The Western Australian Government has approved eleven job-creating projects worth $350 million, made possible by a temporary development assessment pathway through the Western Australian Planning Commission.
The temporary development assessment pathway was established in 2021 as part of the Western Australian Government’s package of planning reforms, to drive economic recovery by streamlining the assessment of shovel-ready, job-creating projects.
Premier Mark McGowan, said, “Last year we passed historic planning reforms to slash red tape, create local jobs and help support the Western Australian economy through COVID-19.
“Our alternate development assessment pathway has been a great success with 11 major job-creating proposals now approved.”
Since opening in July 2021, 70 proponents have expressed interest in the pathway ─ demonstrating the development industry’s need for the streamlined assessment process, particularly for complex projects.
WA Planning Minister, Rita Saffioti, was onsite in South Perth to turn the sod on a $40 million 15-storey apartment tower that will support 50 local jobs, to be located on Parker Street and constructed by Built.
Ms Saffioti, said, “This South Perth development is an innovative example of how neighbouring residents can work together to achieve new housing outcomes.
“With 11 proposals approved and around 70 proponents having expressed interest in accessing the pathway, it is clear to see why the McGowan Government prioritised these reforms early in the pandemic.”
Construction will soon commence on two other significant developments ─ a $50 million LNG plant in Mt Magnet and the $32.5 million State Football Centre in Queens Park.
These projects will be followed by two residential aged care facilities, a student accommodation facility, a shopping centre and a hotel, creating local jobs during construction and in ongoing operations.
A further ten applications worth a total of $1.5 billion are currently under assessment, with discussions underway with a further 28 proponents on a range of commercial, retail, residential, regional tourism and industrial projects.
“This is an investment of more than $350 million which will create more than 2,300 local jobs while also delivering long term supply opportunities that will benefit our economy and community for years to come,” Mr McGowan said.
