State tips in $1.6m funding for Cowaramup worker village amid uncertainty around final approvals
A major property developer has received a $1.6 million State Government boost to build a worker accommodation centre in Cowaramup.
The only problem is the subdivision was yet to be approved with community concerns around buffering as well as the potential removal of commercial lots and aged-care units in the project west of the highway on the southern entry to Cowaramup.
It appeared likely the workers accommodation — featuring up to 58 separate units — was set to replace the previous lifestyle village.
In announcing the funding late last week, planning minister John Carey and deputy premier Rita Saffioti hailed the benefits of the State Government’s Infrastructure Development Fund as a way to address shortcomings for workforce attraction in regional WA.
While questions remained about planning certainty for the Cowaramup project, State director for the developer Goldfields, Gareth Wilson said the funding was welcomed and would allow work to proceed with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and utilities.
“Goldfields is working hard to deliver housing solutions that support sustainable growth of the region,” he said.
“Goldfields is currently working closely with the shire to address feedback on the local structure plan.”
However, there was no time line on delivery of the worker accommodation.
Mr Wilson said he was unable to comment on the fate of the previously proposed aged-care units due to the ongoing planning process.
“As our application remains subject to approval, we cannot comment further at this time,” he said.
“Our proposal for key worker housing is subject to further planning and negotiation with the relevant state and local authorities.
“Time lines for delivering our proposed project in Cowaramup are reliant upon the stakeholder consultation and approvals process.”
Shire sustainable development and infrastructure director Nick Logan confirmed the land in question was still under consideration “to ensure it is well-planned and will make a positive contribution to the existing character of a township”.
“We will present our recommendation to council later this year, before it is submitted to the WA Planning Commission who always make the final decision on any structure plan,” he said.
“We welcome the State’s contribution towards the provision of key worker accommodation which will help to ease some of accommodation pressures our shire experiences during peak season.”
At the last count, the subdivision was due to feature up to 243 homes and an extra 660 residents, updating an existing structure plan under previous owners.
But during public consultation, residents criticised plans to remove the lifestyle village and add a “key workers accommodation village” running behind the Cowaramup Districts Club precinct.
Removing planned commercial lots along the highway in favour of a 500m noise barrier was also blasted.
Funding was also awarded to Karratha, Lake Grace and Beverley.
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