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department of Housing and Works.
"Revisions to aircraft noise forecasts have meant that Maniana will now not be adversely affected."
Mr Stephens said key elements of the plan were:
- selective demolition of some housing to create and allow for the sale of new lots and the building of new homes;
- refurbishment of housing to allow some people to stay in their existing homes if they wished (relocation is voluntary);
- subdivision of vacant land to provide for new housing;
- reduction of Homeswest's rental presence;
- provision of home ownership opportunities; and
- the provision of a catalyst for further redevelopment in the locality.
Mr Stephens said benefits of the new plan included residents being able to stay within the same area, a two-year earlier start on the project, less impact on private property owners, and the preservation of parks and recreation land near Welshpool Road.
A community information session will be held on Monday, September 9 at 7.30 pm, St Joseph's Parish Hall, Railway Parade, Queens Park.
It is proposed the development will provide for a range of housing types including detached houses, a retirement village, aged persons' units and group housing.
More accommodation could be provided because of the retirement village, along with group and aged persons' housing, and with rezoning rendered unnecessary, redevelopment could start two years' earlier.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
