Committee for Perth

• transit oriented development. 
• focusing higher density development around transit stations – either existing or new.
• the Knowledge Arc Light Rail concept.
• transforming Perth to a multi-modal city and decreasing our car dependency.

We believe that:

• development of new public transit networks such as light rail will create opportunities for Perth of the future.
• long term public transport planning for Perth must allow for more people to live, work and play closer to home as well as have the ability to move easily through the suburbs.
• TOD will create opportunities for increased densities without exacerbating traffic problems and it will provide housing choices in locations which are desirable.
• there are considerable environmental and sustainable positive outcomes from TOD development. The increased residential densities around transit nodes and the emphasis on mixed land use to provide local employment opportunities would work to reduce dependence on cars and offer residents lower greenhouse gas emissions and a reduction in the percentage of household income needed for daily commutes. 
• the Knowledge Arc Light Rail concept will provide a long term strategic cross-linkage solution to major institutions and transport nodes from Canning Bridge to Curtin University, Technology Park, Victoria Park, central points in the City, through to West Perth, QEII and the University of Western Australia.
• light rail option serves residents and visitors alike.

We demonstrate our commitment by:

• writing to Minister for Transport in support of the Knowledge Arc Light Rail
• preparing our Reshaping working group to submit a response to A Strategy for Mass Transit in Perth when it is released
• convening the meetings of stakeholders within the catchment of the Knowledge Arc Light Rail project to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach to securing commitment and funding.

Position updated July 2010

Local Government Structural Reform

The Committee for Perth maintains a strong focus on this issue as we believe that the current fragmented system of local government in the Perth metropolitan region is hindering the potential to achieve our vision for the future of Perth.  The need for reform in this area has been acknowledge by our Reforming Working Group, which is responsible for developing initiatives to progress the deregulation of government policies that negatively impact on the liveability issues of our city.

We are supportive of:

• structural reform of local government.
• the appropriate amalgamation of local authorities within the Perth metropolitan based on a detailed assessment of local authority service delivery and cost of service to identify the optimal local authority size and structure.
• a formal mechanism for regional co-operation governance.

We believe that:

• the current fragmented system of local government in the metropolitan region is hindering the potential to achieve our vision.  
• in order to effectively compete with other metropolitan regions throughout the world, the Perth metropolitan region needs to be formally organised to explicitly serve the purposes of the region in pursuit of attracting and retaining skilled resources and economic development.  
• a mechanism for formal regional cooperation would benefit Perth by allowing for an integrated vision and strategy for the region as well as policy consistency and integrated planning.  It would also provide a united voice for the promotion of Perth as a globally competitive economic centre and as a tourism location for world class facilities and events.  
• amalgamation of local authorities would help address issues of urban sprawl.
• local government amalgamation and regional co-operation mechanisms would  minimise the economic segregation of neighbourhoods.  
• there is currently too much variance in local government in the Perth metropolitan region which hinders potential inter-council co-operation.

We demonstrate our commitment by:

• commissioning independent research into successful national and international local government models.
• lobbying on this issue through our Reforming Working Group.
• preparing a submission to government supporting the case for structural reform.

Position developed September 2009

Perth Waterfront Development

We are committed to focusing on this development until completion as it is fundamental to the advancement of our vision for Perth and the outcomes of such a development aligns with many of our goals.  This issue is central to much of the focus of both our Reshaping and Revitalising Working Groups who will drive our activities with regard to this project.

We are supportive of: 

• an iconic waterfront development, which will ‘define’ our city. 
• a multi-use development that includes a public meeting place, hospitality, commercial and residential spaces. 
• the establishment of a centre for Indigenous arts and culture within the waterfront precinct.

We believe that: 

• this project will provide additional employment opportunities and attract more workers to Perth. 
• it will confirm Perth as an energetic and world-class city. 
• there must be collaboration between the Government and the private sector when planning and developing this project. 
• the development of our waterfront will build on Perth’s reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities and firmly place us on the international stage. 

We demonstrate our commitment by:

• registering our support for the Waterfront Development proposals via a media release.
• surveying our members on the 2008 proposal for the development and providing those results to the then Government.
• liaising with the Chairman of the Waterfront Taskforce via our CEO and Reshaping and Revitalising Working Groups.
• providing relevant research information to the Waterfront Taskforce gathered by our research on World Indigenous Cultural Centres.

