Western Australia's newest MP, David Honey, has used his opening address to Parliament to criticise efforts to introduce higher density housing in his electorate of Cottesloe.
Dr Honey suggested that Rockingham or Fremantle would be better suited for new high-rise or apartment developments rather than his safe Liberal seat.
"It is very difficult to see on what basis the planning commission can justify the pursuit of high-density development and infill housing in my electorate," he said.
"It seems clear that the West Australian Planning Commission and some enthusiastic developers should look further south to Fremantle and Rockingham to increase residential density.
"Cottesloe is already doing more than its fair share."
Dr Honey pointed out 43 per cent of dwellings in Cottesloe could currently be classified as medium or high-density living.
He compared this to Premier Mark McGowan's safe Labor seat of Rockingham, where medium and high-density housing make up 21 per cent of dwellings.
Dr Honey's speech went on to list public safety in the southern part of Mosman Park, unfinished cycle paths and traffic from school drop-offs as concerns for his electorate, before revisiting high-density housing.
He said beachfront development — particularly on Marine Parade between Forrest Street and Grant Street — could damage the tourism potential of the electorate.
"Whatever short-term gains some developments might offer for a few, they would degrade the amenity of the area and would reduce its potential for the majority of users," he said.
"Allowing Gold Coast-style high-rise on the beachfront would substantially diminish the attractiveness of this area for residents and visitors alike, including tourists.
"Allowing development to occur ad hoc with ongoing special exemptions on plot density and building height would lead to a loss of opportunity to develop a world class tourist destination, which could generate significant jobs and create wealth into the future."
More urban infill would save WA billions, council says
It comes as the City of Fremantle prepares to make submissions today to the House Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities calling for the costs of fringe urban development to be made explicit.
A spokesman for the City said its research showed the State Government forks out roughly $150,000 to provide infrastructure for every new lot in outer developments.
He said this compared with $55,000 for infill developments.
"By extension, WA taxpayers are paying $94.5 million for every thousand homes built on the fringe of Perth," said the spokesman.
"A return to a 60 per cent density target, from the current 47 per cent — the lowest in Australia — would save WA $23 billion to 2050."
"It's enough for nine new Fiona Stanley hospitals, or the entire MAX light rail project 12 times over."
Committee chairman John Alexander said low density development on the fringes of existing communities continued to occur around the country despite the well known benefits of infill.
"The committee is very focussed on uncovering the barriers to a more compact urban form and effective solutions," he said.
"A business as usual approach to urban development will not resolve significant issues such as traffic congestion and spatial inequality.
"It is simply not good enough."
Housing Minister Peter Tinley unveiled on Wednesday a joint venture between the State Government and developers to trial 80 square metre "Micro Lots" in Ellenbrook as a potential solution to housing affordability in Perth.