State Government agrees to transfer land to Shire of Northampton following failed workers accommodation build

The Shire of Northampton will take over the development of workers accommodation in Kalbarri now the State Government has agreed to transfer land that was unlocked in 2022. Following the devastation of cyclone Seroja, the State Government unlocked crown land on Woods Street for a development to support businesses and attract workers to the region. The preferred proponent to develop the site, Perth-based Petra Westkey, was revealed in August 2022, but the State Government pulled out of negotiations after the company closed down. In November last year, Northampton shire president Liz Sudlow said the process had been disappointing and the shire was working to take back the land. Ms Sudlow said it was excellent news the State has agreed to transfer the site to the shire and thanked those involved in achieving this outcome. “We are excited to move the project forward and will begin the process of planning some purpose-built workforce accommodation, which will be tailored to the needs of our community,” she said. “There are some fantastic businesses in Kalbarri who have been hamstrung by a lack of housing opportunities for their staff. The news will be welcomed by the Kalbarri community.” The land will be transferred in freehold, at nominal value to recognise the benefits of workers accommodation to the community. Lands Minister John Carey said the State Government’s commitment was to make suitable land available, in consultation with the local government, for workers accommodation in Kalbarri and it delivered that commitment. “I want to acknowledge the Shire of Northampton, who have worked proactively with the State Government, to realise the potential of the site for their local community,” he said.