Planning Change Paves Way for Goldfields’ WA Estate

State approval for a planning change has paved the way for developer Goldfields’ 20ha residential scheme in the Margaret River wine region.

The Western Australia Planning Commission has approved the Cowaramup Country Local Structure Plan, which would allow the masterplanned community of 184 residential lots as well as a 2ha medium-density site and public open spaces. 

The development was expected to accommodate about 240 homes.

Goldfields WA director Gareth Wilson said the development would address regional supply shortages by offering housing choice for families looking to live near the township.

“Cowaramup is experiencing a residential land and housing shortage,” Wilson said. “In the past 12 months the average house price has risen to almost $1.1 million and rental vacancy is near zero.”

The project received 257 objections during the planning process.

Residents cited concerns with connectivity to the existing township, density issues, and the loss of previously proposed aged-care facilities and sporting grounds at the site.

Local government modifications reduced the development density and required acoustic barriers rather than walls along the Bussell Highway.

These council changes addressed community concerns that the developer was pursuing maximum housing yield on the site.

Goldfields chief executive Lachlan Thompson said the project would build on the success of the company’s Spindrift community near Margaret River township.

The 423-lot Spindrift estate, 3km south of Margaret River, has experienced rapid sales with recent lot releases selling out within 48 hours.

▲ The third release of the Spindrift masterplan sold out in 48 hours as sea-changer and FIFO worker demand continues to outstrip supply in the region.

The Victorian-based developer has been expanding its Western Australia portfolio, acquiring Sorrento Beach Resort north-west of Perth for more than $30 million in August.

Thompson said the Sorrento acquisition reflected the company’s “broad, long-term vision for Western Australia” and provided a hedge against construction inflation risks.

The Cowaramup estate is within the Margaret River wine region, approximately 13km north of the township and three hours south of Perth. It is part of Goldfields’ broader strategy for Western Australia’s south-west region.

The area has experienced significant residential demand over recent years, with limited land releases proving popular among young families and tradespeople.

The planning commission’s approval comes despite the contentious nature of the subdivision expansion, which stirred community sentiment over changes to the site’s originally proposed uses.

The project landed $1.9 million in state funding to advance approximately 60 units designed for workers in the seasonal viticulture and tourism industries, but the worker accommodation component would be finalised in future planning stages.