The Cook Government has announced that Mirvac has been selected as the preferred partner to collaborate with DevelopmentWA on the development of a new residential community in Karnup. This project will create approximately 4,000 residential lots, catering to the increasing housing demand in Perth’s southern suburbs. Situated 50 kilometres south of Perth and 15 kilometres from the Rockingham town centre, the 484-hectare site is poised to become a master-planned community over the next two decades.
Once fully realized, the Karnup development is expected to provide housing for around 10,400 residents. It will feature more than 4,000 new homes, along with essential amenities such as primary and high schools, district and local retail centres, and landscaped parklands. Upgrades to surrounding roads will further enhance accessibility to and from the area.
DevelopmentWA and Mirvac are set to finalize the commercial details of their partnership agreement by mid-2026. The initial phase of the project will offer over 1,500 homesites, with one in seven designated for social housing to ensure diverse community needs are met.
Government Commitment to Housing Supply
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey emphasized the government’s dedication to addressing housing shortages. He stated, “Our government is unlocking land and driving new housing supply right across Perth to ensure every Western Australian has a place to call home.” Carey noted that these developments are part of a broader strategy to maintain a steady pipeline of land supply, ensuring well-planned communities for the future.
Karnup has been identified for urban development under metropolitan planning frameworks, and the project is now being expedited to meet the surging housing demand. “This project will deliver thousands of new homes and local jobs, and Mirvac’s involvement shows confidence in the region’s long-term potential,” Carey added.
Community and Economic Impact
The initiative has garnered support from local representatives, including Secret Harbour MLA Paul Papalia, who highlighted the importance of providing diverse and affordable housing. He stated, “We’re focused on accelerating projects that deliver diverse, affordable, and well-located housing. The new residential estate in Karnup will also help provide capacity in the right place to meet future demand from AUKUS.”
This strategic partnership between the government, industry, and local authorities aims to create well-planned communities that are interconnected and supported by the necessary infrastructure. As the Karnup project progresses, it is anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of housing in the Perth metropolitan area, aligning with the region’s growth and development goals.
