Aerial urban suburban cityscape landscape view of Perth Western Australia
UPDATE: The Western Australia (WA) Government has just announced a bold initiative to construct 35,000 new homes around 10 key train stations in Perth, a move likely to spark outrage among local councils. This plan, spearheaded by John Carey, removes significant decision-making power from local authorities and hands it over to the WA Planning Commission.
The government’s strategy targets areas within 800 meters of crucial stations located at Cottesloe, Mosman Park, Swanbourne, Ballajura, Bassendean, Oats Street, Claisebrook, Glendalough, Morley, and Redcliffe. This unprecedented shift allows the Commission to dictate new densities, zoning regulations, and height restrictions without local council input, paving the way for extensive multi-storey residential developments.
Carey emphasized the urgent need for more housing to accommodate West Australians, stating, “The main game is providing more housing… not catering to the howls of people who don’t want developments in their backyards.” His comments reflect a decisive stance against what he describes as the sluggish responses of councils like Cottesloe, which he claims have delayed necessary developments around train stations.
Local council members are expected to react strongly as this top-down approach threatens their authority and the interests of their constituents. Joe Spagnolo, a prominent commentator, noted that this decision could leave councils “seething” as they grapple with the implications of losing control over local housing decisions.
The Labor government is strategically targeting areas where it has significant support, particularly in strongholds like Cottesloe, which traditionally leans blue. This political maneuvering is further complicated by the past role of local member Sandra Brewer, who previously served as CEO of the Property Council (WA) and advocated for increased housing density around train stations.
As the government forges ahead, expect a press conference from Carey in Cottesloe this Sunday, where he will outline his vision for these train-station precincts. The urgency of housing development in Perth is palpable, yet the aggressive approach taken by the government is bound to provoke backlash from both councils and residents alike.
The outcome of this initiative will significantly impact local communities, altering the landscape of Perth housing and development. With the government poised to move forward rapidly, all eyes will be on how councils respond and what further developments arise in this contentious issue.
Residents and local leaders are urged to stay informed as this situation unfolds, as the ramifications for residential neighborhoods and community dynamics could be profound.
As the WA government pushes for rapid housing solutions, the tension between local governance and state authority is set to escalate. How councils navigate this challenge will shape the future of urban development in Perth.
