As we launch into 2026, I write to warmly welcome you into another year of important connection, advocacy and learning with Committee for Perth. I also take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new interim CEO.
Stepping into the role at the start of January was a serendipitous opportunity that felt like a natural next step for me. I have enjoyed a fabulously diverse career in Perth that has included executive roles in the resources sector, medical research, philanthropy and creative industries. I thrive on variety, work best when collaborating, and have a deep curiosity about the social, environmental and economic frameworks that underpin our region. And I love Perth. So, it’s a perfect fit!
Like many others, I wasn’t born in Perth. However, I have lived here for 27 years, and I have a husband and two children who are born and bred Perth-ites, so I believe that I can definitely be classed as ‘a local’. I feel a keen responsibility to contribute to shaping a dynamic future for Perth, both in reciprocity for everything that this city has given me, and to ensure that the next generations can also thrive by living in a place that is resourceful, inclusive, prosperous and abundant in opportunities.
Originally a Queenslander, I spent a number of years working in Melbourne before moving to Perth for a role with Hamersley Iron. Having previously visited Perth for work, I thought I knew what to expect. I was right, and I was wrong. I was right in my perceptions of the pulse of human life here.
From my earliest visits as a journalist and later as head of media for a bank, I appreciated that Perth moved to the beat of its own drum. People were gloriously insouciant, and swashbuckling in the best possible way. I always felt energised around Perth people. More than two decades later, this remains true.
I was wrong in thinking I was leaving the ‘centre of the universe’ (Collins St, Melbourne). I soon learned that Perth, the capital of an economic powerhouse state with incredible natural resources, diverse industries and stunning natural beauty, was actually the city where it all happens!
2026
As we enter 2026, I’m conscious that we are at a key inflection point for Perth. We are buzzing with infrastructure projects, fostering economic diversity, focusing on interconnection and inclusion, and working hard to create a greener future. The momentum is strong; there has never been a better time to harness the energy, enthusiasm and creativity of everyone – governments, business, communities and individuals – to make Perth the place where the whole world wants to be, or wants to be like. 2025 was a milestone year for Committee for Perth, with the 2050 Summit: Championing a Plan for Perth a hugely successful endeavour that engaged 450 people in vital discussions about the future of our city. Three dedicated member Working Groups contributed enormously to ongoing dialogue about Perth’s aspirations, based on the topics of decarbonisation, densification and economic diversification.
Submissions from the three Working Groups are below:
Decarbonisation
Densification
Diversification
So, what’s next?
In recent years we have done a lot of thinking, consulting and discussing. Now we need to use all of the information we have gathered to drive a long-term plan for Perth that will truly unlock its potential and support population growth to 3.5 million by 2050 (or earlier).
Through the Shaping Perth’s Future project, informed by insights from the 2050 Summit and the recommendations of our three Working Groups, we have identified six strategic pillars for the Perth Plan:
• Perth for all people – inclusion, community, local living
• Future generations focus – thinking about future citizens
• Human-scale growth and housing reform – housing choice and density with identity
• Lighter living and climate adaptation – greener, cooler, water secure
• Resourceful and diversified economy – innovation, skills and industry
• Confident, ambitious global region – identity, brand, international gateway and engagement.
These themes are not final, but they provide a strong foundation. The Perth Plan will be developed in consultation and collaboration with many others, including our members, working groups, governments, universities and communities.
Our Strategic Pillars
A plan for Perth is one of four strategic pillars in Committee for Perth’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
The others are advocacy for progress, lasting impact, and – importantly – member engagement.
Our members are our reason for being, and we are very proud of all that they are achieving and their contribution to a thriving greater Perth.
I can’t wait to meet (or re-connect with) our members, who span 40 different industry sectors. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time.We look forward to letting you know more about how you can be involved with our work, through events, forums, working groups and consultation opportunities.
Finally, we welcome new Committee for Perth Board members, who will be part of our first Board meeting for 2026 in February. To Ian Booth, CEO Black Swan State Theatre Company, Judith Barker, CEO Royal Flying Doctor Service WA, Jody Nunn, CEO Reconciliation WA, and Mussaret Nagree, GM Climate Opportunities and Environment Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers – I’m excited to be working with you, as well as with Chair Tony Joyner, Deputy Chair Paul Graham, Dr Andrew Crane, Matt Judkins, Professor Clare Pollock and Company Secretary Charlotte Cameron.
I look forward to working with all of you to champion a greater Perth.
Tania Hudson
Chief Executive Officer
Committee for Perth