Indicates no change from FACTSheet #5, September 2014
Indicates an increase from FACTSheet FACTSheet #5, September 2014 Indicates a decrease from #6, March 2015 FACTSheet #5, September 2014
Introduction Gross state product The Economy 1 • Western Australia’s This latest Fact Sheet contains merchandise exports rose 8% Population growth 2 a snapshot of key facts relating in volume terms in 2013-14. to the current performance of This was the largest contributor Labour market 2 Western Australia and its capital to GSP growth ahead of Perth. Industry sector employment 2 household consumption up 2% and dwelling investment up Annual business investment 2 It draws on data from a range 11%. of sources, including FACTBase • Business investment fell 11% in Quarterly business investment 2 reports, government departments volume terms in 2013 -14. and media sources and will be • Merchandise exports are Iron ore and LNG prices 2 updated regularly. expected to rise by an annual Major minerals and petroleum 3 average of 6% between 2014- sale by value 15 and 2017-18, offsetting falling The economy1 business investment over the Iron ore and LNG sales outlook 3 period. by volume Western Australia’s gross state Industry contribution 3 Exports 3 product (GSP) was $265 billion in 2013-14, contributing 17% • Mining made the largest of Australia’s gross domestic Merchandise trade 3 industry contribution to GSP product (GDP). GSP per capita growth in 2013 -14, with real Major trading partners 3 was $103,770, 53% higher than value added rising 11%. the national average of $67,932. • Other industry sectors Major iron ore export markets 3 The state’s share of national by volume contributing to GSP growth population was 11.0% or 2.57 included agriculture, forestry million people in the March Iron ore exports 3 and fishing up 59%; non- quarter 2014, and is projected by market industries – including the Australian Bureau of Statistics Major iron ore exporting ports 4 public administration and (ABS) to rise to 12.2% (3.32 million) LNG sales 4 safety; health care and social by 2022-23. assistance; and education and Quarterly merchandise exports 4 training - up 5%; construction • Western Australia’s real GSP up 4%, services industries up 1% Services trade 4 rose 5.5% in 2013 -14, following and utilities up 1%. 4.6% growth in 2012 -13, and • The manufacturing industry Construction Industry 4 was above annual average detracted from GSP growth in growth of 4.9% over the past Apprentice commencements 4 2013-14 down 3%. 10 years. • The mining industry accounted Apprentices in training 5 • GSP is forecast to rise 2.75% in for 30% of GSP in 2013-14. 2014 -15 and 3.0% in 2015 -16. Services industries comprised Employment of females 5 • Australia’s GDP rose 2.5% to 28% and construction 12% of $1,584 billion in 2013 -14 and GSP. Employment of Aboriginal 5 is forecast to rise by 2.5% in • Mining industry nominal value and Torres Strait Islanders 2014-15 and 3% in 2015 -16. added rose 18% to $79 billion in • Weighted annual average Reforming and Reshaping 5 2013-14. GDP growth of Western • Nominal value added in the Lifestyle 7 Australia’s major export services industries rose by 5% to markets is expected to rise $74 billion and construction by Knowledge and innovation 8 from 4.9% in 2012 to 5.5% in 1% to $33 billion in 2013 -14. both 2013 and 2014. • Agriculture, forestry and fishing Acknowledgments 9 nominal value added rose 64% to $7 billion in 2013 -14.
