The state government’s promise to build 5000 homes through infill developments has fallen short, with not a single slab being laid six years after the initial announcement. One area impacted by this delay is the old Brownlie Towers site in Bentley, which has been in the planning phase for 13 years and was recently sent back to square one. The City of Canning mayor, Patrick Hall, expressed frustration at the lack of progress, citing the 26 hectares of prime government land in Bentley that remains dormant despite being just eight kilometers from the CBD. The idea of incorporating social housing into the new development was met with criticism, with concerns raised about creating another crime-ridden ghetto like the now demolished Brownlie Towers public housing precinct. Hall emphasized the need for renewal in Bentley and for surrounding suburbs with lower public housing ratios to share the burden.
Previously, the state government had a policy of reducing public housing to 1 in every 9 dwellings, but any mention of this target has disappeared from its website in recent years. Hall highlighted the disparities in public housing ratios between Bentley and other suburbs, emphasizing the need for relief in areas that have been shouldering the burden of social housing for an extended period. He expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in the Bentley regeneration project, calling for a change in the narrative and a renewed focus on revitalizing the area. The failure to act on the promises made to the Bentley community has left residents feeling let down and frustrated with the lack of development in their neighborhood. The opportunity to transform Bentley and address social issues has not been realized, leading to a sense of disillusionment among those living in the area.
The decision to delay the Bentley regeneration project and send it back to square one has had negative implications for the community, with the site remaining dormant and unused despite its proximity to the CBD. The proposed idea of incorporating social housing into the development raised concerns about repeating the mistakes of the past and creating another crime hotspot in the area. Hall emphasized the importance of changing the narrative in Bentley and providing relief to areas burdened with high percentages of public housing, urging the government to take action and follow through on their promises. The lack of progress in the Bentley regeneration project has left residents feeling frustrated and disappointed, with many questioning why the opportunity to revitalize the area has not been seized.
The City of Canning mayor’s remarks shed light on the challenges and frustrations faced by the Bentley community as they await progress on the long-delayed regeneration project. The need for renewal and revitalization in Bentley is clear, with the potential to change the narrative and address social issues that have plagued the area for years. Hall’s call for relief in areas with high percentages of public housing underscores the importance of sharing the burden and creating more equitable living conditions for residents. The disappointment felt by those living in Bentley reflects a broader sentiment of neglect and abandonment by the government, raising questions about the priorities and commitments made to communities in need of support and investment. As residents continue to wait for the promised development to take shape, the urgency of addressing social issues and creating a more inclusive and sustainable living environment in Bentley remains paramount.
