Perth has evolved into a surprisingly well planned city despite lacking a town planner, says WA Chinese Chamber of Commerce vice president and trade committee chairman Roger Kwok.
“There has been rapid development in Perth in the past 15 years. It’s not just a CBD and life is successfully being inject-ed back into the city centre,” he said.
“I would like to see the City of Perth continue to have a strong residential and business community, retaining its openness and friendliness — a city where everyone can live and work in security and prosperity.
“But I think the addition of a town plan or the appointment of a town planner is necessary.
“At the moment, Perth is developing on an ad hoc basis and we need more focus — more of an idea of our long-term vision — in order to become the vibrant city we can be.
“Another aspect of my vision for Perth is a balanced approach to managing the city environment and crime. As we become more urban, we need to make sure Perth is without slums.
“I’m not just saying ‘law and order’ as an electioneering buzzword — reducing and preventing crime is not just a matter of putting more police on the streets.”
Mr Kwok said Perth was uniquely well placed to reap the benefits of an end to the Asian economic crisis “which is merely a matter of time”.
“We have a wonderfully multicultural society in this state and we should make the most of our position as ‘gateway to Asia’,” he said.
