LandCorp’s new Buckingham Way estate will cover 39.7 hectares with an average lot size of 764sqm.

Three grouped housing sites are also planned, said Lands Minister Brendon Grylls, unveiling the plans in the Collie Shire Council chamber today (February 2).

LandCorp business manager Peter McNally said sustainability initiatives would be developed to deliver water and energy efficiencies to the new homes.

LandCorp had also secured a 200ha offset property to ensure protection of regional black cockatoo habitat.

“Rehabilitation of 30ha of vegetation is a prerequisite to developing the site, under the requirements of the Country Area Water Supply Act 1947,” Mr McNally said.

LandCorp, the Department of Environment and Conservation and Department of Water are now developing a rehabilitation plan.

The Buckingham Way plan includes a significant amount of retained bushland and well-connected public open spaces.

About 20 per cent of the 39.7ha estate will be reserved as bushland conservation areas.

Collie shire president Wayne Sanford said new homes were critical to meeting the town’s growth and economic development.

“The plans have a strong focus on attracting and retaining jobs in Collie to support economic growth,” Cr Sanford said.

“Council is working with LandCorp and the community to drive investment in Collie.

“This is an exciting time for our town with so many projects such as Buckingham Way emerging as a result of the Government’s focus on helping regional communities grow,” Cr Sanford said.

The community can provide further feedback direct to the shire council during the public comment period, which closes Monday, February 27.

LandCorp will hold a public information evening at the Margaretta Wilson Centre in Collie on Wednesday, February 15.

* More in next week’s Collie Mail.