Cowaramup Birdwood subdivision officially opens for start of works adding hundreds of homes

Work has officially started at Cowaramup’s newest and biggest subdivision, Birdwood.

Officials were on hand on Monday to turn the first sod on the 41ha development stretching between Wirring and Palmer Roads estimated to add another 1000 residents to Cowaramup.

Yolk Property Group bought the project site about six months ago after the WA Planning Commission approved existing subdivision plans in August last year.

Managing director Tao Bourton said as a result, more of the on-site vegetation would be retained than previously anticipated and more public open space provided.

“Designing new estates that are sympathetic to both location and local community pride in the area demonstrates how we can open up much needed new land supply to meet a range of housing needs,” he said.

“Given demand for housing in the popular South West, it was important that Birdwood was designed to appeal to families, including those who may be renting in the area and looking to make Cowaramup their permanent home, as well as the many people looking to enjoy a sea change in this fabulous part of the world.”

Birdwood would bring about 200 lots plus a 250-lot lifestyle village and clubhouse to the town.

The first 45 lots will go to market on March 25 and registrations of interest are being taken for the over-55 village to be run by Everland Communities.

Labor MLC Jackie Jarvis, who represented Housing Minister John Carey on Monday and was among dignitaries including Shire of Augusta-Margaret River president Julia Meldrum, said the project was a shot in the arm for the housing shortage.

“We welcome this important private sector development to provide more housing choice and diversity in our local community,” she said.

“We all know the South West offers a lifestyle like no other — and providing housing to existing and new local community members, particularly people over 55, is critical to our community.”

The shire also recently approved contentious plans for Goldfields Group’s holding on the west side of the highway that included a potential worker accommodation project but removed a previous aged-care centre and sporting facilities.

Mr Bourton acknowledged the growth of the town would bring challenges, but said with the added rates base provided by Birdwood, more infrastructure and facilities could be funded by the shire.

Yolk was also developing Arbour Margaret River adjacent to Brookfield on land previously known as Weightman Farm.