New homes in the pipeline through $55 million water investment

Water Minister Simone McGurk and Water Corporation Head of Development Services Lijun Mo in Kenwick announcing plans for new water and wastewater infrastructure program 

• New water infrastructure to fuel metropolitan housing development over next decade
• More than 15,000 sites for new homes to be fast-tracked across METRONET sites, and strategic sites in Kenwick and Maddington
• Builds on the McGowan Government's $80 million Infrastructure Development Fund

Development of more than 15,000 new homes across Perth will be unlocked through a $55 million McGowan Government investment in strategic water and wastewater infrastructure, announced ahead of next week's State Budget.

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.

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.

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 State investment is recouped fairly and equitably from future developers who benefit from planned upgrades. 
 
It follows the February announcement of an $80 million Infrastructure Development Fund established by the McGowan Government to deliver more housing and greater housing diversity for Western Australians.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:
 
"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.

"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."

Comments attributed to Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Today's announcement is a further example of the McGowan Government working to unlock more affordable, more diverse housing as our city grows. 

"We know there are significant opportunities for higher density housing around METRONET sites, and this work by Water Corporation and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage will ensure infrastructure is in place for that development to occur.

"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."

Comments attributed to Housing Minister John Carey:
 
"Our 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 WA continues its growth."

Comments attributed to Forrestfield MLA Stephen Price:

"This is an exciting announcement by the McGowan Government. I've been pleased to advocate for upgrades to wastewater infrastructure, along with my community, as many residents in Kenwick have been calling for this for decades.

"Located 15km from Perth, this vital infrastructure upgrade will unlock the development potential of Kenwick, conveniently located within close proximity of the Kenwick train station and existing transport links."