BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES McCusker Holdings Pty Ltd
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BUILDING BETTER
COMMUNITIES
McCusker Holdings Pty Ltd
VISION STATEMENT
“Our vision is to establish attractive,
safe, friendly neighbourhoods with
a family oriented environment;
where people will choose to live,
feel safe and want to pursue local
community activities, developing
a strong sense of community spirit
and pride; and a high level of private
affordable home ownership.”
The Housing Authority’s Urban Renewal Project has been the biggest and most successful
urban renewal endeavour in Australia’s history. This project has been enhancing homes,
streets and lives in Western Australia since its inception in 1995 in Lockridge and Kwinana.
In a history of ambitious projects, the New North stands out as the jewel in the Urban
Renewal Project’s crown. It has been an 18-year journey that has transformed the suburbs
of Koondoola, Balga, Girrawheen and Westminster. Life for the residents of the New
North is immeasurably better as a result, with thousands now experiencing the joys and
satisfaction of home ownership in some of Perth’s most well-located suburbs.
The New North has been a model example of cooperation between the Housing
Authority, the private sector and the community. This book celebrates their remarkable
achievements and is a fitting testament to the vision and hard work of all involved in
bringing this life-changing project to fruition.
Hon Brendon Grylls, MLA
Minister for Housing; Racing and Gaming
PREFACE
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I am a Housing Authority tenant and previously resided in a unit until I was relocated from there to my current address through The New North Project.
This move has been life changing for myself and my family as firstly we have been able to move away from complex living.
Secondly, our relocation has provided an opportunity for us to live closer to my parents and other family members. I love the house I was offered, it is like moving into a brand new property and the location is just perfect for us. I can’t thank the Housing Authority and the New Living project enough for this wonderful gift.
Thank youLORRAINE GUNN – TENANT WHO MOVED INTO
A REFURBISHED HOME. (AUG 2016 QUOTE)
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THE NEW NORTH IN BRIEF
• Joint project between Satterley, McCusker
and the Housing Authority
• 18 year project that commenced in June 1998
• Refurbished 1,255 dwellings for retention
• Refurbished 1,405 houses and sold
• Demolished 572 dwellings
• Developed 294 residential lots
• Entirely self funding
• Rejuvenated the Housing Authority’s homes for sale or retention
• Reduced the public housing presence for a
better and more balanced social mix
• Beautified the area with upgraded infrastructure, improved
streetscapes, striking entry statements and enhanced parks
• Replaced the social stigma of living in these
suburbs with a sense of civic pride
• Dramatically reduced the suburbs’ once stubbornly high crime rates
• Created attractive new lots for sale to the public
• Boosted home ownership while attracting professional
couples, single people and young families to the suburbs
• Systematic approach and attention to detail
overcame a major asbestos problem
• Pioneered innovative solutions to reduce building site theft
• Took a comprehensive approach to public
consultation and community development
• Strong marketing established a unifying identity
while maintaining suburbs’ individuality
• Boosted real estate values by approximately 400%
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18 years of building better communities
The New North is one of the largest and most successful urban renewal projects ever undertaken in Australia. 18 years of strategic development work has transformed the suburbs of Balga, Koondoola, Girrawheen and Westminster into strong and vibrant communities offering residents a highly desirable lifestyle in some of Perth’s best located suburbs.
From the start of this ambitious project the Housing Authority and its development
partners, the Satterley Property Group Pty Ltd and McCusker Holdings Pty Ltd
(Satterley McCusker) and the Cities of Wanneroo and Stirling, were driven by a
shared vision of creating attractive, friendly neighbourhoods with a family-oriented
environment and a strong sense of community spirit and pride.
Today that vision’s been achieved with spectacular success. Hundreds of former
tenants have become house-proud owners, house prices have risen, incidents of
anti-social behaviour has fallen dramatically and new residents have flocked to
reinvigorated suburbs set in beautiful bushland surroundings.
This is the story of how we got there.
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The vibrant community spirit that’s present throughout The New North today is a testament to a vision of a reinvigorated social and physical landscape that had its genesis in June 1998.
