DEBATE over Perth’s social and economic development usually focuses on big transformational projects like the proposed city foreshore development, but there is a lot to be gained from also looking at smaller, even community projects. Two recent developments have shed light on the opportunities for making Perth a better, more vibrant city tuned in to its community. One is Sculpture by the Sea, which has been outstandingly successful since being launched four years ago. The second is the establishment at my local primary school of a growers market, which has also been a great success. You might say that is hardly a city building project, and it isn’t, but it is certainly a community building development. These examples illustrate in very different ways the potential to bring new concepts and ideas to Western Australia, if only people are given half a chance. They show that, while we need to plan for big ‘top-down’ projects like the foreshore development and Northbridge Link, it is equally important that the state steps aside so that enterprising individuals and groups can pursue their visions.