WITH Perth’s population expected to double within 50 years, the state needs a strategic, long-term plan for where people will live, according to the Urban Development Institute of Australia (WA). The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Perth’s population will reach 2.5 million within the next half century. UDIA WA chief executive Debra Goostrey said local governments needed to be better prepared for a population expansion. “While the government has shown some leadership in this area with the introduction of the Network City strategy, planning for future growth often takes a back seat to more immediate policy issues. Strategic planning must be a major priority on the state and local government agenda,” Ms Goostrey said