The aim was to provide affordable homes
in a thriving and reinvigorated community
while achieving the Housing Authority’s
goals and objectives. Five components
were central to accomplishing this:
• Refurbishment and development for
sale or retention
• Infrastructure and beautification of parks
and streetscapes
• A thoughtful process of community consultation
• Strong sales and marketing
• Balancing the social mix by increasing the
number of home owners
The Housing Authority understood from the start
that collaboration was needed with the two local
government authorities, the Cities of Stirling and
Wanneroo, to achieve this vision and create a
community that families wanted to call home.
The Housing Authority then called for public
expressions of interest to drive the project to
completion, with Satterley McCusker the successful
tenderer. Everyone involved in the project
understood that community consultation at every
step of the way was vital to its success.
Ambitious Goals
Enhanced community safety and security is a feature of the New Living program. There has been significant improvement in residents’ pride in these areas and property values have increased” HON RICHARD COURT AC, FORMER
PREMIER OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (THURSDAY, 25 JUNE 1998)8
Housing AuthorityThe Housing Authority has decades of experience providing
affordable housing through land development, construction
and property management and works closely with the
private sector and not-for-profit groups.
Its innovative Urban Renewal program (formerly known
as New Living) had already proven its worth as an urban
renewal strategy in suburbs such as Kwinana, Lockridge,
Karawarra, Armadale, Langford, Midland/Midvale,
Coolbellup, Hamilton Hill and Queens Park, totally changing
the face of public housing in these suburbs. The Housing
Authority understood that transforming the social fabric
was every bit as important as renovating the physical fabric
of difficult suburbs. It was an understanding that would
prove crucial to The New North’s success.
Satterley McCusker Satterley McCusker is one of the state’s most experienced
and successful property developers, responsible for such
projects as Secret Harbour Estate, Beaumaris Beach Estate,
Ascot Gardens and many others.
They had already gained a wealth of experience
implementing The New Kwinana, working closely with the
Housing Authority to deliver this UDIA award-winning project.
City of WannerooThe City of Wanneroo is Western Australia’s fastest growing
local government area, with a population that’s expected
to double in the next 20 years (according to ABS figures). It
takes in Koondoola and Girrawheen from The New North.
City of StirlingThe City of Stirling contains The New North suburbs
of Balga and Westminster. This large, progressive local
government authority understood that sustainability,
accessibility, diversity and choice were vital for the
community-building work required for The New North.
Together the partners drove the largest and longest running
metropolitan urban development program in the history of
Western Australia.
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572DEMOLISHED
1,405REFURBISHED & SOLD
1,255REFURBISHED & RETAINED
294RESIDENTIAL LOTS DEVELOPED
CRIME STATISTICSNUMBER OF REPORTED OFFENCES
BALGA 2,782 -76%
-88%
-78%
-72%
GIRRAWHEEN 2,333
KOONDOOLA 827
WESTMINSTER 839
1997-1998 % CHANGE SINCE START
Initially the tenant relocation was easy, people couldn’t wait to move, but as the suburb grew and the social balance mix improved, we found people didn’t want to move, they didn’t want to leave their family home so it required a new approach. We took the time to listen, understand and resolve their issues. We followed a simple philosophy - give them a home they’d really like.”DAVID FULTON, NEW LIVING CO-ORDINATOR,
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Source: Western Australian Police
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Demolition, Refurbishment and Development From the project’s inception the Housing Authority
aimed to develop its properties for the lowest price
as quickly as possible while achieving the highest
possible quality. A key aspect was that it needed to
be self-funding and sustainable over the long term.
There was a mix of flats, townhouses, villas and single
dwellings to consider. Many unsightly blocks of two and
three storey flats and townhouses which were past their
useful life needed to be demolished. Other dwellings
were assessed on their merits for renovation. The
aim was to vary the accommodation mix while vastly
increasing private home ownership in the project area.
Over 18 years the project refurbished and sold
an incredible 1,405 dwellings. A further 1255 were
refurbished and retained by the Housing Authority.
572 were demolished, most of them old, multi-storey
flats, while a further 294 lots were developed.
Infrastructure and BeautificationThe project team quickly got to work beautifying
parks and streetscapes, demonstrating to the
community that the transformation was underway
and that change and improvement were coming to
their suburb.
