Published on Thursday, 11 December 2025 at 10:58:57 AM
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale has endorsed the National Growth Areas Alliance’s (NGAA) Beyond Bricks report, which reinforces the need for timely, coordinated infrastructure investment to support the State’s fastest-growing community.
The report highlights that coordinated development in Mundijong cannot progress without essential enabling infrastructure, particularly infill sewer works within the historic townsite.
While new residential estates will proceed on former farming land surrounding the townsite, the absence of a government commitment to infill sewer risks leaving the original townsite behind, as development cannot occur without this critical infrastructure.
Covering almost 180 hectares but containing only around 460 lots, the townsite represents significant untapped housing potential. With infill sewer, the Shire estimates the area could support nearly 2,500 additional homes - an important opportunity at a time when Australia faces a national housing shortage.
The Beyond Bricks report also highlights the urgent upgrades needed to Mundijong Road, which remains one of the Shire’s key advocacy priorities. Mundijong Road is the main east west route linking Byford, future industrial areas and the Mundijong townsite, and it is carrying increasing amounts of commuter and freight traffic.
With AUKUS expected to drive further defence related industry and supply chain activity across the region, including new AUKUS housing planned in Mundijong, the corridor’s importance will continue to grow.
Without coordinated investment from State and Federal governments to improve safety and plan for future demand, the network will struggle to support new housing, industry expansion and the needs of a growing number of residents. The Shire continues to press for the road to be taken over by the State Government, to keep pace with population and economic growth.
The Shire’s leadership in this space was recently recognised at the NGAA Awards at Parliament House in Canberra, where it received the Leadership in Growth Area Local Government award.
The award acknowledged the Shire as a “high performing, high impact team” providing strong leadership through a period of accelerated growth, while balancing immediate local needs with long-term planning.
Shire President Rob Coales accepted the award from NGAA Chair Terresa Lynes, Mayor of Gosnells.
As Western Australia’s fastest-growing local government area, the Shire continues to advocate for equitable infrastructure investment so current and future residents can access the services, liveability and opportunities expected of a modern, fast-developing community.
More information on the Beyond Bricks report is available at ngaa.org.au.
Comments attributable to Shire President Rob Coales:
“The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale welcomes the NGAA’s Beyond Bricks report, which puts the challenges facing fast-growing communities on the national agenda.
“The findings reflect the reality here in Serpentine Jarrahdale. Mundijong’s historic townsite alone could deliver thousands of new homes, yet progress is stalled due to the absence of infill sewer servicing the 460 lots within the area.
“Addressing this gap would unlock almost 180 hectares of land capable of accommodating around 2,500 homes in the short term.
“People continue to choose Serpentine Jarrahdale for its lifestyle, open spaces and strong sense of community. They deserve infrastructure that grows with them.
“The Shire appreciates the work of the NGAA in championing high-growth areas and acknowledges the ongoing contributions of local developers, community groups and residents who support our advocacy.
“Together, we can attract businesses to grow and thrive, increasing opportunities for local employment.”
Comments attributable to NGAA Chief Executive Bronwen Clark
“As an emerging growth area undergoing widespread transformation, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale must be commended for its proactive leadership in navigating complex planning, development and infrastructure funding challenges.
“The National Growth Areas Alliance is proud to advocate on behalf of Serpentine Jarrahdale and commends the Shire’s openness to collaboration and new approaches that unlock housing and jobs.
“We are here to support the Shire as it works under considerable pressure to deliver major housing projects that are a vital contribution to solving Australia’s housing crisis.”
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