The Western Australian government have poured in an extra $12 million for a further 15 apartment complexes to be built across Perth.
The Western Australian government have poured in an extra $12 million for a further 15 new apartment complexes to be built across Perth.
The funding, announced today, adds to the Infrastructure Development Fund to support the construction of more than 1,200 apartments.
It comes after $80 million has already been invested by the government with 112 apartment projects being delivered.
The fund provides industry with assistance to cover upfront costs of connecting to essential water, wastewater, and electricity services.
Under the fund’s first stream, the focus will be on building apartments near train stations, activity centres across the metropolitan area.
It’s a move that has been welcomed by those in the building industry who are under pressure to deliver on projects.
“Infill developments in particular, can greatly assist with affordability issues and expanding urban sprawl,” Master Builders Association of WA housing and construction director Jason Robertson said.
“The priority is ensuring that regulatory reforms allow for expediency, particularly in the planning framework.
"The state government has shown commitment to reducing red tape and having a planning framework which seeks to be more flexible and responsive in planning outcomes. This is vital especially in well-established suburbs, with infill developments.”
Mr Robertson said the industry was expecting further funding from the state government but also wanted other issues to be dealt with.
“The regulatory environment overall, including with approvals must be addressed to ease burdens on industry to get on with the job, having a sustainable industry and instilling confidence both with the public and industry itself,” he said.
Among the projects, the suburbs in line for the supported apartments include Burswood, Cockburn, Rivervale and Woodbridge.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said the fund was essential for housing in WA.
"Since it was launched, our government's $80 million Infrastructure Development Fund has played a key role in accelerating housing supply in Western Australia,” Mr Carey said.
"The funding assistance for upfront essential infrastructure costs is helping industry to unlock a pipeline of projects to deliver thousands of new apartments.”
