IN our city

Perth is still one of the most liveable cities in the world and we’d like to keep it that way. Meet a group who want to make sure we’re prepared.

We may be one of the most isolated cities on the planet but there’s much to celebrate. While Perth can only get bigger, we must also make sure our city grows with a clear and united vision to make the most of our natural and human resources and our geographic location.

Committee for Perth argues creating the Perth of the future should be done in a smart, planned and co-ordinated way. We need strong transport, housing availability and affordability, a thriving cultural and arts scene and educated citizens. That way we will reap the benefits of the dynamism of a bigger city and continue to be residents of a city we love.

Started in 2006, Committee for Perth is an independently-funded, apolitical think tank of business leaders which advocates preserving the best things about Perth and encouraging smart planning for the challenges of tomorrow.

The group’s CEO, Marion Fulker, says Perth still ranks highly on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Liveability Index and they want to make sure it retains that mantle.

“We have to have a compelling reason for our citizens to stay and an international awareness about coming here in the first place,” she says. “We have a long-term interest in Perth and want to offer a collective vision for it. We want the world to know we are here and who we are. “Ultimately, we want a city which welcomes a variety of ages, genders and ethnicities to make a place that we all want to live in and not have people leave screaming, saying ‘I don’t think I’ll be back’.”

Originally from Sydney, Marion settled in Perth more than two decades ago. She has become a total convert to our lifestyle and sees so much of our future potential.

“Perth has a reputation for some things but many of them are not differentiated from other places. What is it about Perth when you are making a decision to come here that would compel you? That’s why we were founded.

“We all know it’s a great place to raise a family but there’s also economic opportunity and other things which make it liveable and vibrant plus globally competitive.”

While the group works with government and business, it also does intensive research on subjects benefiting the future of city planning like the possibility of a light rail system, local government reform, the Perth waterfront development (an artist’s impression is pictured on these pages) and a world centre for indigenous art and culture.

For example, Marion says many expanding modern cities have realised light rail is essential to smart rapid mass transport and have either implemented it or upgraded existing services.

Given the population of Perth is now around 1.66 million and the public transit infrastructure that was developed when the population was at 1.2 million is already straining under the weight, what will happen in 2050 when it’s anticipated the population will hit 3.5 million?

Marion welcomes the announcement of a light rail system being in the planning stages and says the already overcrowded railway lines are testament that West Australians will use efficient public transport.

“But success will quickly turn to failure if our public transit infrastructure fails to keep pace with growth and it’s evident the Joondalup line is already falling victim to a lack of continuous investment and improvement, less than 20 years after opening.

“The overcrowding of commuter trains and park and ride facilities that are full by 7.30am are all signs that public transit does not start and end with the construction of train lines. As a city we need to be on a path of continuous investment and improvement to keep pace with growth and not wait until our existing systems can no longer cope with demand.”

A Right Season to Sell – Is it a Fact or an Excuse?

Real estate agents have long debated and even advocated that there is a ‘right’ season to sell property, with some arguing that summer time is simply too busy and others arguing that homes don’t look their best in the midst of winter or buyers are distracted by the football season. While many WA agents advise potential sellers to defer selling until the Spring, there will always be people ready to act.

Seasons will influence those who are just window shopping at a property with no serious intention of buying, but there are always people out there who need to buy a new home regardless of the season. It’s these people we need to focus on.

While Perth has recently enjoyed some enjoyed some cooler temperatures, it has made no difference to properties the company has listed and sold. It is not about the weather it is about the craft marketing and selling that engages buyers regardless of the season.

It’s all about going into sell a home with the right strategy, the right focus and the right attitude. If someone believes it’s not the right season to sell then things are automatically off to a weak start.

WA real estate agents need to remember regardless of whether it’s the mythical ‘ideal season’ to sell or not, there will always be people ready to buy property and we just need to connect with them for our sellers and get the job done.

Humble Home Buyers

Realmark managing director John Percudani provides the following comment in light of Premier Colin Barnett’s views that first home owners need to take on a more modest approach in their home ownership expectations.

There appears to be a right of passage way of thinking among first home buyers, who believe they deserve or are expected to have the standard 4x2 home. But is this actually what they really need? Or are people buying into a social stereo type by buying the house that they think meets others expectations?

The fact of the matter is that many first home buyers cannot afford the homes that many of them are securing and as a result their lives are being put into disarray by being faced with a debt that they can not financially manage.

And this cost does not just stop at the mortgage payments. As many first home buyers quickly find out, it also involves the ongoing costs of maintaining a home, paying rates and energy. Even increased building costs relating to green considerations are increasing housing building costs with questionable returns.

The Federal Government’s first home buyer post GFC incentive merely distorted the market stability and lured buyers prematurely into the market resulting in more loan defaults further down the track.

As a society, Western Australia needs to make a change to the housing supply and the structure of homes to offer first home buyers something they can afford.

IN Wicked

Wicked makes its long-awaited arrival in Perth and brings with it a home-grown star.

When Lucy Durack left Perth to take up the sparkly role of Glinda in the musical Wicked, she was a WAAPA graduate with some solid national experience. Three years and more than 900 shows later, Lucy has become a bona fide Australian star.

Now, after such a successful national run, the award-winning musical comes to Perth next month. Wicked tells the story of the witches of Oz, long before Dorothy and Toto dropped into the picture and follows the unlikely friendship of Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.

“I am so excited the show is coming home,” says Lucy. “The role was something I wanted really badly so I was hoping it would run for a few months, but with what’s happened, of course I am thrilled. I got my wish and it has really let me sink my teeth into the role.”

Lucy’s skyrocketing profile has also opened up other opportunities including singing at an AFL Grand Final, Flemington and one of the big Christmas carol concerts.

“I feel extremely fortunate that I ended up in a huge show that has been around for a long run and that I have been able to go with it and have a great time.”

The actress, who now lives in Sydney, considers herself blessed to have also had a character with so many dimensions to explore for a long run.

“She’s not all bubblegum pop and not just funny,” says Lucy of Glinda, who has almost become her alter ego. “She has a great emotional journey each show and the character expands which is what makes it really interesting. I’m still finding out new things about Glinda. No matter what kind of day you are having, there’s always a bit of her character you can use as a cathartic experience.”

While she makes as many visits back home to Perth as possible, Lucy says when she’s here, she always has to indulge in her favourite local activities. Top of the list includes shopping in Fremantle plus window shopping and the odd purchase in King Street. Lucy virtually grew up on Trigg Beach, so she makes sure she spends some serious time along the coast, close to the water and goes swimming at Leighton Beach.

With her family having recently moved to Subiaco, Lucy is planning some long lunches at local eateries and can’t wait to check out the newly revamped Boulevard Hotel and the new Clancy’s in City Beach.

Wicked starts it’s Perth season on June 19 at Burswood Theatre with evening and matinee performances. Tickets from Ticketek.