PUBLIC comment is closing soon on the sale of land for an aged care development planned for Paradise Quays in Ballajura with Swan councillors having agreed on a preferred buyer.

For more than a decade the development of aged care in the area has been contentious – with many recognising the need for aged care but against the proposal submitted.

About five years ago the Lakes Estate Action Group (LEAG) told Echo News members wanted aged care but the masterplan proposed by the then developer Southern Cross Care WA was completely unsuitable.

On September 6, 2019 on their Facebook page LEAG said one of the major issues for the local election, within the Lakes estate was the development of the (proposed) Paradise Quays aged care retirement village.

The Lakes Estate Action Group, led by Mel Congerton, has been awaiting further information from both parties, but often to no avail,’’ the post by Bryce Parry said.

“We call upon Southern Cross and the City of Swan to inform us of the progress being made.’’

In Aged Care battle brewing in Ballajura (Echo News, January 26, 2019) Mr Congerton said the estate was up in arms because of the height, scale and density of the plan.

The city said after hearing community feedback about the first masterplan, the council initiated a scheme amendment to the current zoning, which defined clear built form requirements to guide future development.

“This includes minimum setbacks and building heights,’’ the city said.

“The council also resolved to create the 80m Emu Swamp buffer area as a separate lot to ensure it is protected and retained through land management planning.’’

The scheme amendment was gazetted in November 2022.

On November 13, 2024 the council went behind closed doors to consider the submissions made through the city’s expression of interest campaign and agreed on a preferred buyer for lots 503 and 504 Paradise Quays.

In a statement the city said the preferred buyer was given 30 days to complete a due diligence process and submit a concept plan for the site.

“The preferred buyer has met the requirements and the city is now reviewing a draft sale and development agreement (SDA),’’ the statement said.

“Submission of the concept plan, including the SDA, gives the green light for the 14-day public comment period, closing on Monday, March 24.’’

The statement said the Paradise Quays proposal was intended to become a key component of the city’s strategy to ensure future aged care facilities.

“More than 20 per cent of the city's residents are over the age of 55 and by 2036, the region will need 918 extra aged care beds and 1300 more retirement village units.

“The project is designed to provide an additional aged care service for Ballajura, which faces an increasingly serious shortage of aged care facilities – an issue shared with the wider Perth metropolitan area.”

City of Swan Mayor Tanya Richardson said the city had been examining the provision of an aged care facility in Paradise Quays for a number of years, after identifying the site as suitable for an aged care development.

“If approved, the proposed development will further boost the city’s quality aged care options for our community,” Mrs Richardson said.