Geraldton, the centre of Australia's Coral Coast, is a thriving city steeped in indigenous and pioneering history. Its pristine coastal setting, combined with the convenience of modern city services and facilities make Geraldton a sought after destination to live, work and play.

The tradional owners of the land we now call the Mid West Region consist of several language groups including the Nanda people, Naaguja people, Amangu people, Wajarri people, Badimaya people and Western Desert people. Collectively, these groups known as Yamaji, have settled in the region for at least 40,000 years and still have strong links to the area.

Geraldton is in easy driving distance, just 400km north of Perth. It has a regular air service and is connected to the rest of the world via the Geraldton Port. With a land area of 1,800sqm, the City is framed by the Moresby Ranges to the east, the Chapman Valley in the north and the mysterious Abrolhos Islands in the west.

The area enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The cooling southerly wind keeps the temperature pleasant during summer months while giving Geraldton its reputation as an international mecca for kite and wind surfing.

Geraldton-Greenough's population is growing and further rapid growth is anticipated given major projects destined for the area. Since 2005 the population has been growing by about 3.5% annually andis currently at 35,000. The Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2008 stated that the City has a population of 35,727 and using their determined growth rate estimated by March 2009 that the population is sitting closer to 37,000. By 2020 the City will have the capacity to accommodate a population of 80,000.

The Mid West has a strong and increasingly diverse economy built around mining, agriculture, fishing and tourism. The region's gross regional product was $3.5 billion in 2005/06 which is 17.9% higher than the previous year in real terms.

The region is poised for further diversification and growth with the planned Oakajee port and Rail development, a $3.5 billion project. With the signing of the State Development Agreement in March 2009, it is anticipated that this project, which aims to deliver world-class infrastructure to underpin a growing number of mining projects in the region, will progress with various environmental, engineering and feasibility studies.

The Australian Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Pathfinder and the proposed Square Kilometre Array, are two science projects of global significance which will enhance the City's capacity to attract and encourage growth of Greative Industries and present one of the greatedst opportunities to diversify the geraldton and Mid West economy to embrace new technologies.

Social and cultural facilities, infrastructure and services are of a high standard. Education at all levels is catered for with a range of primary and secondary state, catholic and independent schools. Options for tertiary eduction include the Central West TAFE, Batavia Coast Marine Centre, the Geraldton Universities Centre and the Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health.

Passive and active recreation are catered for with numerous parks and reserves and almost every sport represented.

A world class Museum, Regional Art Gallery, Regional Library and Yamatji Arts Centre provide opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy diversity in cultural pursuits.

City builds on its hot-spot standing

Posted September 2009

GERALDON ranks in the top three of Australian property investment hot-spots, according to a property analyst.

Terry Ryder, director of website www.hotspotting.com.au, believes Geraldton has stood good growth but "it hasn't gone through the roof yet."

"It's one of the best places for property investors to cnsider at the moment before the action begins to crank up," he said.

This week, the website listed Geraldton in the top 10 WA property hotspots.

Mr Ryder said placing Geraldton on the list was a "no brainer" because it was a strong regional centre supported by a diverse economy.

"If I had to pick one off my top 10 list I'd pick Geraldton," he said.

"It's safe, it's affordable and it's got some huge economic drivers coming in up in the near future.

"This will drive its economy forward and put pressure on the local real estate market."

Mr Ryder said Geraldton offered investores a considerably low median house price at the moment.

But he warned it would soon take off as a result of internationally significant projects in the Mid West, which were close to getting a green light.

"The SKA is one, but the first one, because it has more certainty, is the Oakajee port," he said.

"It's a very big project, which is going to have a lot of traffic connection with building and then operating that.

"Geraldton still has reachable house prices and, of course, it has some very big projects coming up, which are going o drive the local economy to another level."

Kalazich Smith and Associates managing director Phil Sorgiovanni said he wasn't surprised by the accolade.

