An artist’s impression of the proposed Boas Place.
Camera IconAn artist’s impression of the proposed Boas Place. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Moore MHR pushing for good funding deal for City of Joondalup

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

MOORE MHR Ian Goodenough is calling for federal funding for the Boas Place development.

In Parliament last week, Mr Goodenough supported the City of Joondalup’s application for funding under the City Deals program to develop the carpark at Boas Avenue and Grand Boulevard.

The commercial office, hospitality and residential precinct proposes to include seven new buildings ranging between five and seven storeys and is expected to create about 1500 new jobs in the city centre.

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“These more productive and higher uses will bring more vibrancy to the city centre, creating more local jobs and taking advantage of the public transport, amenities and services already available in our master-planned city,” he said.

“At a time when business turnover for traders is lower than normal in the current economic cycle, and the city centre is quiet after business hours, there exists a need to give local business a boost.”

He said development of the precinct aligned with his “long-term vision for Joondalup to embrace satellite offices and the modern work practice of hot desking”.

“With today’s technology, many workers could avoid the commute into the city by operating from a smaller satellite office or communal workspace in Joondalup, easing congestion on our roads and boosting the economic vibrancy of the area,” he said.

He said the City Deals program would allow governments, industries and communities to “develop collective plans for growth and provide a co-ordinated investment plan for our cities”.

At last month’s Joondalup council meeting, Mayor Troy Pickard moved a notice of motion to authorise the chief executive to lodge a City Deals submission to “seek funding for integrated development proposals that align with the Joondalup Activity Centre Plan and projects in the Strategic Community Plan and 20-Year Financial Plan”.

He said it would be “a little window of opportunity” for the City “to be at the head of the queue to maximise our opportunity to get some funds”.

“I’ve worked tirelessly over the last decade to ensure the City of Joondalup is well connected in the houses where we need to be connected; namely State Parliament and Federal Parliament,” he said.

“That connection is about to be lost and the future mayor will need to start from a fresh position to reconnect with decision makers to tap in to programs like this.”

He said the City had been invited to help the government prepare the guidelines for the program.

“If the minister and the department would like Joondalup to be a pilot as they prepare the guidelines… when funds are allocated on July 1, 2018, we would be in a very sound position to receive a federal contribution,” he said.

He said if funding was received, a council decision would be required to determine its allocation.

He “assured” councillors this was not just about the Joondalup performing arts centre.

“If the Federal Government, as part of any City Deal, has the Joondalup performing arts centre in it and Boas Place potentially as well, I suspect that would change a large segment of our community’s view about that particular project and potentially the elected members’,” he said.

“Importantly, it gives another opportunity down the track to engage the residents to see what their view is if the government chips in $30 million or $40 million.”

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