Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

A Perth City Deal will create an energised CBD for people to work, live and play through higher population density and an economic boost to city businesses.

The City Deal direction was the focus during a meeting this morning between Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan and Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge.

The Federal and State Governments want the City Deal to increase the population density of the CBD so it will directly feed into the hospitality and retail sector, providing a flow-on effect into the local economy.

The economic and population elements of the deal will be bolstered through an emphasis on education, with talks underway to relocate a university campus into the city.

Premier Mark McGowan said a Perth City Deal could unlock significant economic activity for Western Australia, creating jobs for locals and bringing more energy into Perth’s CBD.

“We have the unique opportunity to create a vibrant presence in our city by collaborating with the Federal Government, universities and businesses,” Mr McGowan said.

“A City Deal will help activate our city centre and provide an economic stimulus in the heart of our city, supporting small businesses and local jobs.”

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said City Deals are the Federal Government’s proactive approach to help develop our cities and regions.

“The opportunity is to bring all levels of government together as well as the private sector and the community to provide a coordinated investment plan for Perth.

“We are very keen to help keep the momentum going, to keep developing Perth as a vibrant, exciting and liveable capital city for our State for the future. 

“To that end we will continue to work across all levels of government and with all key stakeholders to achieve an ambitious City Deal which unlocks Perth’s incredible future potential.”

Mr Tudge said there was a real opportunity to capitalise on Perth’s city centre as a focus for the Deal.

“Perth has the lowest population density of any capital city except Darwin and Hobart,” Mr Tudge said.

“There is a real opportunity to bring more people into the CBD, which means more activity, retail, restaurants and tourism opportunities.  All of this would make the city centre more vibrant and safe.”

While Mr Tudge is in Perth, he and WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti hosted a City Deal roundtable with business and community stakeholders.

Ms Saffioti said Perth CBD had ample opportunities for further activation and the roundtable was about getting the array of big ideas to feed into one shared plan. 

“METRONET will be our biggest ever investment in public transport and a City Deal aligns with our key objective to connect, activate and future proof Perth’s communities. 

“The Perth City Deal provides a significant opportunity for us all to achieve common goals and ensure that Perth is well positioned to harness the long term growth forecasts for those who choose to live, visit and do business in.”

A timeline for the Deal is expected to be confirmed in early 2020.