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Basil Zempilas’ developer plea to turbo-charge inner city development

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Kim MacdonaldThe West Australian
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Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas is seeking to turbo-charge the city’s residential population with an aggressive push to lure developers to the area.
Camera IconPerth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas is seeking to turbo-charge the city’s residential population with an aggressive push to lure developers to the area. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas is seeking to turbo-charge the city’s residential population with an aggressive push to lure developers to the area.

Mr Zempilas has called on council to recommend initiatives and incentives to help crank up residential development in time for the next financial year.

A notice of motion to go to council on Tuesday - set to formally kickstart the conversation with the State Government - has also called for an investigation into the current barriers and disincentives.

The move is designed to help boost the city’s current population of 31,000 people to the council’s target of 55,000 residents by 2036 --- a 77 per cent increase within 14 years.

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Mr Zempilas said a growing population would create vibrancy and economic support for city businesses.

“To grow the city as a truly liveable, sustainable and prosperous destination, a substantial increase in residential population base is essential,” said the notice of motion.

In a move likely to be felt across development hot spots in the western suburbs and Canning Bridge area, Mr Zempilas wants ideas on how to get developers to focus on the inner city instead.

He said the council should speak to property developers to find out why they would or would not develop in the city.

“(W)hat are the issues and impediments are that are holding some back; what would it take to convince them to redirect their attention and resources from other areas and to focus instead on the city?,” said the notice of motion.

If adopted, residential incentives would replicate a similar move a few years ago to encourage hotel developers in the city.

As with the hotel sector, council levers that could be used include reductions in rates, fees and charges, as well as extra height and density allowances.

A 20 per cent bonus plot ratio incentive for residential development in the city core has already been in place since 2013.

Since then, 13 projects have been approved, but only three have been built.

“We’ve all heard it and all thought it – we want more people living in the heart of our city,” Mr Zempilas told The West Australian.

“It’s time to get on with it. Our job as a council is to help incentivise in the areas where we have control.”

Mr Zempilas also wants to hear from residents about what they want from an inner city abode.

He noted that same apartment buyers had been concerned about the safety and security of an inner-city lifestyle, but he said there was a lot to commend life in Perth.

“There’s nowhere else in Perth you can live with a world class museum, the entertainment heart, premium retail, Elizabeth Quay, our river and the State’s best park, King’s Park, all on your doorstep,” he said.

“That’s the unique attraction of living in the heart of our city – a world of convenience and variety at the bottom of your building and a short stroll away.”

The city is likely to adopt his proposal, and will soon commence a formal engagement period with all relevant industry bodies, State and Federal Government agencies and representatives from the residential development and property industry.

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