PropertyESP recently attended the Perth Cities Summit co-ordinated by John Carey Member for Perth. With over 350 people in attendance, everyone was seated randomly and provided with 35 ideas that had been derived from the previous workshops hosted in Northbridge, East Perth and West Perth.
These ideas included a variety of themes which aligned with PropertyESP’s agenda including:
- Revitalise Heirisson Island as an indigenous cultural hub
- Create Renew Perth to activate vacant properties
- Ensure a full year long events and activation plan for the City
- Establish the role of Night Czar or Mayor to drive night time economy
- Facilitate the construction of a cable car from Elizabeth Quay to Kings Park
- Cut red tape around use of the Swan River to create more life and vibrancy
- Establish Perth as a canopy city
- Abolish al fresco and street activation fees for small business
However at the end of the session the top five areas which the attendees chose included:
- Partner with Noongar people to recognise indigenous culture and history in the City (33%)
- Establish Perth as a canopy city (21%)
- Create Renew Perth to activate vacant properties (19%)
- Set an ambitious population target backed by innovative planning (17.8%)
- Establish Perth with clear community precincts backed with precinct planning (9.2%)
While the final results have not been released – it was clear from a number of people on our table, and the panel, that there was a need for action rather than ongoing planning which only ultimately creates inaction.
And as Marion Faulkner from Committee of Perth stated, we as a city need to embrace a state of mind that is can-do.
The fact is, 350 people attended a session on a Saturday morning because we are passionate about change – and change for the better. But in fact all of us need to now invest in our City – if not with financial contributions then at least our energy.
And now is the premium time with the suite of infrastructure projects that will be delivered in 2018.
PropertyESP urges the people of Perth to no longer be passive – but rather passionate about how Perth can grow – and how we can catalyst change. The question is – are you up for the challenge?
PropertyESP 