The Western Australian Government has announced – ahead of next week’s State Budget – a $55 million investment in strategic water and wastewater infrastructure to support the creation of more than 15,000 new homes across the city.
The program will be delivered by the Water Corporation to support the creation of more diverse, affordable housing in areas marked for new or higher density development.
This follows the February 2023 announcement of an $80 million Infrastructure Development Fund established by the Western Australian Government to deliver more housing and greater housing diversity for Western Australians.
Western Australian Water Minister, Simone McGurk, said as the population of Perth and Peel grows, it’s vital that new affordable, diverse and higher density housing precincts are developed close to public transport.
“For land to be subdivided or redeveloped, upgrades are often needed to the water and wastewater infrastructure hidden beneath our feet,” Ms McGurk said.
“This includes things like installing larger pipes to supply more water to more homes or building new pump stations to take wastewater away for treatment.
“Over the next decade Water Corporation’s work will help fuel housing development and do so in a way that allows those benefiting to make a fair and reasonable contribution towards costs.”
Infrastructure will be delivered at seven METRONET precincts following their completion, including Bennett Springs, Morley and Malaga on the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, the future Yanchep Station in Perth’s north, and around existing stations at Redcliffe, Meltham and Kelmscott.
Western Australian Housing Minister, John Carey, said the State Government is using every lever we can to bolster the supply of housing across Western Australia – including through infill at key transport and METRONET precincts.
“At our key METRONET sites, we’re ensuring there are diverse housing options that are strategically located and convenient as Western Australia continues its growth,” Mr Carey said.
Development precincts in Kenwick and Maddington will also benefit from connections to reticulated wastewater infrastructure, with works at Kenwick to commence first.
Special development contribution areas will be created to ensure that state investment is recouped fairly and equitably from future developers who benefit from planned upgrades.
Western Australian Planning Minister, Rita Saffioti, said the Western Australian Government is working to unlock more affordable, more diverse housing as the city grows.
“We know there are significant opportunities for higher density housing around METRONET sites, and this work by the Water Corporation and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage will ensure infrastructure is in place for that development to occur,” Ms Saffioti said.
“Like the $80 million Infrastructure Development Fund established in February, today’s announcement will also help remove some of the barriers, which might hinder development, particularly in established areas.”