"The amount of money that's coming in from the outside and being spent on infrastructure and projects, we can certainly see why it was named in that top 10," he said.

"We are starting to see an increase in volumne and investors are coming back to the market. We think it's a good time to buy because it's some of the cheapest property on the coast."

Mr Sorgiovanni said during the global financial crisis median house prices were consistent in Geraldton, highlighting a positive attitude in the local market.

"I think people can see some security in Geraldton. We didn't have the dramatic impact Perth had. The confidence that is in Geraldton, both internal and external, bodes well for Geraldton and what the future holds."

Article published by The Geraldton Guardian

Karara Project Receives Final State Environmental Approval

Posted September 2009

Gindalbie Metals Limited (ASX: GBG - "Gindalbie" is pleased to advise that the Western Australia Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher, has given final State environmental approval for development of the Karara Iron Ore Project in Western Australia is proceed.

The landmark decision is a very significant milestone for Gindalbie and its joint venture partner, AnSteel, as well as the entire Mid West region. The decision clears the way for on-site construction and development of the large-scale Karara Project to proceed during the fourth Quarter of 2009.

Located 225km east of Geraldton in Western Australia's Mid West, the Karar Project will be a major integrated iron ore project producing both DSO and high-grade magnetite concentrate over several decades - generating significant economic benefits for the Mid West region and the State.

The final State Ministerial approval follows the July decision to uphold all key appeals lodged by the Karara Joint Venture in relation to recommendation for the Project released in May 2009.

Importantly, the Minister upheld the appeal on the Terapod deposit, clearing the way for it to be mined, together with the Blue Hills North deposit as part of the 2.0Mtpa hematite phase of the Karara Project.

The Minister's final approval was granted subject to implementation of certain conditions. These conditions are consistent with Gindalbie's existing environmental management and monitoring practices and will enable the Company to undertake and maintain a sustainable approach to future mining and development activities. Under the approvals process the Karara Joint Venture has a 14-day period to appeal the Minister's decision, but as it is satisfied with the conditions has decided to waive that right in order to expedite the final approvals.

With the State approval in place, a final environmental sign-off is required from the Commonweath Government before on-site construction and development activities can proceed, and this process is expected to take approximately 30 days.

Commenting on the announcement, Gindalbie's Managing Director, Mr Garret Dixon, said: "This is a very significant day for Gindalbie, for our shareholders, for our partner Ansteel and for the communities of the Mid West region.

"I would like to acknowlege the support of the Western Australian Government, in particular the Premier Colin Barnett and his office in ensuring the timely completion of the approvals process to enable us to meet our goal of being on site at Karara during the fourth quarter of 2009.

"The Karara Iron Ore Project is the first major iron ore project to be developed in the Midwest and will open up opportunities for the region to be developed as the next iron ore province" he added.

Mr Dixon said the final approval by the Minister was the end result of many years of meticulous environmental assessment in consultation with key State Government departments.

"This result represents years of hard work and and dedication by the Gindalbie team. The high environmental standards that we have set for the project have been supported by the EPA's positive recommendation and now the decision by the Environmental Minister," he said.

"With this final State approval, Gindalbie and AnSteel are now in a position whereby we can focus on the construction phase of the project and start to realise the potential that Karara has to add series value to the Joint Venture partners and to Western Australia," said Mr Dixon.

"When you consider the multitude of jobs this project will create, the Government revenue it will generate, the infrastructure that is being developed and our long-term expansion plans, this really is a project of national significance," he added.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in this process, including our Environment Manager Greg Kaeding and his team, as well as the various State Government departments.

"We now look forward to gaining the final Commonwealth Government Approvals before moving into the construction phase in just a couple of month's time," he added.

Article published by The Geraldton Guardian

Morawa team leads the way

Posted September 2009

Morawa Education Alliance has been nominated for a leadership award by the chief executive of the Shire of Morawa, Gavin Treasure.

The alliance is made up of the town's three biggest employers; the Shire of Morawa, Morawa District High School and the WA College of Agriculture.

