MORE affordable housing options could be on the horizon in the Town of Bassendean as part of an agreement with the Department of Communities.
The parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for the increased supply of affordable housing near the town centre and Bassendean, Ashfield and Success Hill train stations.
The MoU aims to create a collaborative relationship to achieve whole government outcomes, share information on housing demand and affordable housing tools and identify and progress potential redevelopment opportunities.
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Potential land swaps and joint working opportunities also form part of the agreement.
The agreement is not legally binding.
A working group will be formed to attend meetings and contribute information about land and assets.
According to an officer’s report, the Town expected a 60 per cent increase in dwellings in the next 30 years and a target of 4150 new dwellings have been set by the State Government.
Bassendean chief executive Peta Mabbs said the Wilson Street carpark and fire station have been raised with the Department as potential locations for transport-orientated development.
She said the Town had notified the Department that community consultation was needed.
Department assistant director-general commercial operations Greg Cash said the Department was keen to work with local governments to maximise affordable housing opportunities in close proximity to amenities and services.
“The Department is currently holding discussions with the Town of Bassendean about targeted opportunities within the town centre,” he said.
“We see strong alignment with the Town in seeking to build on Bassendean’s long tradition of providing housing choice while also enabling and sustaining a vibrant and diverse community.
“Given its proximity to the train station and the existing and emerging retail, cultural and entertainment amenity, Bassendean represents a great opportunity to deliver quality infill housing opportunities.
“This is consistent with the Perth and Peel @ 3.5 Million planning framework.
“The MoU will provide open lines of communication to take advantage of opportunities and achieve improved affordable housing outcomes in the Town of Bassendean.”
He said to date in 2019, the Department had signed one MoU with the City of Bayswater.