Locals come first in Port Hedland land ballot

22/09/06
In a great result for a regional land sale, local residents of Port Hedland and people working in the town snapped up 38 single residential lots in the first stage of LandCorp's Pretty Pool development.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the ballot was the first land sale in the Pilbara that gave preference to locals wanting to build their own homes.
"The preference system ensured the sought-after home sites were sold to people living and working in Port or South Hedland, and deterred purchase by investors looking to cash in on the high rental prices fuelled by the expansions in the resources sector," Ms MacTiernan said.
"These lots are part of a larger 95-lot release that will provide much-needed housing for essential service providers, local mining operations and the community."
Prices for the single residential lots ranged from $162,000 to $270,000 and were set based on advice from independent valuers and the Valuer General's Office.
To ensure the most transparent and equitable distribution of the home sites, the Western Australian Electoral Commission conducted the sale by ballot, which allowed purchasers to buy only one lot.
The Pretty Pool land release was made possible by the State Government's proactive approach to Native Title negotiations with the Kariyarra traditional owners. As part of their entitlements, the Kariyarra chose to acquire one lot in Stage One of the development.
The Minister explained that a number of development and design conditions applied to home sites, including the requirement to build within 30 months of settlement.
"Design guidelines for Pretty Pool will encourage homeowners to create homes reflecting the character of the Pilbara and suited to the local climate, incorporating measures to improve water and energy efficiency," she said.
"We are also offering purchasers a rebate of $1,500 if they install solar hot water systems, window tinting and roof insulation in their new homes, as well as a $3,000 landscape rebate towards the installation of Waterwise gardens."
Construction of Stage One at Pretty Pool is expected to commence next month, with completion scheduled for mid-2007.
LandCorp is working closely with the Town of Port Hedland, Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure to resolve environmental and coastal setback constraints to enable further land at Pretty Pool to be brought to the market.
For more information about the Pretty Pool development, visit http://www.prettypool.landcorp.com.au
Minister's office - 9213 6400