WA Fast-Tracks Developments in Post-Pandemic Fightback

Eleven shovel-ready projects across Perth, part of the Western Australia government’s temporary development assessment pathway, are now under way.

Last year, the state government announced new measures through the WA Planning Commission to minimise the cost of tendering and maximise the spread of work for small and medium construction contractors in a bid to bolster the state’s pandemic affected economy.

The planning reforms aim to streamline the assessment of such “job-creating” projects.

The tendering process for a raft of road and maritime projects were fast-tracked for a number of large-scale road projects, worth upwards of $2.37 billion, but more residential developments are now starting to come online.

Nearly $350-million worth of mixed-use projects have been approved, including a $40-million, 15-storey apartment tower at 8 Parker Street.

The high-end apartment block, to be built on a 2500sq m site in South Perth, is now under way and being delivered by Built.

Planning minister Rita Saffioti said the apartment development was designed with input from the owners of the site’s former townhouses to give residents an opportunity to age in place.

"[This] is a great milestone for the residents of 8 Parker Street and for our state’s economy with works kicking off on one of the major projects approved through the significant development pathway,” Saffioti said.

“This development is an innovative example of how neighbouring residents can work together to achieve new housing outcomes.”

Construction will soon commence on two other significant developments; a $50-million LNG plant in Mt Magnet and the $32.5-million State Football Centre in Queens Park.

The Western Australian Planning Commission approved the 16ha football centre development, which is jointly funded by the state and federal governments, with each contributing $16.25 million.

The project will comprise two full size pitches, three five-a-side playing pitches, car parking, a two-storey building incorporating change room facilities, amenities, tiered seating for approximately 700 seated spectators, office and meeting room spaces

Premier Mark McGowan said the state’s alternate development assessment pathway had been a great success with a spate of major proposals now approved.

“This is an investment of more than $350 million which will create more than 2300 local jobs while also delivering long term supply opportunities that will benefit our economy for years to come,” McGowan said.

These projects will be followed by two residential aged care facilities, a student accommodation facility, a shopping centre and a hotel.

A further 10 applications, worth a combined $1.5 billion, are currently under assessment and discussions are under way with another 28 proponents on a range of commercial, retail, residential, regional tourism and industrial projects.