Northbridge Link project

Extract from Hansard
[COUNCIL — Tuesday, 9 August 2011]
p5305b-5306a
Hon Lynn MacLaren; Hon Helen Morton

NORTHBRIDGE LINK PROJECT — AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Hon Lynn MacLaren to the Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Planning

I refer to the Northbridge Link Project, and ask —

(1) What affordable housing and affordable commercial space will be included in the project area?

(2) In relation to affordable housing, will all forms of tenure be included, i.e. affordable ownership, rental
and social rental?

(3) If yes to (2), what will the targets be for the following, and will they be in line with the
recommendations made by the National Affordable Housing Summit — A National Affordable
Housing Target —

(a) Band A — rent is kept under 25% of tenants’ income;

(b) Band B — rent is 20% less than market rate for at least 10 years; and

(c) Band C — home purchase programs for low to moderate incomes?

(4) What research has the East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA) done to assess the need for
affordable commercial space in urban regeneration areas?

(5) How has EPRA measured and planned for social infrastructure need in the project area?

(6) Why is an 'at grade' vehicular connection not being insisted on from Milligan Street through the project
area?

(7) Was a cost benefit analysis conducted to weigh up the long term benefits of a street connection against
the cost of sinking the Joondalup line?

(8) If yes to (7), can the Minister table this?

(9) How does EPRA intend to ensure there is a mix of architectural styles and materials throughout the
project area, when the development contract has been given to one developer?

Hon HELEN MORTON replied:

(1) There is provision for 12 per cent affordable housing, or approximately 200 dwellings, within the Perth
City Link project.

EPRA is currently developing a strategy to deliver business diversity that will apply to Perth City Link
and other redevelopment projects.

(2) As a requirement of EPRA's Development Policy 9 (under Redevelopment Scheme 2), affordable
owner/occupier housing and social housing have been provided for within the Perth City Link project
area. EPRA also supports the provision of affordable and long term rental housing. This will be the
responsibility of future developers.

(3) In compliance with the National Affordable Housing Summit — A National Affordable Housing
Target, EPRA continues to work with the Department of Housing and community housing providers to
support the provision of social housing within the redevelopment area. Eligibility and rent for social
housing are determined by the housing provider.

(4) EPRA is currently developing a strategy for the delivery of business diversity throughout the
redevelopment area.

(5) EPRA is currently undertaking a study in partnership with the City of Perth which includes a
Community Needs Assessment and the preparation of a Community Infrastructure Plan for the Perth
central area, including the City Link area. The plan will define and identify potential sites for
community infrastructure, and will inform the future planning and delivery of community facilities for
the next 20 years.

(6) While an 'at grade' vehicular connection at Milligan Street is highly desirable, establishing this
connection would require a significant extension of the length of the planned underground railway,
which would interfere with an existing major underground services corridor that runs beneath the
railway on the Milligan Street alignment.

(7) Yes, an Options Analysis and Value for Money assessment was undertaken in 2004. It was estimated
that to achieve an 'at grade' vehicular connection at Milligan Street, costs would increase by
$125million (static 2004 estimate).

(8) No. The Options Analysis and Value for Money assessment was completed under the Labor
Government.

(9) All development applications within the Perth City Link project will be assessed against the vision and
principles of the EPRA Redevelopment Scheme 2, relevant development policies and the design
guidelines for the project area. The scheme, policies and guidelines are focused on innovation,
aesthetics, function and materials; and the development of attractive, efficient and adaptable places and
buildings. All major development applications will also be reviewed by EPRA's Design Review Panel,
which includes the Government Architect.