Warwick resident encourages government to revise committment to higher density housing

WHAT a breath of fresh air it was to read the editorial in the November 4 edition headlined ‘Sprawl too far gone to stop’.

While other media commentators insist the community get used to higher density living, this editorial provided a realistic commentary on what is actually happening in the northern suburbs.

Unfortunately, most commentators seem to ignore the fact that most appear to prefer the lifestyle choice of a suburban home as opposed to living in apartments or triplex lots. Statistics reveal nearly eight out of 10 houses built in the past year are stand-alone houses.

Yet there are concerns that present policies are eroding the lifestyle for which Perth is renowned. Lot sizes have reduced considerably in the past decade, whilst prices have increased.

In addition, spacious interior living is also under pressure as building envelopes get smaller each year.

Unfortunately the driver of these changes appears to be Australia’s record high population growth and immigration. Its impact on housing demand, design, affordability and urban density is obvious.

The State Government has set a target that half of all houses built to 2031 are infill and high density. Maybe we should conduct a little bit more research before we continue with high-growth policies.

JAMES ANTHONY, Warwick