Nine developers have successfully bid for land in the Liberal-National Government’s Pilbara Cities initiative at South Hedland.

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said there had been strong interest in the opportunities to develop the land, as residential, key worker accommodation, retirement units and office suites.

“Local and interstate developers submitted more than 100 expressions of interest in the 19 lots being made available, as part of a 60 hectare release in this first phase of new land releases in South Hedland,” Mr Grylls said.

“It was excellent to see this high level of interest and the range of quality proposals that came from the private sector, Aboriginal corporations and not-for-profit organisations.

Based on these submissions, some of the allocations include a combination of lots so we can get the best use of the land to suit the area’s needs.”

The Minister said the proposed developments showed plans for more than 300 dwellings to accommodate more than 500 people.

They included two lots which were allocated to Cedar Woods Joint Venture for an estate that was planned to have about 170 dwellings providing a mix of residential, key worker and affordable housing.

Another combination of lots had been allocated to Jaxon Pty Ltd for its plans for an estate of about 104 dwellings which would also include a mix of residential and affordable housing as well as a central public park area.

Mr Grylls said two small land development parcels would also be provided by direct sale to two Aboriginal joint venture partners and the Town of Port Hedland and the Department of Regional Development and Lands would work with these to ensure the final design was the most effective use of the land.

The Minister said it was the first in a series of land releases being progressed by the department, the Town of Port Hedland and the Pilbara Development Commission.

“Economic growth in the Pilbara has triggered the need for more short-term and permanent affordable accommodation in the region,” he said.

“The Department of Regional Development and Lands has been working closely with the Town of Port Hedland and other agencies in the area to enable the release of the Crown land for residential housing.”

Town of Port Hedland mayor Kelly Howlett said she was looking forward to the projects taking shape and making a positive impact on the vitality of the town.

“The South Hedland Stage 1 land release, along with the myriad of development opportunities planned for the near future, will transform the town into a vibrant city of the north,” Ms Howlett said.

“This release not only demonstrates signs of sustainable growth for the town but is also a testament of residents directly benefiting from the Town of Port Hedland’s strong working relationships with the State Government and other agencies.

“With the first phase of the land releases now completed, we are keen to move forward on the next release, which we will announce soon.”

Minister's office - 9213 7000