Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has publicly voiced his significant frustration with the prolonged delays plaguing the high-profile EQWest apartment and hotel development at Perth's Elizabeth Quay.
Premier's Direct Call to Action
Speaking on Monday, Premier Cook did not mince words regarding the stalled skyscraper project, which has been under construction since 2019. He described the prime waterfront location as a "world class piece of real estate" and stated that West Australians deserve to see it finished.
"It's time for the developer to just get on with it and finish it," Mr Cook asserted. He highlighted the missed opportunities, including residential, hospitality, and hotel capacity, due to the slow progress.
A History of Delays and Disputes
The EQWest project, led by developer Victor Goh and his company CA Corporation, has been mired in speculation for months. Observers have noted minimal activity on the site, compounded by legal battles with contractors.
Despite DevelopmentWA—the State authority overseeing the precinct—claiming last week that the apartment tower was "completed," the adjacent hotel remains visibly unfinished. The situation is further complicated by delays at the proposed commercial tower next door on Lot 4.
DevelopmentWA confirmed that CA Corporation had been granted a one-year extension to begin construction on Lot 4.
Ongoing Scrutiny and Developer Silence
While the Premier confirmed he has not personally spoken with Mr Goh about the delays, The West Australian revealed that DevelopmentWA officials conducted a site tour in mid-2025. This indicates ongoing government scrutiny of the project's status.
As of Monday, Victor Goh did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Premier's statements or the project's future timeline. The continued silence from the developer adds to the uncertainty surrounding one of Perth's most prominent waterfront developments.
The call from the state's leader places significant public pressure on the developer to resolve the issues and expedite completion, finally delivering the long-awaited project to the city.
