Speaking at the Property Council’s Station to Station business lunch, a panel of business experts agreed that it is essential to have early private sector involvement in the funding and delivery of infrastructure projects.
“METRONET is an exciting opportunity to renenergise the planning for growing Perth and the private sector is looking forward to certainty about infrastructure planning to fully participate in the METRONET plan,” Property Council WA Executive Director Lino Iacomella said.
Speaking at the industry lunch Professor Peter Newman said: “Global urban demand has shifted to a transit city model and Perth is at the beginning of reinventing itself as a transit city.”
“The question is how will we fund these projects that will deliver vibrant, walkable communities.
“City deals are about partnerships with local, state and federal government which incorporate private interest.
“We must look to make a city deal to make METRONET and light rail happen but the deal starts with talking to developers about what can be developed.” Professor Newman said.
Similarly, TPG+ Placematch Director Lisa Montgomery said that current train stations do not cater to many of the basic human needs.
“The move towards creating places rather than just stations will offer much more in terms of food and beverage opportunities, as well as residential, retail and commercial.
“Ultimately, catching the train will be one part of the experience, not the experience in itself.
She also noted that the increase in amenities will add to the status of those using public transport.
“What we need is a seamless connection that also has soul. It’s about creating places not functional spaces,” she said.
Media contact: Lino Iacomella | M 0417 501 974 | E [email protected]