Planning the future

MORE than 1,000 Perth residents attended the State Government’s ‘Dialogue with the City’ last week to create a planning vision that will guide Perth’s future growth and development for the next two decades.

Comprised of community members, key stakeholders, government agency representatives, environmentalists and academics, the event was touted to be the biggest ever community consultation exercise of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

In his opening address, Premier Geoff Gallop said Perth’s population and economic growth rates were among the highest in Australia and that this growth was placing pressure on infrastructure, resources and environment.

By 2031 the metropolitan population of Perth is expected to reach 2.2 million, with more than 760,000 new residents and 375,000 new homes on current levels.

Dr Gallop said it was important to find ways to meet the needs of current and future generations through environmental protection, social advancement and economic prosperity.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the forum would examine some of the issues confronting the highly dispersed city, and discuss the question of how government should manage future growth and development.

“It will help to provide insight into people’s views on issues such as transport alternatives, housing densities, residential development and the environment,” she said.

Ms McTiernan said feedback would be used to inform guidelines, policies and a strategic plan that would focus on making Perth the world’s most liveable city.