Mr Tresure said the initiative, launched in 2005, had revolutionised education in Morawa.

"We are trying to make education the cornerstone of the local revival and we have done that by combining the three organisations," he said.

"The first thing you need to attract families to regional areas is jobs. There is mining all around us, which will encourage workers and families into the community."

"The second thing you need is good quality education. The schools have got together and aligned their timetables so teaching resources could be shared. There is a specialist science teacher at the agricultural college who can now move between the two schools so all the students have the opportunity to learn science."

"The alliance has also starte the "Welcome to Morawa" pack for everyone who moves to the town. It contains discount vouchers to the local stores, a map of the town and a local phone directory; everything they need when they move to a new community, so they feel welcome and off to a good start."

The three organisations have also been instrumental in lobbying for better housing for incoming teachers to the town, which Mr Treasure says has encourages them to stay longer.

The Morawa Education Alliance has been nominated for the Local Government Best Practice Award and the Leadership and Innovation award, which are part of the Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

Article published by The Geraldton Guardian

Calls for Oakajee fast-track

Posted September 2009

Moving the Oakajee port and rail project forward to accommodate the Mid West's first major iron ore project may ease the strain on city services, City of Geraldton-Greenough chief executive officer Tony Brun said yesterday.

Mr Brun said the current timeline for development at Oakajee coincided with the start-up date for many iron ore mines in the region, which could lead to a "Pilbara-isation" of Geraldton where demand for services caused by an influx of workers could not be met.

"From 2013 to 2015 there was a planned 7000 jobs and that was Oakajee and all the mining projects be running at that point," he said.

"However, if we bring it forward we may take that spike out and it may be better. With the time-line we have at the moment it's almost like holding down a dam and then letting it go. If we have a gradual build-up it will let these mines cale up progressively."

Mr Brun said fast-tracking Oakajee would depend on factors like government approvals and Oakajee Port and Rail's ability to get it exporting ahead of schedule.

The comments followed Premier Colin Barnett's revelation the government and Oakajee Port and Rail were considering moving the start date of Oakajee forward in order to accommodate exports from the $1.8 billion Karara iron ore project, which was granted final state approvals on Wednesday.

The Geraldton port has a 12 million tonne per annum export cap on iron ore, which the Premier said could limit Karara's operations until Oakajee was fully operational.

Oakajee is currently due to be operational in 2014.

Karara is expected to underpin the first berth through the Oakajee port: exporting 15 million tonnes of product through the port in its first year.

Community Relations and Environment Manager for Gindalbie Metals Greg Kaeding said the approvals were a huge relief and would deliver benefits for the Mid West including upgrades of power and port facilities, as well as nearly 2000 jobs in its construction and operations.

"This commits the government to having to do something on (stage one of the 300kV) power line," he said.

"We are building a 330kV power line from Three Springs to Karara that will connect in with the 330kV power line the government is building from Pinjar to Eneabba.

"Gindalbie is also putting in a $600 million contribution to the 300kV power line and upgrades to the existing port and rail facilities."

Construction of the large-scale Karara Project is due to proceed in the December quarter of this year, possibly as early as late October.

Karara is still waiting on federal environmental approvals, which Gindalbie chief executive officer Garret Dixon said the company expected in one month.

Article published by The Geraldton Guardian

Mid West big winner in schools funding $34 million boost

Posted August 2009

Schools in Geraldton will receive a $16 million infrastructure injection as part of the Federal Government's nationwide grants scheme - Building the Education Revolution.

The funding comes from the third and final round of the Primary Schools for the 21st Century project.

Schools in the wider Mid West will receive more than $34 million.

Federal Education Minister Julia Gillard said the thrid round of funding would deliver $4.6 billion to 2746 Australian schools.

The program aims to provide long-term infrastructure investments while creating jobs through the construction period.

