Gearing Perth for Growth
As 1.4 million new residents move to Perth over the next 30 years, a growing population can enrich and enhance the city, says the Property Council’s new executive director in WA, Sandra Brewer.
Perth is changing, Brewer says, and it’s a time for optimism.
“The fundamentals in Western Australia are strong. We have one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with blue skies and sunny weather, sophisticated industries and services – including mining, education, oil and gas, and property, of course.
“And we have so many diverse opportunities ahead as our city grows. It’s an exciting time.”
Brewer, a communications and marketing strategist, joined the Property Council in August. She has previously operated her own brand consultancy, and held positions on the Liberal Party state executive, although she resigned from all positions on accepting the role with the Property Council.
With a host of campaigns for household names under her belt, Brewer is now applying her skills to “shape public opinion” and advocate for the property industry.
“It’s my job to help the community understand that the Property Council and our members have great ideas to make Perth better, and for our elected representatives to come to us for guidance on the right policy settings required to deliver great places,” she explains.
In March, the long-awaited Perth and [email protected] million strategy outlined how infill would accommodate 47 per cent of the city’s 800,000 new homes.
Brewer, who has lived in Sydney and Melbourne and says she’s experienced the “joys of inner city living”, is excited by the opportunities that a growing population will bring. She points to public infrastructure investment, such as METRONET, which she says will “provide the basis for the private sector to transform the city”.
Optus Stadium, Elizabeth Quay and Yagan Square are also inspiring examples of how Perth can evolve, she says. “I like visiting all these places, and I can’t wait to see how these precincts, and other new ones, unfold and grow.”
While roughly 380,000 of Perth’s new homes will be in strategic infill locations, 53 per cent of the city’s growth will be accommodated through greenfield development.
A mother of three boys, Brewer says she loves Perth’s suburbs. “My family and I live in the suburbs, and I love those Sunday afternoons where everyone walks down to the local restaurants, and kids can kick a footy in the park with parents watching on. That’s the real vibe of Perth.”
Brewer says Perth residents, who travel widely, tend to be “progressive and open minded” about the future and the potential of their city.
“Members of the Property Council have the ability to enrich the places that we already love. While there is some fear around density and infill, we can work together to make Perth a better city.
“People are ready to loosen the shackles and accept growth that creates new job opportunities, improves communities and grows the WA economy.”