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Planning starts for new suburb

Sally McGlewMidland Kalamunda Reporter

The new suburb will be the result of the railway station planning and upgrade for Forrestfield, which is scheduled to be completed by 2020.

The area is designed to act as an outlying part of the growing Perth International Airport and industrial complex Gateway project.

Consultants have outlined a significant urban growth opportunity around this new rail hub, integrating light industry and high density low cost housing.

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Plans for the mixed development includes small service industry units interspersed with residential homes on large semi-rural blocks with substantial mature tree cover.

Speakers representing the Shire of Kalamunda, the Public Transport Authority, land valuation and developers offered views on the future for the area.

Valuation consultant Gavin Hegney said it was rare in WA to have a comprehensive master plan offered before the development of a suburb.

He said it would probably become a financial investor "hot spot" and forecast a rush of initial speculative real estate developer interest.

Mr Hegney said an initial burst of aggressive speculation was likely to be followed by a more measured phase where serious buyers would consider the balance of long term future growth.

Kalamunda Shire has invited input from the community on the master plan and plans to put together a community reference group.

Shire chief executive Rhonda Hardy said the new train station linking Forrestfield and High Wycombe to the airport was a $2 billion investment in the region.

"It will be a catalyst for the development of the region with numerous future employment, retail and housing opportunities," Ms Hardy said.

"The vision for the area includes high density residential and commercial developments including a new district retail centre.

"The State Government investment is recognition of the untapped potential within the wider area."

Perth property developer Nigel Satterley said it was a very good location.

"It provides an opportunity to create a great master planned community, with a wide choice of housing and lifestyle options for all ages," Mr Slattery said.

Gavin Hegney of the Hegney Property Group said this type of project happened only once every 10 years in Perth, so it was a unique opportunity.

For more information and to comment on the plan, call 9257 9999.