FACTSheet #6 March 2015 | 1 FACTSheet #6, March 2015
4 (6,100) in 2013-14, due to falls done fell 2% to $10 billion in the Population growth in other mining (down 5,825 June quarter 2014. It fell 3% to or 32.5%), metal ore mining $43 billion in 2013-14. • Western Australia’s population (down 4,575 or 7%) and oil • Mining new capital rose 3.2% in 2013, following and gas extraction (down 600 expenditure fell 1.5% to $12 3.6% growth in 2012, and was or 5.5%), offsetting a rise in billion in the September above annual average growth exploration and other services quarter 2014 (not adjusted for of 2.6% in the past 10 years. employment (up 4,900 or 23%). seasonal factors). • The population was 2,550,874 • Business investment in December 2013, 71,301 contributed 26% of GSP in more than a year earlier. Iron ore and LNG 2013-14. The state accounted 9 • Net overseas migration for 27% of Australia’s business prices contributed 64% (45,401) of the investment in 2013-14 and growth in 2013. 51% of the value of Australia’s The value of minerals and • Population growth is forecast resource projects under petroleum sales in Western to slow from 3.5% in 2012-13 construction or committed in Australia rose 20% to $122 billion to 2.6% in 2013-14 and 2.1% October 2014. in 2013 -14. The Reserve Bank of in each year to 2017-18, • In September 2014, there Australia’s non-rural commodity according to the 2014-15 State was $160 billion of resource price index fell 10% in 2013 -14, Budget. projects under construction or down 8% in 2013. The Australian 5 committed in Western Australia dollar exchange rate fell 11% to Labour market and a further $108 billion under US91.5 cents in 2013 -14 and is consideration. forecast by the Western Australian • Employment in Western Treasury to fall to US90.6 cents in Australia rose 0.3% (4,700) to 2014 -15 and US84.9 cents by 2017 1.39 million in November 2014. Annual business 7 -18. • Employment grew 2.5% investment (51,300) through the year to • The monthly average price November 2014, higher than • Business investment in Western of iron ore fell 9% to US$74 a Australia’s growth of 1.2% Australia fell 11% in real terms tonne in November 2014. The (140,000). in 2013 -14, compared with annual average price fell 3% • The state’s unemployment annual average growth of 13% to US$123/t in 2013-14 (up 5% rate was 5.2% in November in the past 10 years. to US$135/t in 2013) and is 2014; higher than the 5.1% • The value of business forecast by Treasury to fall to in the previous month and investment fell 9% to $69 billion US$115/t by 2017-18.1 4.2% a year earlier. Australia’s in 2013 -14. • The monthly average price unemployment rate was 6.3% • The value of private, new of LNG fell 10% to US$13.9 a in November 2014. capital expenditure of million British thermal unit in • The state’s annual average selected industries in Western November 2014. The annual employment is forecast to Australia fell 4% to $56 billion in average price fell 2% to grow by 1.5% in 2014 -15, with 2013 -14; 35% of the Australian US$16.0/mmbtu in 2013-14 an average unemployment total (excludes new capital (down 4% to US$16.0/mmbtu in rate of 5.5%, according to the expenditure in the industries 2013). 2014 -15 State Budget of agriculture, forestry and fishing; public administration • The monthly average price of and safety; education crude oil fell 10% to US$76 a Industry sector and training; health care barrel in November 2014. The employment6 and social assistance; and annual average price rose 10% superannuation funds). to US$101/bbl in 2013 -14 (up 4% to US$98/bbl in 2013). • Services industries accounted • The value of mining new capital expenditure fell 3% to • The monthly average price for 47% of Western Australia’s of gold fell 4% to US$1,175 a employment in 2013 -14. Non- $47 billion in 2013 -14; 52% of the Australian mining total. troy ounce in November 2014. market industries comprised The annual average price fell 24%, construction 11% and 19% to US$1,296/oz in 2013-14 mining 8%. Quarterly business (down 15.5% to US$1,411/oz in • In 2013 -14, employment rose in investment8 2013). services industries (up 16,975 or 3%), construction (up 10,925 or • Business investment in Western 8%) and non-market industries Australia fell 4% to $16 billion in (up 5,215 or 2%) but fell in all the June quarter 2014. other industries. • Engineering construction work • Mining employment fell 5%
FACTSheet #6 March 2015 | 2 FACTSheet #6, March 2015
