15/3/01
The 'smart town' of Ellenbrook has won a highly prestigious national award for excellence in urban development, Housing Minister Tom Stephens said today.
A joint venture between the Ministry of Housing and developers LWP Property Group, the Ellenbrook project has been awarded the national Master Planned Development Award by the Urban Development Institute of Australia.
Ellenbrook is known as a 'smart town' because it has its own in-built cabling system, providing residents with fast access to the Internet and community Intranet.
Mr Stephens said today that projects such as Ellenbrook demonstrated what could be achieved by a Government agency working alongside private enterprise.
"Ellenbrook is currently the largest residential project in WA," Mr Stephens said.
"When completed, it will house 30,000 people in 10,500 homes.
"The current population is more than 5,000, and 1,500 homes have been completed in three themed villages, with a fourth under way.
"This award is further evidence of the exceptional work being undertaken by Landstart, the Ministry of Housing's land sales and development division."
The Ellenbrook lifestyle offers traditional community living in a 21st century project, with the Intranet being used as a village noticeboard to post details of school and community events.
The development includes a retirement village, and a nursing home was recently opened.
Plans for the community also include three primary schools offering both public and private education, with a fourth school planned to offer secondary education.
Mr Stephens extended his congratulations to everyone who had played a role in the creation of Ellenbrook.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9213 6500
