Density to deliver more sustainable suburbs in Perth

Density to deliver more sustainable suburbs in PerthA group of industry bodies, including the Property Council, call for more infill development and greater housing density to reduce congestion, increase housing affordability, improve liveability and protect Perth’s natural capital.Developers, planners and councils must think creatively about how to make Perth a more sustainable city, says a group of industry bodies which includes the Property Council, the Planning Institute of Australia, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, the Conservation Council of WA, the Western Australian Council of Social Services and the Heart Foundation.According to Lino Iacomella, the Property Council’s deputy executive director in WA, infill development and greater density can address housing affordability in Perth. Building up density around existing infrastructure and along major transport corridors provides the “perfect opportunity to create more housing diversity,” he says.Emma De Jager, PIA’s executive officer agrees, arguing that Perth’s planners need to look towards “a more sustainable future by introducing carefully-designed urban infill projects that will inject life into our older suburbs, rather than moving people to the fringes.”According to WACOSS CEO Irina Cattalini, the lack of affordable housing continues to push lower income households to suburbs with few jobs and services, and inadequate public transport.”Infill development creates more vibrant communities and gives those with limited mobility, including seniors, people with a disability or those with young children greater opportunities to participate in and contribute to our society,” Cattalini explains.Liveable, compact neighbourhoods are also good for health, with healthy urban design linked to lower chronic disease, lower obesity and better heart health.”Healthy design creates the ‘nearness factor’ – where shops, schools, workplaces, public transport and recreation are in close walkable or cycleable distance to where we live,” says Heart Foundation CEO Maurice Swanson.The WA Government has targeted 47 per cent infill for new residential development, a move which the group says will manage the growth of Perth’s urban footprint. “Perth’s periphery is experiencing expansive housing growth leading to the loss of biodiversity in one of 35 biodiversity hotspots in the world. Urban infill will help to maintain those environmental values,” says AILA’s WA state president, Nathan Greenhill.According to Conservation Council Director Piers Verstegen the environmental benefits of infill development are clear. “For every sustainable apartment that is built, less energy is used, less waste is created, less natural bushland is destroyed and more trips are taken by public transport.”