Neighbours were encouraged to contribute to their
rejuvenated streetscape by beautifying their own
front yards. The first community Spring Clean-Up and
sausage sizzle in 1998 saw residents out and about
removing rubbish and tackling their yards suitably
armed with bags, rakes and clippers.
“The idea is that we all do our little bit to clean up on
the same day then the whole area will start to look
better,” said community co-ordinator Kirk Stergiou
from Koondoola at the time.
In a dramatically improved urban environment
many local retailers and other professional
people also did their bit to generate civic pride by
smartening-up their premises.
Reducing public housing and increasing home
ownership, combined with better parks, improved
streetscapes and Safe City designs, dramatically
reduced crime. Reported offences have dropped
by an average of 78% across the four suburbs from
the start of the project, clearly highlighting the
transformation of the project area.
Community ConsultationConsulting the community and stakeholders was vital
in a project that had the potential to disrupt residents’
lives. It was essential that it gained the strongest
possible acceptance from local residents for the
proposed refurbishments to their homes, streets and
community facilities.
The key to that consultation was a communication
strategy featuring workshops that promoted a solid
understanding of the project and how it was to be
delivered. Community ‘buy-in’ was obtained through
competitions offering residents prizes for the best
gardens, landscaped streets and exterior presentations
– activities which in turn helped build a strong
community spirit.
Local newspapers and a bright and breezy quarterly
newsletter, The Northerly Lifestyle, were instrumental
The success of New Living depends on community consultation and support. The decision to demolish Narang was taken after sound representation to government by Balga Action Group, whose members were willing to help make this option viable.”HON DR HIM HAMES MLA, FORMER HOUSING MINISTER
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in keeping the community up-to-speed with
progress. It was packed with good news about an
invigorated community that was actively involved
in environmental projects, sporting endeavours
and other achievements in an urban environment
growing better by the day.
Sales and MarketingThe marketing and sales strategy benefitted from an
umbrella brand for The New North that identified the
geographic area and the individual suburbs. This was
helped by new signs and attractive entry statements
that clearly marked them out. Community meetings
and visits to newly renovated homes played an
important part in selling the concept to residents.
Television, press and digital advertising raised
awareness, with the suburbs’ closeness to Perth
and the beach major selling points. It all worked
spectacularly well, with most homes selling within a
few weeks of going on the market.
Locally, The Northerly Lifestyle newsletter was a
vital part of the marketing campaign. Among the
wider buying public, perceptions of The New North
changed with a vigorous sales and marketing
mix complemented by bright and vibrant signs,
glossy brochures and enticing press, radio and TV
advertising. Later in the project, websites and online
advertising on popular real estate websites proved
particularly effective.
The New North’s Home Information Centre in Balga
served as a sales office and display centre, while a
mobile bank officer made it easy for new homebuyers
to obtain low deposit home loans and shared equity
loans. Fully refurbished and decorated display homes
showcased The New North to homebuyers.
All proved effective in marketing a wide range of
refurbished dwellings that appealed to first, second
and third home buyers, ‘empty nesters’ and retired
people. 262 public housing tenants bought their
homes, 101 under the ‘right to buy’ scheme while 161
purchased their properties using shared equity loans
through Keystart loan schemes.
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The New North built on the success of previous urban renewal projects in Kwinana, Coolbellup and Phoenix Rise in Hamilton Hill. In all of these projects the urban renewal program focused on renewing the built environment. The aim was to refurbish and sell much of the existing housing stock, rather than demolishing it and rebuilding.
In keeping with other urban renewal projects, The New North
aimed to:
• Reduce the dominant public housing presence
across the suburbs
• Reduce the social stigma of living in these suburbs
• Substantially upgrade and refurbish the available
public rental housing
• Improve the social mix
• Improve the streetscape and the parks to satisfy
the neighbourhood
• Improve security for residents by revamping areas
that attracted crime and anti-social behaviour.
Building on Success
Located in the City of Wanneroo, The New North project has proven to be an immensely successful project. The model of cooperation between state and local government and the private sector has significantly enhanced the amenity and appearance of the suburbs. Importantly this has resulted in an improvement to the quality of life for local residents.” TRACEY ROBERTS,
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WANNEROO
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The New North was developed with
the guidance of a Master Plan that
ensured a consistent approach across
all its suburbs.
