Premier Colin Barnett,David Schwartz (Director Prime West),Finance Minister Bill Marmion and Joondalup MLA Jan Norberger.
Camera IconPremier Colin Barnett,David Schwartz (Director Prime West),Finance Minister Bill Marmion and Joondalup MLA Jan Norberger. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Premier announces move of Government departments to Joondalup in 2019

Laura PondWanneroo Times

PREMIER Colin Barnett has announced staff from three State Government departments will relocate to Joondalup in 2019.

He said the Government had signed an agreement for lease with Primewest to construct an eight-storey office building at the corner of Davidson Terrace and Shenton Avenue.

More than 800 public servants from the departments of Water and Environment Regulation and the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority will move to the site by early 2019.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“Today the Government is fulfilling a 2013 election promise to support the growth of urban office precincts,” Mr Barnett said.

“With the construction of this eight-storey building expected to generate about 340 jobs, the City of Joondalup will see economic benefits from the start of construction in October and an ongoing stimulus once public servants relocate.

“The building’s proximity to Joondalup train station and bus stops, coupled with the modern end of trip facilities that are planned for the building, provides numerous transport options for staff.”

Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard said the City had lobbied the Government for years to base a department or agency in its centre.

“Joondalup is a logical location for decentralisation of Government departments and agencies given the large number of people who live in the northern suburbs and travel outside the region to work,” he said.

“Attracting more than 800 public servants will help address this issue, as well as enhancing the vitality and vibrancy of the City centre by vastly increasing the number of people who visit Joondalup for work, retail and commercial purposes.

MORE: Eight-storey development in Joondalup city centre given JDAP tick of approval.

“The City not only embraces development, it encourages quality outcomes and we are certainly very eager to attract more high density and high rise development.”

Joondalup MLA Jan Norberger posted a video on his Facebook page today saying the development was “really exciting news” for Joondalup.

“The impact on local businesses in the area, cafes, restaurants, other businesses, is going to be phenomenal,” he said.

The development was approved by the North West Metro Development Assessment Panel last week, with members praising its sustainable and modern design.

It will consist of five levels of office space, two levels of car parking, a ground level cafe and commercial tenancy, as well as solar panels and electric car charging stations.

The Government has negotiated a 15-year lease, with two extra five-year options.