A two-year action plan to propel Perth into the next decade and boost its international reputation has been released following detailed stakeholder research across the globe.
Commissioned and developed by think tank the Committee for Perth, Boorloo Kworp – meaning Perth is Good – points to the lack of “one big thing” that draws people to Perth and lists nine recommendations and 30 actions to enhance the region’s reputation as a place to live, work, invest, study and visit.
Committee for Perth Chief Executive Marion Fulker said the report was the culmination of almost two years of work under the Hashtag Perth project and involved feedback from more than 2,500 people across Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Singapore and London.
“Our research repeatedly showed Perth lacked an iconic, one-of-a-kind drawcard to attract people to the region, but it was really heartening to see strong support for the development of a World Centre for Indigenous Culture,” Mrs Fulker said.
“The Centre would be a celebration of First Nations People and cultures from across the world, starting from the Wadjuk People, to be housed in a unique building to create a distinctive and positive icon for Perth. It’s an opportunity for Perth to lead the way in demonstrating how to acknowledge, respect and celebrate Indigenous People and their culture.”
Mrs Fulker said Boorloo Kworp adds depth and breadth to Perth’s narrative, taking commentary beyond the natural beauty and mining economy to ensure it’s no longer ‘out of sight and out of mind’ and becomes recognised as Australia’s best kept secret.
Project Chair and Perth Airport Chief Executive Kevin Brown said residents were Perth’s biggest fans – but at times also its biggest detractors.
“We’ve found many positive assets that set Perth apart from other cities – and that deserves to be talked about more.
“These include Perth’s quality of life, its distinctive small-town friendliness meets big-city lifestyle, enviable work-life balance, down-to-earth people and unique summer vibe. Affordability, quality employment opportunities and long-term economic resilience are additional regional strengths, along with our world-class tourism and sporting attractions.
“Another key recommendation of the report is to establish Perth as a renewable energy leader, given its world-leading science and technology industry and rich renewable energy resources.”
Mrs Fulker said the key to the report’s success will be bringing the public, government and business together under the ‘Team Perth’ banner.
“By all working together on Booloo Kworp’s recommendations we can showcase Perth as the distinct place that it is. Through this project we found that Perth is different, a good kind of different that sets us apart from other cities. I think we’ve all fallen a little bit more in love with Perth during isolation and rediscovered its many positive attributes. Now is Perth’s moment to shine,” she said.
The report lists an ambitious timeline of just two years with recommendations and actions to enhance Perth’s reputation as a place to live, work, invest, study and visit. With a mix of private and public sector accountability, organisations that are in a position to lead the effort have been identified as are their potential partners.