The project had to overcome a
number of challenges, not the least of
which was the sheer scale of the task
of reinvigorating thousands of old and
frequently rundown buildings with a
distinctive look and appeal.
There were many transport and access
problems to be overcome as well,
with traffic circles and other calming
devices incorporated into attractively
redesigned streetscapes.
Strong demand for the inviting
renovated homes saw a spectacular
rise in real estate values. Suburbs that
had long languished at the bottom of
Perth’s real estate market, really took
off. From the project’s inception in
1998 prices in Koondoola rose from a
median of $74,000 to $429,000 in
2015 (Source: REIWA) – an increase
of 580%. In fact, the average median
price rise across the four suburbs in
that period was a remarkable 559%.
Increasing home ownership and
encouraging community pride
throughout The New North has
fundamentally improved the quality
of life. While the Housing Authority
still retains public housing in the four
suburbs, the ratio of public to private
ownership has been reduced from
29% to 10.2% following the sale and
demolition of properties from an
original total of 3,062.
Darlene Hale, the manager of Strata
Personal Management, has witnessed
the changes that’s bought first hand.
“The New North project has made a
huge difference to the lives of people
living in the Balga area,” Ms Hale said.
It’s a view echoed by MLA for
Girrawheen, Margaret Quirk.
“The New North project was a catalyst
for urban renewal, demographic
change and building community
capacity in Girrawheen,” Ms Quirk said.
For many New North residents the
opportunity to buy their own home
has been life changing. It certainly
was for Laurel Holyoak, who bought
into Girrawheen’s Montrose Mews
development through the shared
equity scheme.
“It’s been such a great opportunity. I
would never have been able to afford
a house on my income. I’ve now been
able to ‘buy out’ the government
portion of the loan, and while my
bank still holds the majority of the
equity, the mortgage is 100% mine,”
Ms Holyoak said.
“Our little estate has grown into a
close knit community, especially as I
think we all moved-in within six weeks
of each other. This year saw us host a
little street party in an effort to get to
know each other better,” she said.
Stephen Deards, Building Manager for
Satterley McCusker, has seen the joy
of new property owners first hand.
“During the last 18 years working on
the project I have seen the excitement
and anticipation of homeowners
when they call in to collect their new
house keys.
This is very satisfying, just as it is when
I drive around our area and notice all
the enhanced properties that we’ve
produced in our time,” Mr Deards said.
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PrincessWallingtonReserve
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Collaboration is the first word that comes to mind when I think of The New North project. The end result is a great example where the City of Stirling has worked with fellow stakeholders to deliver quality amenities like Leisurepark Balga which are now part of the everyday for the local community.”GIOVANNI ITALIANO,
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF STIRLING
15
Tired, old homes were revived with sparkling new bathrooms and kitchens, new paint in modern contrasting colours and attractive, energy efficient light fittings throughout. New floor coverings, security screen doors and window treatments helped make everything bright and fresh again while boosting safety. Outside new picket fences, gates and carports helped make new homeowners and old tenants house-proud and happy.
Old flats become comfy condominiumsNot all flats in the project area were demolished as part of The
New North’s urban renewal. To provide an attractive housing mix, a
number of flats were extensively renovated for sale. New balconies
and patios went a long way to modernising the external appearance,
while inside the residents benefited from new bathrooms and
kitchens, elegant fixtures and floor coverings, improved lighting
and fresh new window treatments. Their new residents could look
forward to a much improved quality of life in a tasteful, modern, low
maintenance home.
Everything old is new again
The idea is that we all do our little bit to clean up on the same day, then the whole area will start to look better.” KIRK STERGIOU, COMMUNITY
CO-ORDINATOR KOONDOOLA
16
AFTER
BEFORE
17
AFTER
BEFORE
18
Our little estate has grown into a close knit community, especially as I think we all moved-in within six weeks of each other. This year saw us host a little street party in an effort to get to know each other better.”LAUREN HOLYOAK,
MONTROSE MEWS RESIDENT
Transforming townhousesThe New North suburbs were also laden with
townhouses and villas that followed a ‘cookie
cutter’ sameness in their design. The planners and
architects met that challenge through a design
guide that took a broad, holistic view of their
environmental setting, with its recreational areas
and natural bushland. A series of refurbished homes
were designed with their own individual stamp
thanks to unique forms, structures and finishes.