Schools across the board will receive a range of infrastructure investments such as new classrooms, state-of-the-art libraries, multipurpose halls and covered outdoor learning areas.

But there are strict conditions attached to the funding. Construction for infrastructure developments must begin as soon as possible and be completed by March 31, 2011.

Geraldton's big winners are Mount Tarcoola Primary School, which will receive $3 million, Bluff Point Primary School ($2.33 million), Rangeway Primary School ($3 million) and Geraldton Primary School ($2.3 million).

Mt Tarcoola Primary School deputy principal Richard Malacari said the school needed the funding and with it came a bright future.

"Our school is made up of six demountable classrooms and three of them are being replaced with a brand new three classroom blcok and music room, and then we're getting other smaller things," he said.

"We're the biggest primary school in Geraldton with 550 students and we're looking like we'll be expanding in the future, so the funding is a big bonus."

Geraldton Primary School principal Geoff Elliot said the school was thrilled to hear the good news.

"We're particulary excited about hte art, craft and music multipurpose room, because at the moment we haven't had any purpose-built facilities for these classes," he said.

The school, which is the oldest in Geraldton, will also receive a block of two classrooms.

Rangeway Primary School will receive a block of five classrooms as well as a covered area.

Bluff Point Primary School will get two classrooms and a multi-purpose block, plus refurbishment of existing classrooms.

Under the scheme, $16.2 billion will be handed out to schools across the nation. Of this, three rounds of P21 funding will contribute $14.1 billion.

The funding has been spread across Catholic, independent and Governemnt schools, with 64 per cent going to the latter.

New property index helps track market trends

Posted May 2009

Professionals Real Estate Group has launched a new market index in partnership with RP Data Information Services to accurately track movements in the Western Australian residential property market.

The Professionals Property Index (PPI) is designed to aid those buying and selling residential property, as well as providing a tool to reflect movements in the local econonomy. Professionals Real Estate Group CEO David Hobbs said the monthly index is the most comprehensive property model available to the public, providing an accurate monthly reflection of sales across the Perth metropolitan market.

“Professionals Group recognise that good decisions require good information, so the PPI is based on sales price information from 200 Perth suburbs to provide ‘average’ monthly dwelling prices and monthly price changes,” Mr Hobbs said.

“While most property indexes quote median prices for houses and units separately, The PPI captures average price changes across all dwellings to provide a more accurate snapshot of where the market is at. It’s also a very valuable predictive tool to track property market and economic trends over the longer term, particularly for commercial banking and lending institutions.”

Mr Hobbs said the Professionals Property Index uses the most recent monthly sales information supplied by REIWA and calculated by RP Data Information Services.

The average price (figure 1) is plotted over time to show the gain or loss in dwelling prices over a given period. The PPI for February 2009 shows the average Perth dwelling price was $453,137, with prices once again on the increase from the low of $439,108 in December 2008 - driven largely by first home buyers taking advantage of the First Home Owners Grant.

The ‘Index’ value is calculated with each point representing a price shift of $10,000 in the value of an average dwelling. The PPI began with an index value of 100 in January 2000 when the average sale price was $163,602. Since that time the index value has increased to 129.0 points, reflecting an average sale price of $453,137 in February 2009.

The index peaked in July 2008 at 130.6 points, with an average sales price of $469,434.

The PPI also provides percentage change in average dwelling price over time. Figure 2 provides a graphic picture of the percentage price change, highlighting the meteoric rise in 2006 and the positive recent increase from the bottom of the market in December 2008.

“Published monthly, the PPI will provide an easily digestible snapshot of the market – where it is going and by how much it is moving. Armed with this information people can make informed decisions about when to buy and sell, and to generally assess the economic climate,” Mr Hobbs said.

For more information on the Professionals Property Index, contact David Hobbs on 9370 4440.

Follow the pathway to hassle free property decisions

Posted May 2009

Whether buying, selling, moving, or managing an investment property, Professionals Real Estate Group is warning people to stick to a well defined Pathway, or risk what could be a costly stumble.

