Western Trade Coast Buffer Prohibits Affordable Housing Solutions

The Property Council is calling on the Barnett Government to reconsider the application to increase the Protection Area surrounding the Western Trade Coast.  

Proposed changes to the buffer zone would see the protection area increased from 1km to 1.5km, encroaching on land that has been earmarked for future development and would play a vital role in increasing the amount of affordable housing options available in Perth.

“The proposed buffer zone discriminates against landowners who purchased land before the buffer was extended by the WAPC in 2010,” Property Council WA Executive Director Joe Lenzo said.

“There is broad recognition of the need for a buffer for the WTC protection area but this has to be balanced against the legitimate rights of existing land owners.”

The original decision to extend the buffer is not based on sufficient planning and environmental studies. Additionally, there was inadequate consultation with affected landowners, which is necessary for the proper determination of any buffer zone.

The proposed application of the buffer would create further confusion among landowners.  A large proportion of those landowners purchased land prior to 2010 at which point the prevailing buffer was only 1km.

“For those landowners who purchased land in good faith, prior to 2010, the decision to increase the buffer zone would result in both time and dollars squandered and vital affordable housing projects not being built.”

“The proposed regulations will unduly infringe on legitimate and reasonable development expectations of property owners in the protection area.  This could set a precedent deterring potential buyers from investing in land best-suited to affordable housing options in the future.”

 Media contact:  Joe Lenzo | M 0419 044 768 |   E [email protected]