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Maddington Kenwick Strategic Employment Area rezoning could see jobs boom

Francis CurroComment News

THOUSANDS of local jobs are expected to arise from the rezoning of the Maddington Kenwick Strategic Employment Area rezoning from rural to industrial.

Planning Minister Donna Faragher approved an amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme meaning the rural-zoned land in the Maddington Kenwick Strategic Employment Area has now been rezoned as industrial.

It will pave the way for large-scale industrial development of the area to begin, which also includes part of the Shire of Kalamunda in Wattle Grove.

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The land – which covers 390 hectares – is bound by Tonkin Highway, Bickley Road, Roe Highway and Welshpool Road East.

City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle said the Minister’s decision was a major milestone for the City.

“This decision offers a tremendous boost to the local economy – changing the land use has the potential to generate thousands of new jobs, boost investment and drive significant long-term economic benefits,” the Mayor said.

“It is a very attractive area for commercial investment with great transport links including Roe and Tonkin Highways and Welshpool Road and is close to Perth Airport. There is also access to a ready workforce and an already well-established light industrial area.

“That said, the City’s investigation into the viability of future industrial development has been a lengthy and challenging process, given the area’s unique environmental characteristics. As a result, a focus on protecting the flora, fauna and Brixton Street Wetlands has been essential.”

Ms Faragher said the industrial centre would ensure more jobs were created in the Gosnells region to service population growth.

“The City of Gosnells has a population of more than 112,000 people and this is expected to grow by nearly 70,000 by 2050,” she said.

“This area is an important industrial centre as it is close to Perth Airport and to numerous major freight access routes, including to Fremantle and Kwinana.”

She said the types of business likely to be attracted to the area in the near future would be in keeping with existing industrial enterprises.

The nearby Greater Brixton Street Wetlands will be retained.