Housing wins five of 13 categories at UDIA awards

The Department of Housing has received accolades from the development industry for its achievements in providing affordable housing through partnerships with the private and community sectors.

Housing Minister Troy Buswell congratulated the department for winning five out of 13 categories at the 2011 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Western Australia Awards for Excellence.

The department received awards for housing developments in South Hedland, Success, Ellenbrook and the Peel region in the categories of Affordable Development, Seniors Living and Medium Density Development; as well as the Judges' and Rising Star awards.

"These award-winning projects are excellent examples of how the State Government is leveraging partnerships with private developers and non-government organisations to create attractive and affordable housing options without compromising quality," Mr Buswell said.

"All the projects have a strong emphasis on delivering more affordable and appropriate housing for low to moderate income earners, and represent a diverse range of housing opportunities for average West Australians from first homebuyers to senior citizens, as well as for those in regional WA.

"We will continue to pursue effective partnerships which will see the resources of Government combine with the expertise and experience of the private sector to ensure the successful implementation of the Affordable Housing Strategy, which sets a target to deliver 20,000 affordable homes by 2020."

Winning projects

Affordable Development: Malvern Springs (Ellenbrook)

The Malvern Springs development is a joint-venture between the Department of Housing and Morella Pty Ltd with a capacity for about 2,000 dwellings. Affordability is a key component in all aspects of Malvern Springs' design and build. It has a product mix which includes half of the lots priced under $200,000, product innovation with the development of five and six-metre terraced dwellings; and more efficient use of smaller lots. Ellenbrook was the first large-scale joint venture undertaken by the department and remains one of the most successful master-planned communities in Australia.

Medium Density Development and Rising Star Award: Stella Orion Apartments in Success

Stella Orion is a part of the larger Stella Apartments project - a master-planned residential project located in Success that will ultimately deliver up to 900 units.  A partnership between the Department of Housing and Goodland Properties, it consists of 130 one and two-bedroom apartments offering modern living in a convenient location at an affordable price.  The development meets market demand for lock-and-leave or low maintenance homes and is located near the Mandurah to Perth rail line. This project was funded through the Commonwealth's Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

Seniors Living: Bethanie Peel Community Housing

Bethanie Peel Community Housing represents the first of a new style of affordable housing for seniors by the Department of Housing and Bethanie Housing Ltd.   This development consists of 96 units built in two, two-storey blocks. It provides a high-quality and well designed village environment for seniors who need a low cost rental housing solution. The development is located in Coodanup. This project was funded through the Commonwealth's Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

Judges' Award: South Hedland New Living

The Judges' Award recognises outstanding achievement or innovation in a particular aspect of development. New Living is an urban renewal project being undertaken by the Department of Housing and Jaxon Pty Ltd in South Hedland. The project will revitalise South Hedland and see the refurbishment of more than 480 houses, planned development of 1,000 residential lots and improved public infrastructure.