Major minerals and produced fell 23% to $5.4 • Merchandise exports mainly 10 billion in 2012-13. (Includes comprised iron ore (56%), LNG petroleum sales wheat, barley, oats, grain (10.0%), gold (9.6%) and crude sorghum, canola, cotton, oil and condensate (7%) in • Western Australia’s iron ore apples, grapes, hay, lupins, 2013 -14. sales rose 31% to $74 billion in nursery production, potatoes, 2013 -14 (61% of minerals and tomatoes, cattle and calves, petroleum sales), with sales Major trading partners sheep and lambs, pigs, poultry, 14 volumes up 23% to 631 million wool, milk and eggs.) 2013-14 tonnes. • Wheat production fell 25% to • LNG sales rose 16% to $14 $2.1 billion in 2012 -13, with • China was Western Australia’s billion in 2013 -14 (12% of volumes down 40% to 7 million largest export market in minerals and petroleum sales), tonnes. 2013 -14 ($72 billion or 55%), with volumes up 1% to 20 • The value of the State’s agri- followed by Japan ($24 billion million tonnes. food exports rose 10% to $6.4 or 18%). • Crude oil and condensate billion in 2013-14. (Includes • China overtook Japan as the sales fell 1% to $10 billion in agriculture, forestry and fishing state’s largest export market in 2013 -14 (8% of minerals and industry products, natural and 2006 -07 (2006). petroleum sales), with volumes cultured pearls, and food and • The state’s exports rose to down 12% to 13 gigalitres. beverage manufacturing.) China by 32% ($17.4 billion) • Gold sales fell 2% to $9 billion and Japan by 11% ($2.4 billion) in 2013-14 (7% of minerals in 2013 -14. and petroleum sales), despite Exports • Singapore was the state’s volumes rising 9% to 195 largest source of imports in tonnes. • In 2013 -14, exports of goods 2013 -14 ($4.6 billion or 13%), and services accounted followed by China ($4.1 billion Iron ore and LNG sales for 52% of GSP. In the same or 11%). 11 period minerals and petroleum outlook contributed 90% ($119 billion) Major iron ore export of the state’s merchandise 15 • Western Australia’s iron ore exports. Western Australia markets (volume) sales are forecast to rise by an contributed 51% of Australia’s annual average of 5% to 777 merchandise exports in • Western Australia accounted million tonnes between 2013-14 2013 -14 and large shares for 47% of global iron ore and 2017-18. of national exports to China exports in 2013. • LNG sales are expected to (71%), Korea (50%) and Japan • The state’s iron ore exports to grow from 20 million tonnes in (49%). China was the largest China rose 29% to 490 million 2013 -14 to almost 50 million market for the state’s exports tonnes in 2013 -14, higher tonnes in 2017-18, assuming of iron ore (76%), gold (64%) than the 22% annual average the Gorgon, Wheatstone and and crude oil and condensate growth in the past 10 years. Prelude projects are operating (22%) in 2013-14. In volume • Iron ore exports to Japan rose at full capacity at this time and terms, 75% of the state’s LNG 0.2% to 76 million tonnes in the North West Shelf maintains went to Japan in 2013-14. 2013 -14. current production levels. • Iron ore exports to Korea rose • Western Australia accounted 16% to 51 million tonnes in 2013 for 40% of proposed iron ore Merchandise trade13 -14. expansions by the top 10 iron • China overtook Japan as Western Australia’s largest iron ore exporting countries in • Western Australia’s 2012 and 27% of global LNG ore export market in 2004-05 merchandise exports rose 14% (2005). capacity under construction to $132 billion in 2013-14. in 2014. • Merchandise export volumes 12 rose 8% in 2013-14, above Iron ore exports Principal agricultural annual average growth of 5% commodities12 in the past 10 years. • The value of Western Australia’s • Merchandise imports rose iron ore exports rose 32% to 8% to $37 billion in 2013-14, $74 billion in 2013 -14, above • The gross value of agriculture mainly due to higher imports annual average growth of 30% production in Western Australia of petroleum (up $1.5 billion in the past 10 years. rose 22% to $11.0 billion in 2013 or 19%) and general industrial • The annual average price of -14. machinery and equipment (up the state’s iron ore exports rose • The gross value of principal $1.2 billion or 47%). 7% in 2013-14. agricultural commodities
FACTSheet #6 March 2015 | 3 FACTSheet #6, March 2015