They were newly painted throughout, with new
AFTER
BEFORE
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carpets and contemporary lighting, while residents
also gained undercover parking. There were even
white goods packages for some lucky new owners.
Fixed common-use barbecues, swimming
pools and children’s playgrounds all
supported a stronger sense of community
and wellbeing in these townhouses,
while providing recreational outlets.
The suburbs of The New North were rich in
natural heritage. Balga was named after the
Nyoongar name for the grass tree Xanthorrhoea,
while Girrawheen meant ‘place of flowers’, so it
was entirely fitting that the project’s refurbished
complexes should be named after local trees.
One of The New North’s most notable successes
was that its remarkable transformation was
carried out over many years while residents went
about their daily lives. Delicate negotiations were
sometimes required when tenants had to be
relocated from their old homes for redevelopment
to occur. Some were keen to move, while others
required support. Understanding and overcoming
their fears and concerns was vital and the project
team always offered these residents better
premises than they had. Most residents, whether
they were buying new homes in The New North, or
renewing Housing Authority tenancies, were keen
to remain in these well-located suburbs with their
many lifestyle advantages and familiar community.
AFTER
BEFORE
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AFTER
BEFORE
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Showcasing the suburbsKoondoola, Girrawheen, Balga and Westminster were always blessed with large areas of natural bushland and public open space. The New North’s developers were determined to take full advantage of that natural endowment while enhancing and protecting it with green corridors to promote biodiversity. One important corridor was situated at Rochester Circle and Balga Avenue. Here, under the direction of the Housing Authority, Satterley worked closely with the City of Stirling to enhance and beautify the area’s remnant bushland in accordance with the City’s Green Plan.
During the last 18 years working on the project I have seen the excitement and anticipation of homeowners when they call in to collect their new house keys.
This is very satisfying, just as it is when I drive around our area and notice all the enhanced properties that we’ve produced in our time.” STEPHEN DEARDS,
BUILDING MANAGER
22
A major aim of the Green Plan was improving
groundwater management and making the parklands’
irrigation sustainable. Hydrozones were established where
different watering regimes were developed for varying
recreational uses, such as active sports, passive recreation,
picnic areas, tree zones and more. Ecozones saw rarely
used grassed areas of reserves planted with native
vegetation, removing the necessity for irrigation.
The existing stormwater drains scattered throughout the
suburbs were little more than ugly sumps surrounded by
cyclone fencing. The developers planted native species
which dramatically improved the look of them while
filtering the groundwater. Cyclone fencing was replaced
by brick fences with powder coated metal grill panels for a
vastly more attractive result.
The City of Wanneroo worked with the Housing Authority
to enhance the conservation values of Montrose Park. This
area of bushland has proven particularly popular with local
primary school students who’ve made it their own with
planting excursions using native species.
Those enhanced green spaces have been set against
vastly improved streetscapes with landscaped entry
statements and traffic calming measures. The developers
paid particular attention to the needs of children,
creating much improved play areas with inviting new
play equipment.
The cooperation of the two cities involved in The
New North was vital to achieving these outstanding
results, a point noted by Tracey Roberts, Mayor of the
City of Wanneroo.
“Located in the City of Wanneroo, The New North
project has proven to be an immensely successful
project. The model of cooperation between state and
local government and the private sector has significantly
enhanced the amenity and appearance of the suburbs.
Importantly this has resulted in an improvement to the
quality of life for local residents.”
It’s a view shared by Giovanni Italiano, Mayor of the
City of Stirling.
“Collaboration is the first word that comes to mind when
I think of The New North Perth project. The end result
is a great example where the City of Stirling has worked
with fellow stakeholders to deliver quality amenities like
Leisurepark Balga which are now part of the everyday for
the local community.”
The cost of redeveloping the streetscapes and beautifying
the parks was shared on a 50/50 basis with both cities.
