Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has started work on transforming a prime site at Palm Beach in Rockingham into a new and innovative residential development for both Defence members and the wider community.
The 3.7-hectare site, which was previously the Palm Beach Caravan Park, was rezoned by the City of Rockingham for residential development. DHA has plans to build up to 350 apartments, with 145 to be retained for ADF members.
DHA Acting Managing Director, Jan Mason, said the aim was to undertake a careful reclamation of the site, maintaining as many of the healthy native trees as possible.
Ms Mason said DHA’s goal was to minimise disruption to neighbours during works, which included removal of the former caravan park’s ablution blocks, manager’s office and residence as well as hard stands.
‘Between August and September last year DHA hosted three community workshops with local residents and local organisations,’ Ms Mason said.
‘We welcomed input from attendees on a number of issues including community amenity, access and traffic around the site, the local environment and the likely housing to be built.
‘It was terrific to get input from local people into the removal of exotic plant species and noxious weeds and how we can foster existing native mature trees on the site.
‘We are working to retain as many of the healthy, native trees on site as possible.
‘When planning a development such as this one we look to create sustainable housing that meets the diverse needs of the modern Defence member and the community that will live in the development.’
Ms Mason said the development would make a substantial contribution to the City of Rockingham’s economic development strategy to enhance tourism and recreation potential around the DHA site and Lake Richmond.
‘This development will create jobs, stimulate the local economy and attract new residents to the Rockingham area. Most importantly, it will provide for the future housing needs of Defence members posting to HMAS Stirling and the greater Rockingham area.’
Since purchasing the site DHA has become an active member of the local community through its support of the Pt Peron restoration project. DHA is also a member of the Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. The Government Business Enterprise will continue to involve itself in the community throughout the multi-stage development.
‘We have made a six-year commitment to the community through this development,’ Ms Mason said. ‘That commitment will continue for many decades after the development is completed through our property management responsibilities with our Defence tenants.’
For further information and to express your interest in the development please email rockingham@dha.gov.au.
For media enquiries please contact:
Brendan Gullifer | Media Manager
Communication and Media | Defence Housing Australia
T. 02 6270 6025
M. 0421 040 098
media@dha.gov.au