THE Property Council’s initiative for the reform of central Perth’s ad hoc and often controversial planning processes is expected to become a reality in the near future.
Planning Minister Graham Kierath is expected to announce a committee to oversee planning and development in Perth.
Momentum for the move was generated by the report titled Capital City Co-ordination for the 21st Century which the Property Council produced earlier this year.
It showed Perth was falling behind other capital cities in its ability to structure a co-operative and workable planning environment relevant to all key stakeholders.
President of the Property Council in WA Mr Brett Wilkins said: “Over 14 per cent of WA’s workforce works in Perth city. Perth has been sadly neglected as THE major economic powerhouse in this State.
“Commercial property owners, represented by the Property Council, contribute 91 per cent of the City of Perth’s general rates revenue.
“For at least twenty years there have been difficulties in aligning State, Council and stakeholder interests, opinions, funds and energies.
“We have now identified a workable structure and the beauty of it is that it does not require new legislation to make it possible,” Mr Wilkins said.
