Political and industry leaders discuss WA's future

Political and industry leaders came together last week to discuss the future of planning and design in Western Australia at the Built Environment Meets Parliament (BEMP) forum.

Media identity James Lush facilitated an engaging discussion between the audience and panellists that touched on a range of issues, including Perth’s identity and development a clear vision for the future, transport and infrastructure, and building sustainable, liveable communities.

Panellist John Daley, Chief Executive Officer of the Grattan Institute, said that many of the current challenges that Perth is facing are the same as faced by other large cities in Australia and around the developed world.

“One of the things that strikes me is that Perth’s challenges are not unique.  The growth of jobs in the city centre while most of the new housing is being created on the fringes is not uncommon in large cities,” he said.

The Hon John Day, Minister for Planning, Culture and the Arts, said that one of the greatest challenges is meeting the needs of Perth’s growing population in a manner that maintains its remarkable qualities.

“As a government, we are responding to this challenge by making plans that will facilitate the delivery of increased housing density and diversity through high-quality, well-located infill development.  This will allow us to accommodate a significant proportion of our future population in existing urban areas,” he said.

“We are also undertaking innovative development projects in partnership with the private sector which demonstrate what can be achieved through the revitalisation of the under-utilised parts of our city, including the Perth City Link.”

Initiating the forum for the first time in WA, host organisations the Australian Institute of Architects, Planning Institute of Australia and Green Building Council of Australia look forward to continuing the conversation between parliamentarians and industry leaders to help shape the future of our state.