Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

A new billion-dollar partnership between the Commonwealth Government, State Government and City of Perth has been finalised, unlocking economic benefits and opportunities for the Perth CBD.

The $1.5 billion City Deal will re-energise Perth, bringing government and private investment into the CBD, creating almost 10,000 jobs while encouraging more people back into the city creating flow on economic benefits for small businesses.

The Perth City Deal includes:

• $695 million investment by the Commonwealth Government, State Government and Edith Cowan University, to move its law and business schools, along with the world class Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts into the Perth CBD, creating the State’s first inner-city university campus. More than 9,200 students and staff are anticipated on campus from day one.
• $360 million investment from the State Government, Curtin University and Murdoch University to expand or establish new presences in the Perth CBD. Murdoch University will create a vertical campus and eSports Stadium linked with Singapore and East Asia, while Curtin University will build a CBD knowledge and innovation precinct.
• $105 million has been allocated to the Perth CBD Transport Plan to upgrade cycling and walking infrastructure, bus stop accessibility upgrades and enhance Roe Street. The centrepiece of this plan is the new Swan River Causeway Bridge.
• A $20 million investment into the Perth Cultural Centre precinct will see immediate improvements in lighting, security, wayfinding and environment and the development of a longer-term vision for the space to become a place of destination for all visitors to the city.
• $42 million to develop the Perth Concert Hall into a premier world class music venue.
• Up to $100 million to redevelop the WACA and transform it into a state of the art sporting facility including an inner city swimming pool.
• $20 million for the East Perth Power Station to upgrade necessary infrastructure and improve connectivity to the site and surrounding areas while plans for redevelopment and preservation of the historic buildings and heritage progress.
• $36 million to provide facilities, safety improvements and services for homeless people in the city.
• $18 million for the creation of an Australian Space Robotics, Automation, and AI Command Control Complex to encourage start-ups, small businesses, and researchers supporting the development and operation of robotic and remote asset management activities in space.
• $10 million towards a WA Indigenous Business and Employment Hub in partnership with the Wirrpanda Foundation to provide support and advice to Indigenous businesses, job seekers and entrepreneurs.
• $4 million of funding to undertake a pre-feasibility study for an Aboriginal Cultural Centre to be located in Perth on the traditional lands of the Wadjuk Noongar people.

Under this plan more than 25,000 students and staff will be bought into the city and the construction of the campuses will bring over $1 billion of investment to Perth’s CBD. It is estimated this will create more than 4,100 construction jobs and nearly 1000 ongoing direct jobs.

Under the deal, Edith Cowan University will move their law and business schools into the CBD, along with the world class Western Australian Performing Arts Academy.

Murdoch University will establish a vertical campus that will include partnerships with STEM, other higher education providers and an eSports stadium linking to Singapore and South East Asia. The campus will also include a digital futures academy, and Aboriginal CBD Centre, professional development and cultural activities.

Curtin University will develop an east end ‘historical heart’ development, building on their existing CBD campus and establishing a knowledge and innovation precinct in the CBD.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Perth would benefit for generations to come from the game-changing investment in education, culture, jobs and lifestyle.

“This is a JobMaker investment which will generate employment for thousands of hard-working West Australians, it will boost those businesses that are already in the CBD and it will drive new businesses to open,” the Prime Minister said.

“WA, like the rest of Australia, needs a targeted economic stimulus which will provide a boost now and into the future, and this is what we’re delivering.”

Premier Mark McGowan said the Perth City Deal will see more than $1.5 billion worth of investment into the Perth CBD unlocking thousands of local jobs and creating flow on economic benefits for small businesses.

“This City Deal has given us the unique opportunity to collaborate with the Commonwealth Government, universities and local businesses to help re-energise our capital city,” he said.

“We have worked to establish up to three university campuses in our CBD which will create up to 5000 direct and indirect jobs while re-energising Perth.

“This will have positive flow on effects for small businesses including retail, restaurants and bars while returning vibrancy to our capital city.” 

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,” he said.

“We have negotiated an ambitious City Deal that unlocks Perth’s incredible future potential while continuing to develop it into a vibrant, exciting and liveable capital city.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new deal will help drive people into the Perth CBD.

"More people and students in the CBD, means more activity, a better vibrancy and more money flowing for retail, restaurants and tourism,” Mr Tudge said.

Western Australian Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the City Deal aligns with the McGowan Government’s key objective to connect, activate and future proof Perth’s communities.

“The Perth City Deal is creating exciting new opportunities in the planning and transport spaces while also re-energising our capital city,” she said.

“The Perth CBD Transport Plan will feed into METRONET, closing gaps on the shared path network while encouraging people to embrace new modes of transport.

“The new university campuses highlight what density can achieve and the positive effect it can have on creating well planned and vibrant communities.

“This new deal will create and support local jobs, encourage more people into our CBD and provide a much needed boost for local businesses.”

Chair Commissioner for Perth Andrew Hammond said the City of Perth welcomes the announcement of the Perth City Deal as a transformative landmark deal between all three tiers of government.

“The City’s commitment includes $25 million toward the redevelopment of the iconic WACA, specifically funding the addition of a community aquatic facility, and $10 million toward the CBD Transport Plan to upgrade Roe Street and facilitate regeneration of the area.

“We look forward to working in partnership with the Federal and State Government and the wider community to bring the Perth City Deal to fruition and secure the future prosperity and liveability of our great city.”