Tree PlantingResidents were involved in the process from the very
start. In 1998 the beautification of Girrawheen Avenue
saw the City of Wanneroo and The New North project
team running a series of public consultative meetings
that identified priority needs before work commenced the
following year. The community identified planting trees
and shrubs in the middle of the avenue as a high priority.
Tree plantings were a vital component of revitalizing
streetscapes such as Burbridge Avenue and Camberwell
Road. These also benefitted from the installation of street
furniture and traffic modifications. Camberwell Road in
Balga was widened with a coloured median strip, while
trees were planted in the median strip and on the verge.
Coloured paving and brickwork brought drab streets to
life while attractive entry statements gave the suburbs a
much-needed sense of place.
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The Housing Authority and Satterley McCusker understood the importance of community consultation and working closely with key stakeholders. From the start they set about establishing a community engagement process that enlisted residents’ support and cooperation.
Satterley McCusker’s community manager, Robert Wallman,
and his team worked hard to build rapport with local
stakeholders, liaising with schools, community groups and
the local police. The Housing Authority provided sponsorships
and funding for community activities such as Club J Easter
Camps, Balga Youth Program, Constable Care, end of year
school prizes and Christmas celebrations for the communities.
The Balga Action Group was a strong advocate for its
community, and had long argued for the demolition of Balga’s
most notorious apartment complexes. When former Premier
Richard Court picked up a sledgehammer to knock down a
Building a Community
The New North project has made a huge difference to the lives of people living in the Balga area.” DARLENE HALE, MANAGER OF STRATA
PERSONAL MANAGEMENT
24
It’s always pleasing to see a plan come together, especially one that’s been in the making for 18 years. By any standards The New North has been an outstanding success. It has transformed and lifted the stigma that was once associated with these suburbs and vastly improved the quality of life for the residents. With its bushland settings and its excellent location The New North today is a great place to call home.” PRISCA TAYLOR, PROJECT DELIVERY
MANAGER, HOUSING AUTHORITY
25
wall and symbolically start their demolition, it showed
the developers were serious about listening to them.
“The success of New Living depends on community
consultation and support. The decision to demolish
Narang was taken after sound representation to
government by Balga Action Group, whose members
were willing to help make this option viable,” said then
Housing Minister Kim Hames.
The decision was greatly appreciated by then Balga
Action Group’s Colin Cross.
“We understand the difficult and delicate path that
they have to walk. There is often a fine line between
meeting community needs and justifying the
expenditure of public funds,” Mr Cross said.
He added that the Balga Action Group
had grown as an organisation and as a
community during the negotiations.
“We have had to learn to approach issues on a factual
basis and not just an emotional one. We have learned
to be active, not reactive,” he said.
Such negotiations were vital. They were
complemented with community meetings with
extensive audio-visuals, while tours of other
refurbished areas also went a long way to building
support for redevelopment initiatives.
Residents were inspired by all the redevelopment,
joining in activities such as community clean-ups,
bushwalks and Neighbourhood Watch. The Autumn
2000 edition of The Northerly Lifestyle featured a
story about North Balga primary school students
starting a frog-friendly garden project as part of their
school activities.
26
SportSport was an important part of the social development
mix. The West Coast Eagles’ Guy McKenna and Chris
Lewis acted as youth role models, mentoring the region’s
school children with after-school sports activities that
kept them fit, active and engaged. ‘Local boy’ Chris
Lewis’s visit to the Balga Primary School in 2000 had
the kids sitting up and taking notice when he spoke
about the importance of teamwork and good listening
skills. The New North was instrumental in bringing the
Eagles star to the school, an initiative that boosted
community pride and the self esteem of the many
youngsters involved.
“We realise that many of these young people haven’t
had the opportunity to hear from heroes like Chris Lewis.
It makes a great deal of difference to hear from someone
who was local and to whom they can relate,” said
community development manager Robert Wallman.
As the brand ambassadors, the Eagles stars’ work didn’t
end there, with handball competitions at community
fairs and local footy training sessions spiced-up with
well-received motivational talks.
