HIGH Wycombe South is a decade-long planning project for the City of Kalamunda and last month, council resolved to advocate for securing $42 million in funding to establish critical infrastructure.

The city’s advocacy messaging strategy argues that the development area, situated in Metronet’s East High Wycombe precinct, will be pivotal in unlocking the full potential of Metronet’s rail and town centre revitalisation project.

“Currently, Metronet East High Wycombe is a transport-oriented precinct without a local resident base, leading to the underutilisation of key public assets such as High Wycombe train station,” it states.

“The challenge is clear: residential development in the precinct is not viable without targeted government investment in essential infrastructure, including roads, parks, and drainage.

“The prohibitive cost of these critical infrastructure components impact the viability of development in the area, despite the precinct being best placed of all locations in Perth to establish a significant housing supply.”

City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said the High Wycombe South precinct needed infrastructure funding in order to unlock its potential to deliver thousands of homes near the new Metronet station.

“High Wycombe South is a key opportunity to deliver 2400 much-needed homes near the new Metronet station and further support 8000 additional homes in the surrounding region,” she said.

“The city is advocating for critical infrastructure funding such as roads, drainage, and public open space to unlock this land for development.

“A successful High Wycombe South project will help address Perth’s housing shortage and support Metronet’s vision of transit-oriented developments that will ultimately turn a train station into a thriving, well-connected community.”

Ms Thomas said the planning in High Wycombe South was a 10-year-old project and the city was eager to progress the area.

“Planning for this precinct has spanned more than a decade,” she said.

“Challenges have included the need for coordinated infrastructure investment, complex land ownership arrangements, and the cost of development outpacing financial feasibility without government support.

“The city has remained committed to progressing the area and is now calling on state and federal partners to help bring it to life.”

During the May meeting, North West Ward councillor and deputy mayor Dylan O’Connor said High Wycombe South would live or die by the state’s activity in the area.

“The fact is that infrastructure is needed and we need enabling infrastructure to be paid for and funded by the state government to be able to get this place to move.

“It’s out there – the state government needs to listen and respond.”

North Ward councillor David Modolo said the best solution is for state and federal governments to fully fund the necessary infrastructure up front.

“While I support this proposal and the approach, we do need to send a message to state and federal governments,” he said.

“They need to think beyond this $42m figure – treat it as a bare bones minimum.

“Our advocacy plan is telling us this area is in desperate need of help.

“Developers can’t afford $42m to bring the state government’s dream of residential infill to life.

“And I can tell you right now, the City of Kalamunda doesn’t have $42m laying around to do it itself.”

The motion was moved by Cr David Modolo, seconded by Cr O’Connor and passed unanimously.