The Western Australian property market continues to experience enormous activity and to assist buyers, sellers and renters negotiate the market, Professionals Real Estate Group has developed a Pathway series of free advisory booklets.

According to Professionals, the number of property transactions in WA are once again on the increase, driven largely by first home buyers taking advantage of the First Home Owners Grant.

The range of Professionals Pathway booklets includes Pathways to: buying; selling; preparing your home for sale; moving and managing your investment property.

Professionals Real Estate Group CEO David Hobbs said they are aimed at assisting anyone looking at a real estate investment to take a clear path and make sensible decisions.

“Property decisions can be extremely daunting, especially to the unexperienced, and the Professionals Real Estate Group feel strongly about providing quality free advice to assist people with what can be the most important decisions in their lives,” Mr Hobbs said.

“Many people are entering the market for the first time and we want to ensure they make good decisions and have a great experience in the process.

“Over the past few frantic years many people have bypassed due process, rushing into sales, purchases and landlord agreements without doing the research and planning that makes for a smooth and sound property transaction.

“Professionals has over 30 years of experience with agents that have seen every possible scenario. We pride ourselves on providing good old-fashioned service and by sharing our experience and knowledge through the Pathway series of free booklets, we hope to help people make good long-term property decisions,” he added.

The booklets provide easy to follow checklists, explanations of industry jargon, important items to consider and traps to look out for.

To receive a free copy of the Pathways series drop into your local Professionals office or email state.office@professionals.com.au

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Professionals name best suburbs for first homebuyers

Posted February 2009

According to Professionals Real Estate Group, current market conditions make now the perfect time to buy property, particularly for those entering the market for the first time.

“Property values have fallen across many suburbs, while at the same time interest rates are in freefall and rental prices remain high – it’s a heady mix that bodes well for first homebuyers,” according to Professionals WA CEO David Hobbs.

“There no doubt that Western Australia housing has become affordable to first homebuyers with the introduction of low interest rates, as well as government assistance up to $21,000 for those who qualify.

“For example, the Professionals Granger Clark Real Estate had a record month last November, with 23 listings and 30 sales. Average price for the sales was $391,750 and 18 of the 30 sales were under $400,000.

“We’ve seen an increase in first homebuyer purchasing across a range of suburbs which started in October and has continued to grow,” Mr Hobbs said.

Suburbs to watch:

SOUTHERN REGION:

Rockingham

Tipped by Residex to grow by an average 10 per cent per annum over the next five years, almost triple the growth rate of many parts of Perth, Rockingham offers first homebuyers affordable entry level homes within walking distance of everything.

Homes in Rockingham Park for example can be bought for as little as $269,000 on the beach side of Read Street between the shopping precinct and the beach. Neighbouring beach-side developments have achieved prices well over half a million dollars.

Port Kennedy

Offering an ocean lifestyle, Port Kennedy has numerous four bedroom, two bathroom homes available for young working couples or those wanting to raise a family. Close to shops, schools, freeway entries and the new Mandurah train line, commuters are especially well served. Such homes, less than 10 years old, are readily available under $350,000.

Cooloongup

Cooloongup boasts an abundance of 1970s era, quality built, ex-defence housing and privately constructed homes averaging 700m² per block and priced under $300,000. Located within cycling / walking distance to public transport and the newly renovated and extensively expanded shopping centre, this is a prime location to raise a family while creating equity for the future.

Bertram

Kwinana in general is set to experience an estimated $11.5 billion of inward investment. This investment is made up of private and government funding and will include residential, industrial and commercial developments.

Bertram is a growing area and is very quickly becoming a community within a community, with the soon to be built shopping precinct featuring a doctors surgery, day care centres and and Bertram Primary School. New land being released at present in the ‘Parklands’, with Belgravia Central another growing area within walking distance to the Thomas Road rail line.

