The West Australian

Lisa Holland-McNair explores a master-planned community south of Bunbury in her series on the winners of the 2019 Urban Development Institute of Australia awards for excellence.

Beachfront access, 50ha of parks connected by bike paths and walking trails, as well as its own piece of preserved tuart forest all combined to help Dalyellup Beach Estate win the Masterplanned Development category.

Dalyellup Beach Estate by Satterley Property Group and the Department of Communities is in the Shire of Capel, just south of Bunbury, and will eventually cater for 11,000 people in a 3500-home residential subdivision. It opened in 1999 and judges felt the estate had stood the test of time to become an integral part of greater Bunbury.

“It is providing residents with a coastal lifestyle serviced by a well-planned town centre that has become the focal point for the community,” the judges said.

“It’s obvious the project team had a strong vision for Dalyellup Beach Estate from the outset which has helped it weather several market cycles.

“The ability to adapt to changing market needs, including providing a greater diversity of housing choices, has also ensured continued success.”

Satterley’s vision included 14 per cent of designated open space within the estate comprising landscaped parks, playgrounds, exercise equipment, regional space and conservation areas.

“There is an impressive level of open space, bike and walking trails along with conservation of the Tuart forest, which provides a pleasant place for residents to call home,” the judges said.

Satterley chief executive Nigel Satterley said Dalyellup Beach was a prime example of the success a meticulously designed, master-planned community could achieve, best shown through the positive community and lifestyle its residents enjoyed every day.

“It is important to us that we cater for those who wish to live the wonderful regional lifestyle, but still enjoy the benefits of a master-planned community,” he said.