project highlights - case study

Project

South Hedland Urban Renewal Project

Client

Department of Housing and Works, Jaxon Constructions Pty Ltd and Town of Port Hedland.

Challenge

South Hedland is a community in the Pilbara region of Western Australia undergoing revitalisation as part of the State Government’s New Living program.

The New Living initiative is intended to create safer and better living environments and lifestyles for the South Hedland community; encourage home ownership for the Department of Housing and Works’ rental tenants; positively impact on antisocial behaviour, crime and a lack of amenities; provide economic, social and environmental sustainability; rejuvenate public housing properties through extensive upgrades; and boost local business by providing greater local training and employment opportunities.

South Hedland suffers from a poor public perception as a place lacking in safety, amenity and community cohesion. There is also a very high turnover in population.

Our Role

Creating Communities was appointed to the New Living project team to contribute to the project’s community and social sustainability objectives.

South Hedland has a range of social issues and concerns that will be targeted through the community development program designed and managed by Creating Communities.

An interim Community Action Plan has been prepared to initiate a range of community projects that will serve as catalysts for the community and key public and private organisations to work together in achieving change. Creating Communities is in the process of implementing the Action Plan.

The South Hedland New Living Community and Economic Development Plan will identify strategies through which the South Hedland community can obtain the resources necessary to become empowered and thus achieve their vision. It will also identify stakeholder partnerships that will assist in the funding and delivery of programs.