Medina

Medina has the cheapest housing in Western Australia, with prices starting from under $200,000. The average block size is 728 square metres, with some parts of Medina currently under a proposed rezoning to allow some future subdivision.

Medina is only 15 minutes from the major tourist attraction of Rockingham Beach foreshore and over the next 15 years, a number of major projects are planned for the Town of Kwinana. These collectively represent an estimated inward investment of $11.5 billion from private and government sectors. Development projects will span residential, industrial and commercial areas. the Perth CBD by rail.

Belmont

The Belmont Shire is only 5 to 10 km to the City, with the suburbs of Rivervale, Cloverdale, Redcliffe, Kewdale and Belmont offering the same dollar value as most outer-lying suburbs, but protected by the magic 10km radius to the city. Many listings in the $280,000 to $380,000 range have sold since the First Homebuyers Grant increase was introduced.

EASTERN REGION:

Kalamunda / Maida Vale

For the first homebuyer wanting a bit of space to move around, this area boasts a number of large block homes close to Kalamunda Village and local amenities, including doctors, dentists, the hospital, several schools (public and private), a swimming pool, numerous restaurants and cafes, and two hotels. It is close to both airports and less than 20 kilometres to Perth.

Three properties for sale under $500,000 in the area include: a four bedroom, two bathroom home on a 1036m2 block in Cotherstone Road; a three bedroom, two bathroom home on a 961m2 block in Armour Way; and a three bedroom, one bathroom home on a 989m2 block in Scenic Drive.

Bassendean

Bassendean is an ideal suburb for first homebuyers, with a variety of homes, duplexes and villas available for under $500,000. Just 10km from the Perth CBD, walking distance to train or bus, and a short stroll to the beautiful Swan River.

Forrestfield / High Wycombe

Both High Wycombe and Forrestfield offer great value to first home buyers, with facilities to suit young, growing families within easy reach. High Wycombe boasts a new shopping centre and three primary schools, while Forrestfield has a large shopping centre, serviced by both Coles and Woolworths. Forrestfield has several primary schools and one secondary school, with both areas serviced by bus routes to Midland, Cannington and Perth.

Cannington

Cannington is a designated major regional centre, providing good rail and public transport to the Perth CBD, two major shopping centres in Westfield Carousel and Bentley Plaza and close proximity to employment regions such as the Kewdale - Canning Vale industrial areas.

Price-wise, the location is very affordable for first home buyers, with new home and land packages complete for $407,000 and capital growth of 14 per cent over the last five years. It is also home to primary schools, high schools and colleges and the major Curtin University campus.

NORTHERN REGION:

Ballajura

Approximately 15 km to the city’s north and 13 km from the coast, Ballajura offers a central location that is still affordable to the first home buyer with a median house price of $394,000. It offers a wide range of schools, is on the border of the booming Malaga shopping district and boasts easy access to the stunning Swan Valley.

Wanneroo

Just 25 minutes from the City of Perth, Wanneroo is an established suburb that boasts “bigger sized blocks for your bucks!” First homebuyers can choose from older style homes to renovate, or buy in the new estates and enjoy all the creature comforts of brand new homes. There are plenty of homes and blocks to choose from under $400,000 and local facilities include a major shopping centre that is currently being upgraded.

Yokine

Yokine is just 7km from Perth City and is ideally situated for the first homebuyer. It provides excellent public transport options, good local shopping, higher education (Edith Cowen University) and east access to the coast just 10kms to the west. It has a good mix of units, villas and townhouses that fit into the first homebuyer price bracket and growth rates in the past have been exceptional. The closer to the city, the better the location.

Osborne Park

An ideal suburb for first homebuyers looking for good infrastructure and close proximity to the GPO. Osborne Park, Tuart Hill, Balcatta and Stirling are all in close in proximity to freeway accesses, various schools and medical facilities and major shopping centres. Their central locations make for fast and easy access to the city and coast. Many affordable opportunities do exist in these areas, with values reasonably stable and demand strong.

