Perth is more likely to accept apartment development to house the growing population compared to other cities, according to a national poll.
The My City: The People’s Verdict survey of 5231 people in all capital cities was undertaken by Auspoll for the Property Council. It showcases Australian attitudes about the liveability of our cities and government performance in urban policy.
Overall Perth rated equal third with Melbourne for liveability, behind Adelaide and Canberra.
Perth residents were more likely to support, rather than oppose, a series of housing developments to support population growth, including:
- The conversion of old industrial sites to apartments and townhouses;
- New neighbourhoods of freestanding houses built on the outskirts of the city close to jobs; and
- More medium density housing (like townhouses) in middle and outer suburbs
Joe Lenzo, Executive Director of the Property Council said Perth is waking up to the realisation that we need more housing diversity to manage our growth.
“Perth residents ranked the city last amongst capital cities for cultural opportunities, second last behind Sydney for having people who get along well and third last behind Sydney and Darwin for safety.
“On the plus side Perth residents rated Perth highly for having a good climate, a good range of outdoor recreation facilities and for its attractive natural environment.
“The big improvements in 2011 were to Perth’s rating for having a good healthcare service and for having good approaches to climate change.” Property Council Executive Director Joe Lenzo said.
Perth residents ranked the State Government’s performance on planning for growth as good, despite strong concern about housing affordability.
“Over the past decade, our population has rapidly expanded driven by strong economic growth. This has made it harder for people to access housing they can afford, in the places they want to live.
“Perth residents are more likely to accept higher density housing like townhouse and apartments to achieve their housing aspirations.
“The Property Council will be launching a national campaign at the Press Gallery in Canberra on March 28 that will demonstrate there is a mandate for a bold action on these issues and to stimulate a broad community debate about the future growth and shape of our cities.
The campaign, Make My City Work, can be accessed at www.makemycitywork.com.au/perth
-ends-
Media Contacts:
Joe Lenzo, Executive Director: Property Council: (08) 9426 1200 or 0419 044 768.
Lino Iacomella, Dep. Executive Director: Property Council: (08) 9426 1200 or 0417 501 974
William de Haer, Senior Policy Adviser: Property Council: (08) 9426 1203 or 0423 492 357
