A proposal to refurbish DHA houses at Seaward Village has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (PWC), Defence Housing Australia (DHA) Managing Director, Jan Mason, said today.

Ms Mason said funding discussions with the Department of Defence had been completed and while DHA was exempt from requiring PWC scrutiny, the Department of Defence was not.

Proposed public works are referred to the PWC for consideration, which may call for submissions from interested organisations and individuals. The PWC will examine the project’s cost as well as any environmental, social and community impacts.

Ms Mason said the proposed upgrade of 153 houses at Seaward Village in Swanbourne, WA, would significantly improve housing for the ADF members and their families who live there.

‘Our goal is to provide better housing for our Defence members who live at Seaward Village while minimising disruption caused by the works required,’ Ms Mason said. ‘Additionally, our close liaison with Seaview Village residents on the upgrade project will continue, with further and ongoing community consultation sessions scheduled before work is commenced.’

Ms Mason said scoping work for the project already undertaken has informed the joint PWC submission by DHA and Defence.

Under current plans houses at Seaward Village will be upgraded and in some cases replaced. The village’s childcare centre is not included as part of this work. It will continue to operate as usual.

Ms Mason said it is not proposed that any apartments would be constructed on the site.