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.”