Mirrabooka

Mirrabooka is situated 10 km from the city, 10 km from the beach and provides easy airport access. There are still many affordable homes on good size blocks in the $320,000 to $400,000 price range. The suburb is surrounded by major shopping centres, government and private schools. It is a truly multi cultural suburb, with a huge rental demand.

Ocean Reef

Ocean Reef offers properties starting around the high $300,000-mark, up to the high $1 millions, providing something for all buyers.

The market for first homebuyers includes strata titled properties in the high $300,000-plus range. These are spacious properties on low maintenance blocks, usually in quiet locations. Most have two properties only on the title, so there are no strata fees or strata company to negotiate.

The coast is an area with high capital growth in a normal market and an abundance of amenities, including five schools, two shopping centres and Ocean Reef Boat Harbour. Ocean Reef is also a more affordable option than surrounding areas.

WESTERN REGION:

Mt Lawley

Boasting one of Perth’s most vibrant café strips and barely a 10 minute pushbike ride to the City, Mt Lawley offers an attractive proposition for the first homebuyer seeking a one or two bedroom unit. Indeed, two bedroom units can still be found for under $300,000 on Forest Street and the Avenues, with a number of villas available for around the $400,000 mark. The area is a stone’s throw from the City, with bus and train transport close at hand, along with schools and shopping amenities – perfect for young professionals.

Wembley

The ideal area for first homebuyers from the western suburbs who don’t want to fly too far from the nest. Units in Cambridge and Harborne Streets, as well as Herdsman Parade and surrounding areas, can still be picked up for under $300,000 for two bedrooms and less than $200,000 for one bedroom. Villas are priced between $350,000 - $450,000 and beyond. Close to the city, the beach, parklands and shopping, this is bargain western suburbs living at its best.

North Perth

North Perth still offers astute buyers some great bargain townhouses and villas for under $400,000 and two bedroom units for under $300,000. You can also find three bedroom houses in the $450,000 - $650,000 price range, but these are highly sought after. Again, a great location close to the city and all the amenites offered in the western suburbs.

West Perth

The best buys in West Perth are two bedroom units in the $320,000 - $380,000 range, with some properties in pockets of the suburbs selling for as little as $250,000. One bedroom units can be purchased for around $240,000 - $260,000, making it the ideal option for young professionals looking to set up house between the City and the café lifestyle that stretches down Hay Street to Subiaco.

REGIONAL AREAS:

Geraldton

Situated only 412kms North of Perth on the gateway to the magnificent Coral Coast, Geraldton has become a popular relocation destination. The city offers a good range of affordable housing under $300,000, has plentiful land supply and genuine boom-town potential; the perfect outlook for the first home buyer.

Geraldton offers a choice of public and private schools, a sound health system, regional TAFE, University assistance and major shopping facilities. It also provides many career opportunities in a diverse range of industries encompassing fishing, farming, tourism and mining.

Bunbury

Bunbury, the South West’s capital city, offers an enormous range of facilities, a great climate and solid employment prospects through developments at Worsley, Boddington, Bunbury and Collie. Affordable land is available from $120,000 per block and homes for under $300,000.

Capel

Centrally located between the major coastal centres of Busselton and Bunbury, Capel offers a real alternative in the South West, with fully serviced vacant lots available from $110,000.

This represents outstanding value in comparison with the substantially higher prices demanded in neighbouring locations. Providing the best of both worlds, Capel is a quiet country community, with a growing infrastructure to meet the influx of families moving to the area looking for the tree and sea change. Local and project home builders are well represented and can cater for the first homebuyer’s needs.

Collie

Collie offers very affordable land, with blocks starting from just $69,000 and plenty of affordable houses from $150,000 at an average of $250,000. Work is also plentiful, with two power stations and a $3 billion expansion of the Worsley Refinery.

Collie offers excellent education, medical and recreational facilities and is already supporting fly in, fly out families as a safe, friendly community. It is

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