The New North’s contribution to the community was
extensive. One example was Girrawheen Senior High
School’s grounds, which were enhanced and beautified
over five years. The New North appointed landscape
architects McNally and Newton to provide the plans
for a new look school. They took a hands-on approach,
inspired by detailed mock plans, designed by the
school’s Manufacturing Industry Studies students.
Community events like Christmas in Balga featuring a
bouncy castle camel rides, a Gyro machine and other
fun and games wouldn’t have happened without the
sponsorship of The New North, The City of Stirling and
the coordinating efforts of the Balga Action Group.
We realise that many of these young people haven’t had the opportunity to hear from heroes like Chris Lewis. It makes a great deal of difference to hear from someone who was local and to whom they can relate.” ROBERT WALLMAN, COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
27
In 1998, when the “New North” project began, the goal set for the Project Managers by the Housing Authority was, to say the least, challenging: not only to upgrade the Authority’s housing and attract new home buyers, but to build a strong community spirit and pride in what were then badly run down areas, and to remove the negative stigma that had, unfortunately, become associated with them. It is a source of great pride and satisfaction, for all concerned, that this goal has been achieved. The areas as they were then have been transformed, almost beyond recognition, as have the lives of the people who live there.”MALCOLM MCCUSKER AC QC
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A Triple Award Winning Development
In its 18 years The New North has been one of the most ambitious and successful urban renewal projects in Australia collecting a number of awards for urban development.
• Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Award
for Excellence in the Urban Renewal Category 2006
• Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Award
for Excellence in the Urban Renewal Category 2001
• Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Award
for Excellence in the Urban Renewal Category 1998
The dramatic improvements we’ve seen right across The New North could not have been achieved without the strong collaborative approach taken by everyone involved – the State Government, the Cities of Stirling and Wanneroo, the Satterley Property Group/McCusker Holdings and the wider community. That’s really been the key to its success,”PAUL WHYTE, ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER, HOUSING AUTHORITY
29
Today The New North is a community transformed. While crime rates have plunged, property prices have risen, as buyers rushed to these well-located suburbs with their newly renovated homes offering an enviable lifestyle.
Many families and young women have
sought out homes in The New North, a
testament to its total transformation, and
a vote of confidence in its security and its
future as a wise real estate investment.
The New North didn’t just rebuild homes
and improve the streetscape, it used its
understanding of the local culture and
environment, with all its future potential,
to rebuild the community. It teamed
up with community groups to sponsor
events and activities which fostered a
new sense of pride and achievement.
No one knows its impact better than the
Balga Action Group and its President, Alan
Stafford. Writing in 2003, he said “In the
few short years since the commencement
of The New North project a complete
change has come over not only Balga, but
each suburb involved in this project.
“The New North project has completely
revitalised our suburb and way of life, we now
walk our streets without fear, we hold up our
heads with pride and we have confidence in not
only who we are, but the fact we have had a
hand in the re birthing of Balga.
“Crime is at an all-time low, public housing is
decreasing and private accommodation is on
the increase with many new families returning to
Balga, housing prices have more than doubled
and an air of prosperity prevails and even the
authorities now see Balga in a new light.”
A Community Transformed
30
The once run-down suburbs, made up of mostly public housing are now known as safe and desirable communities to raise a family close to the city.”NIGEL SATTERLEY
Acknowledgement: We sincerely thank the following organisations for providing photographs and quotes for this publication: Housing Authority, Satterley Property Group Pty Ltd, McCusker Holdings Pty Ltd, The New North Community and The City’s of Stirling and Wanneroo.Advice: This document may contain images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have passed away.
Document prepared by Creating Communities. This document is written in good faith and reflects the knowledge, expertise and experience of the consultants and organisations involved. Creating Communities has endeavoured to use what it considers is the best information available at the date of publication, including information supplied by the addressee.Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is for
information purposes only. No representation or warranty of any kind, whether express or implied is made about the completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability of the information provided. To the extent permitted by law, the Housing Authority and the State of Western Australia disclaim any and all liability in respect of any error, omission or other matter in connection with or relating to the contents of this document arising now or at any time in the future.
31
McCusker Holdings Pty Ltd
Achieve a higher level of home ownership and stronger community spirit”THE NEW NORTH
PROJECT OUTLINE
PUBLISHED AUGUST 2016
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