$45 million residential development boost for Bunbury

9/3/00
Development worth about $45 million is set to take place in Bunbury over the next six years following the appointment of a private sector developer to work with the State Government on a number of projects.
Housing Minister Dr Kim Hames said today that Pindan the Property Group had been selected as the preferred partner to develop residential areas for the Ministry of Housing in Bunbury.
The Belmont-based building and development company, which has worked in Bunbury since 1993, has been selected to develop a number of sites in the city.
These include:

• developing Shearwater and Glen Iris in a joint venture with the Ministry;
• refurbishing Carey Park and Withers under the State Government's New Living program; and -
• to develop plans for the former Bunbury Hospital site.

Dr Hames said that Pindan already had extensive experience in a variety of developments in the South-West.
"This work, which will take place over a six year period, will give Bunbury the affordable housing and land that people are demanding," he said.
Dr Hames said that Pindan would hold a workshop on Thursday for stakeholders which would include the Ministries of Housing and Planning, the Bunbury City Council, local Members of Parliament, the South West Development Corporation and Pindan.
"I would stress that the hospital site has yet to be rezoned and will not be handed to the Ministry of Housing until it has been cleared by the Health Department," the Minister said.
"This means plans for that area have yet to be finalised."
Dr Hames said while Shearwater and Glen Iris would provide a mix of dwellings with some public housing and the majority for sale, Carey Park and Withers would be refurbished under the New Living program.
Under the New Living program, older houses are upgraded and extra blocks created for sale to tenants or the public, so that overall the percentage of public housing is decreased.
"Outdated public housing in Carey Park and Withers will benefit in the same way that Lockridge and Kwinana did under the program in the metropolitan area," Dr Hames said.
"Both these areas have now become sought after places to live and are happier, safer communities.
"Under New Living tenants who wish to buy their refurbished homes are encouraged to do so.
"However, the Government recognises there will always be a need for rental accommodation and tenants, too, should have homes they can be proud of."
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