The first house blocks in Homestead Ridge were sold in 1987.
In the early years, there were a lot of burglaries and other crimes, so local residents formed a vigilante group. This reduced the crime rate, but residents, on advice from the police, decided that a progress association was a more appropriate organisation to represent their needs.
At a meeting held in Coachman Court on Sunday the 25 October 1992, the Homestead Ridge Progress Association (HRPA) was formed. Approximately 40 people attended this meeting and voted unanimously for the formation of the HRPA.
MISSION
The objectives set at the inaugural meeting were as follows:
- To promote the interest and involvement in the preservation and development of Homestead Ridge.
- To represent the membership on any issues or complaints relevant to (i) above, which the Committee deems worthy.
- To present to Council, relevant requests, complaints and recommendations on behalf of the membership.
- To confer with Local Government Councilors on matters of concern to the Homestead Ridge community.
- To promote the aims of the Association and, where it is deemed of mutual interest, to work with other Associations having similar objectives, and
- To diligently pursue better community conditions in Homestead Ridge.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS:
Creation of Wellard Park- Formerly a quarry known as the Mason Mews Sandpit. It took several years to achieve this. The official name Wellard Park has been approved by the Geographic Naming Committee.
Changing suburban boundary so that Homestead Ridge was moved from Leda to Wellard (1996)
Installation of a footpath and traffic calming devices in Homestead Drive.
Successfully lobbied for the provision of large (1500 square metre) blocks along the interface of Homestead Ridge and the Village at Wellard, to provide a transition between the two residential densities.
Protection of some of these larger lots when developers asked the Council to reduce block sizes around the end of Spinner Lane (2010/2011).
Involved in the formation of the 400 hectare Leda Nature Reserve in the early 1990’s.
Asked the WA Planning Commission to fence the portion of Bush Forever lot 349, between the Village at Wellard and Wheelwright/Silversmith/Blacksmith residences.
Supported the provision of the playground equipment in Wellard Park.
Asked the Council to install the barbecue in Wellard Park (2011).
Requested a change to Town Planning Scheme No 2 enabling Homestead Ridge residents to apply for exemption under the Dog Act to keep more than 2 dogs on a property in Homestead Ridge.
Supported the Council in opposing the building of a rubbish tip (for other councils to use) on Water Corporation land near the Spectacles.
Obtained a $10,000 grant for weed control and revegetation in local reserves, as well as provision of cockatoo nest boxes and treatment of trees to increase their health and reduce the effects of dieback and climate change (2012).
Decided to apply for grants to purchase land at the north-western end of Bollard Bulrush swamp, to preserve the land as a nature reserve. Unfortunately, on the day that this decision was made, the land was purchased by another party. The HRPA will keep in close contact with the Council and relevant Government departments regarding any future plans for this land.
Held meetings with planners and developers involved in the residential development of the south-western part of Bollard Bulrush swamp, and put in a submission to the Council about the scheme. This is the area where the old house and dairy once stood.
Ongoing attendance at quarterly meetings with Peet and Co, the developers of the Village at Wellard, for at least 10 years.
Keeping residents informed of local issues through production and delivery of a free quarterly newsletter, continuously since 1995.
Holding monthly committee meetings, every month.
Taking part in the Kwinana Christmas Lolly Run.
The setting up of the HRPA Facebook page in January 2011.
The committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. The meeting on average is about 1 hour. Any resident of Homestead Ridge is welcome to attend this meeting.