Defence Drives Development to Freo’s South

AUKUS and Defence Hub planning is driving so much economic activity around Freo and environs just now with a big land release announcement at Rockingham the latest initiative by the State Government

As part of its ‘commitment to help ensure every Western Australian has a home’, the State Government has called for expressions of interest (EOI) to develop 18 hectares of
State-owned land in Rockingham.

The EOI aims to meet the growing need for housing in Rockingham as its community and workforce continues to grow.

As Minister for Planning and Lands John Carey and Treasurer and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti said in a media release last Thursday announcing the EOI, AUKUS is driving significant investment across the region, including the development of the
Defence Precinct at Henderson and the expansion of Fleet Base West at HMAS Stirling in Garden Island.

These Ministers also highlighted that, alongside this major defence investment, the area is positioned near the ‘Western Trade Coast’, WA’s inaugural State Development Area, and the future Westport precinct which are ‘set to play a key role in diversifying the State’s economy and generating thousands of jobs.’

The EOI seeks experienced developers capable of fast-tracking the delivery of high-quality, well-connected homes and amenities for the precinct, including options for social and
affordable housing.

The State Government received an initial proposal under its Market-led Proposals (MLP) Policy to develop a mix of residential housing on the site, with the opportunity now open to the market through an Invitation for EOI.

Responses to the Invitation for EOI will close on 3 July at 4pm and can be submitted via TendersWA.

Minister Carey added –
“Our government is focused on unlocking land for new housing across our growth corridors.

“This includes unlocking land in greenfield estates through the $665 million Housing Enabling Infrastructure Fund and supporting industry to deliver more infill in existing suburbs through the $120 million Infrastructure Development Fund.

“The EOI is a significant step towards creating more homes and jobs in one of the State’s fastest-growing regions.

“It also builds on the land release underway in Karnup, with Mirvac already selected as the preferred proponent to deliver the first stage of a new master-planned community.”

Rita Saffioti emphasised that –

“With AUKUS driving unprecedented growth across our defence sector and Western Australia’s economy, it’s important we have the housing to support its future workforce.

“We’re working with the private sector to deliver more homes for defence personnel and local workers in Rockingham so more Western Australians can make the most of the opportunities
these industries will deliver.”

Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall also joined in on the announcement saying it was “an exciting opportunity to deliver more homes for our growing community.”

Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan was equally enthusiastic about the announcement explaining that the 18ha housing precinct would redevelop former playing fields at Dixon Road into a vibrant, mixed-use precinct. The site is close to South West Metropolitan TAFE and the Rockingham campus of Murdoch University. And not far from the Cockburn Sound foreshore.