Urban planning

Did you know...

• The Perth and Peel regions are expected to grow to a population of 3.5 million by 2050
• Around 800,000 new homes will be needed over the next 30 years to accommodate our growing population
• Better planning is critical to create a more connected and liveable city, where we have improved access to employment, essential services, local amenities and transport options closer to where we live.

Creating compact and connected city

The Perth metropolitan area stretches more than 120km along the coast, yet only 50km inland.  Most of our employment opportunities are concentrated around the Perth Central Business District (CBD), meaning many residents are travelling long distances to get to and from work.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics,the average commuting distance of Perth residents is more than 15km, with those who commute to the CBD for work travelling an average of 17km. This puts significant pressure on our roads and public transport routes, particularly to the CBD during peak times.

This pressure is worsened by urban sprawl, as new developments on the fringes on Perth increase commuting distances and often aren't well served by public transport, limiting travel options. 

For Perth to remain productive and liveable, it will be essential to improve land use and transport options. More effective planning can reduce the need for people to travel so far and so often, as well as improve access to a range of practical transport options.

Density done well

As Perth grows to meet the needs of current and future generations, new homes, jobs and amenities will need to be built within existing suburbs. It is essential that planning for urban infill and increasing density is done well. 

This means understanding and being sensitive to the character and nature of existing suburbs and ensuring new homes are primarily located near activity centres and public transport hubs. This will improve travel options and relieve pressure on roads.

Effective urban planning will help to facilitate growth, while ensuring Perth remains a liveable city that offers safe, easy and sustainable mobility.