Position updated September 2009

World Centre for Indigenous Culture

We believe that this issue warrants our attention due to its prominence as a recommendation of A Cultural Compact for Western Australia.  It also falls within the scope of focus of our Revitalising Working Group who are committed to catalysing activity and developing initiatives that utilise arts and culture to increase the vibrancy of Perth.

We are supportive of:

• the creation of a world centre for Indigenous Culture in Perth.
• the government’s intention to include a major civic building as part of the Perth Waterfront Development created specifically to celebrate Aboriginal art and culture.
• all moves to further the celebration of indigenous culture, with specific focus on the first people of Perth – the Noongars.

We believe that:

• the centre should celebrate the history and vitality of indigenous people from across the globe by creating a dynamic, interactive, multifaceted place where Indigenous people can come together and do the cultural business of engaging each other and the broader community in sharing culture.
• the centre could be developed in three stages: 1) Living Noongar Cultural Centre; 2) Western Australian Centre for Aboriginal Arts and Culture and 3)World Centre for Indigenous Culture.
• consultation, collaboration and inclusion of the Noongar people at each stage of the development process is fundamental to its success.
• cultural spaces should be created by community people to reflect and respond to their own experiences and it would not be acceptable to Noongar people to have ‘culture’ showcased and commercialised to meet the needs of non-Indigenous consumers without meeting the needs of those to whom the culture belongs.
• such a centre would draw the attention of a worldwide audience and enhance tourism opportunities in Western Australia.  There is no known precedent for a World Centre for Indigenous Culture so Perth would be developing something truly unique.
• the opportunity to view rarely seen private collection of indigenous art and artefacts will create unique experiences for our citizens and visitors.

We demonstrate our commitment by:

• canvassing the issue of a World Centre for Indigenous Culture during the research for A Cultural Compact for Western Australia and publishing the findings in that report.
• engaging Dr Richard Walley, OAM to undertake research on our behalf relating to the celebration of indigenous culture with the Noongar community.
• supporting this initiative through our Revitalising Working Group.

Position updated September 2009

Deregulation of Retail Trading Hours 

The Committee for Perth maintains a strong focus on this issue as it is crucial to enhancing the liveability and attractiveness of Perth both as a place of residence and as a tourist destination.  The need for reform in this area has caught the attention of our Reforming Working Group, which is responsible for developing initiatives to progress the deregulation of government policies that negatively impact on our vision for the future of Perth.

We are supportive of:

• the deregulation of trading hours in the Perth metropolitan area.
• allowing general retail shops in that area the ability to trade until 9pm on weeknights if they chose to.
• the premise that deregulated retail trading hours will provide a retail environment that better caters for changes in urban lifestyles particularly for young families and working couples.

We believe that:

• the current restrictions on retail trading hours is an impediment to metropolitan vibrancy and consumer choice.
• recent economic and demographic transition has caused a need for re-examination of the current retail trading regulations.
• Western Australia is a service-based economy and retail trade is a key contributor to this sector.
• the deregulation of trading hours could prove to be central in creating a social environment which would assist in attracting overseas and interstate workers and families to the state.
• extension of trading hours will provide immediate economic benefits that will be felt across multiple sectors.
• the Tourism industry within Western Australia would be boosted by the deregulation of retail trading.
• many of the arguments against deregulation are unsubstantiated.
• deregulation of retail trading hours is only part of a reform agenda that should also include the rights of retailers to trade on Sundays.

We demonstrate our commitment by:

• jointly funding the Retail Trading Hours in Western Australia paper developed by CCIWA in 2007.
• highlighting the need for reform on this issue in our publication, A Cultural Compact for Western Australia, the 10 year challenge.
• conducting an on line poll which showed that 94% of our members are supportive of extended weekday trading until 9pm.
• jointly funding a viral campaign with CCIWA that allowed voters to email their local member of parliament in support of the proposed deregulation – www.choiceatthecheckout.com.au. As of 20 October more than 16,000 emails have been sent.
• lobbying on the issue through our Reforming Working Group.

