THE firm behind the overarching plan that will help guide Perth’s suburban residential, retail and commercial development over the next 20 years has received a national Planning Institute of Australia Award for planning excellence.
Property, research and strategic consulting group MacroPlan Australia received the prize for its urban planning document ‘Activity Centres for Perth and Peel’.
The PIA said the plan, if successful, would place Perth at the forefront of the redevelopment of urban infill centres across Australia.
MacroPlan managing director Brian Haratsis said economists played a key role in developing the policy, which integrates core planning issues relating to sustainability, transport, urban consolidation, urban design and place making.
“In light of the resources boom currently under way, and projected population growth for Perth, developing a sustainable and liveable plan was of utmost importance,” Mr Haratsis said.
“The Western Australian Department of Planning should be congratulated for encouraging development of a policy that will support growth and allow for economic development and growth in key activity centres.
“The PIA award is proof economists do make good planners,” he said.
