Gosnells Mayor Dave Griffiths and City growth manager Simon O’Sullivan.
Camera IconGosnells Mayor Dave Griffiths and City growth manager Simon O’Sullivan. Credit: Supplied/Marcelo Palacios

Compromise over development cost

Staff ReporterComment News

The City of Gosnells has spent years on an infill framework that council and the WA Planning Commission approved in 2011.

The funding for the necessary infrastructure, including roads and public open space, must come in part from people who develop their own properties.

Last year, some called the Comment News in horror after the City proposed higher fees than those estimated two years ago.

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One couple was expecting $5000 in fees and another $36,000, but received new estimates of $70,000 and $200,000.

Landowners presented a petition with nearly 100 signatures against the fees to council, saying the costs were prohibitive.

The City said redeveloping established areas was different and more costly than developing vacant land because the law required new open spaces and service upgrades.

After community consultation, the City adopted a plan that has reduced most owners’ contributions by nearly 30 per cent.

Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie said the City would subsidise one-third of common infrastructure costs and ‘gift’ existing City-owned public open space to the arrangement. It also split the common infrastructure contribution area into two precincts.

Mayor Dave Griffiths said the plan provided a fair approach to co-ordinating development.