Position updated October 2009

Youth Arts Hub

As a key recommendation of A Cultural Compact for Western Australia, we are firmly committed to the development of this project. It also falls within the scope of focus of our Revitalising Working Group who are committed to catalysing activity and developing initiatives that will utilise arts and culture to increase the vibrancy of Perth.

We are supportive of:

• the development of a Youth Arts Hub to allow for the inspiration and connection of young artists to each other and the wide world of arts.

We believe that:

• such a cluster of youth arts activities will create endless possibilities for emerging local artists of all forms.
• a physical centre is important to foster a responsive, innovative, dynamic and iconic youth arts scene where anything is possible.
• the Heritage listed Baird Building in the 140 William Street precinct is an ideal location for such a youth arts centre through its proximity to both the city and cultural precinct.  It would be accessible to all and add value to the development of Northbridge and the Cultural Precinct.
• investment in a Youth Arts Hub will ensure that Perth can better engage and retain young West Australian talent by ensuring they are an active part of the city.
• Propel Youth Arts is strategically placed to be able to take this recommendation forward.

We demonstrate our commitment by:

• supporting this initiative through our Revitalising Working Group.
• working with a number of arts bodies in order to undertake research required for this concept to be progressed.

Position updated August 2010

City Vibrancy Regional Liveability 

This is a fundamental issue that goes right to the core of the vision, mission and purpose of the Committee for Perth.  Elements of the debate fall within the focus of each of our three working groups – Reforming, Reshaping and Revitalising – and they are actively committed to achieving the changes required to bring the Perth of the future inline with our vision. 

We are supportive of: 

• the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia’s Perth Vibrancy and Regional Liveability Discussion Paper. 
• the necessity to attract more human capital. 
• the development of a vision for greater Perth so as to provide numerous intergenerational legacies. 
• the role of small business in adding to the vibrancy of Perth by activating the city at street level and providing niche offerings. 
• the need for the deregulation of retail trading hours. 
• a streamlined approvals system so that businesses, both small and large, can be responsive to market conditions and opportunities. 
• the need to benchmark the liveability of Perth and to measure our global competitiveness. 

We believe that: 

• Perth should be able to demonstrate a legacy from periods of economic growth and one way of achieving this is through the provision of world-class infrastructure and services. 
• Government needs to provide the certainty that the private sector requires in order for investment funds to flow. 
• in order to achieve international acclaim, Perth needs to have an active arts and cultural sector that is supported in terms of development, financial assistance, and facilities with a focus on the celebration of Indigenous culture. 
• Perth needs to maximize economic opportunity, which is as much about a vibrant capital as it is about a highly liveable city – a place that is safe, welcoming and tolerant as well as entrepreneurial and creative. 
• Perth needs to stop looking east and create a place for Perth in the world and, importantly, with our near neighbours. 
• with cities competing globally for resources, Perth needs to be a ‘city of choice’ as much as for the career and work opportunities on offer as the unique lifestyle elements it can provide. 

We demonstrate our commitment by:

• our vision, mission and purpose statements.  The Committee for Perth operates entirely out of a function to increase city vibrancy and regional liveability.
• the establishment of our working groups which focus independently on lobbying and pursing issues relating to reformation, revitalisation and reshaping of Perth and the greater metropolitan area.
• making public the findings of our FACTBase research, undertaken jointly with University of Western Australia. 

Position developed July 2008

 Tourism Strategy

Enhancing tourism opportunities and experiences within WA is in line with the activities of our Revitalising and Reshaping Working Groups as well as our vision for Perth. We continue to drive activity around these issues through our Board and Working Groups.

We are supportive of: 

• the creation of a long term vision for tourism in Perth and the state that will guide the funding and development of tourist offerings. 
• the development of authentic and unique experiences. 
• a flexible approach that will respond and adapt to changing tourism needs. 
• Perth being marketed as a tourist destination in its own right coupled with it being marketed as a gateway to the regions. 
• the industry and its practices to be more sustainable. 
• iconic buildings that complement the Perth skyline. 

We demonstrate our commitment by:

• continued close liaison with Tourism WA via our Director, Kate Lamont and our Revitalising Working Group.

Position updated June 2009