• The volume of the state’s merchandise exports to China quarter. iron ore exports rose 23% to fell 2.5% to $16.1 billion in the • On a year-to-year comparison 632 million tonnes in 2013-14, September quarter 2014; the up to the end of October 2014 above annual average growth third successive quarterly there was a 31.45% increase of 13% in the past 10 years. decline. in construction apprentice • The state’s merchandise commencements, excluding Major iron ore exports to Japan rose 15% to electrical, and an increase 17 $6.3 billion in the September in electrical apprentice exporting ports quarter 2014. commencements of 14.31%. • Iron ore exports from Port • The state’s merchandise • As of October 2014, the Hedland rose 31% to 345 million exports to all other countries industry including electrical, tonnes in 2013 -14, accounting (excluding China and Japan) employed more than 43% for 55% of the state’s iron ore rose 8% to $9.5 billion in the of all Western Australia’s exports. September quarter 2014. apprentices. • Iron ore exports from Dampier • It is estimated that fell 1% to 139 million tonnes in approximately 24,000 20 2013-14, contributing 22% of Services trade construction industry the state’s iron ore exports. employees are working on • Iron ore exports from Cape • Western Australia contributed resource industry infrastructure Lambert rose 42% to 111 million 10.8% of Australia’s services construction projects. tonnes in 2013 -14, contributing exports in 2013 -14. • The value of residential and 17% of the state’s iron ore • The state’s services exports non-residential construction exports. in 2013 -14 mainly comprised work, excluding heavy • Port authorities and iron ore personal travel (27%), engineering, in the year to producers have identified education travel (21%), September 2014 increased by port total capacity expansion transport (16%), business travel 8.1% compared to September targets of 495 million tonnes (13%) and technical, trade 2013. for Port Hedland by 2017-18, and other business services • The engineering construction 210 million tonnes for Cape (9%). sector, excluding heavy Lambert by 2014-15 and 150 • Western Australia’s services engineering, decreased by million tonnes for Dampier by exports rose 5% to $6.2 billion 3.3% in Western Australia 2014 -15. in 2013-14, mainly due to between June 2013 and June increases in education travel 2014. to the state (up 10% to $1.3 • The housing sector has in LNG sales18 billion), personal travel to the recent months recovered with State (up 7% to $1.7 billion), annual dwelling unit approvals to November 2014 at 31,821 or • The value of Western transport services (up 6% to $1.0 billion) and computer 24,048 houses, compared to Australia’s LNG sales rose 16% a previous peak of 27,196 or to $14 billion in 2013 -14, below services (up 64% to $113 million). 21,949 houses, at November annual average growth of 18% 2006 over the past 10 years. • Services imports rose 3% to $10.7 billion in 2013-14, mainly • Seasonally adjusted, building • The annual average price approvals for all dwelling units of the state’s LNG sales rose due to increases in personal travel from the state (up 11% to increased by 1.2% between 14% in 2013-14, above annual October and November 2014. average growth of 8% over the $4.1 billion) and freight services (up 5% to $1.5 billion). There was an increase of past 10 years. 5.2% over the three months to • The volume of the state’s LNG November 2014. sales rose 1% to 20 million 21 • Trend building approvals in tonnes in 2013 -14, below Construction Industry Western Australia increased by annual average growth of 9% 0.9% between October 2014 over the past 10 years. • The construction industry and November 2014 and rose employs 10.38%, annualised, of by 14.5% over the year. Quarterly the overall state workforce. • Seasonally adjusted, dwelling 19 • There were 145,710 people commencements increased merchandise exports working in the construction by 2.0% in the quarter to June industry as at November 2014, 2014; and on an annualised • Western Australia’s with an annualised average basis compared to June 2013 merchandise exports rose of 141,750 in the previous commencements increased 4% to $32.0 billion in the twelve month period. The by 20.1%. September quarter 2014. industry workforce increased • Western Australia’s by 4,420 people in the last
FACTSheet #6 March 2015 | 4 FACTSheet #6, March 2015
Apprentice Employment of Reforming and Commencements21 Females21 Reshaping
Following a peak in 2010 and There are currently 77 female • The State Government’s decline in the following two apprentices in training. Over local government reform years, the trend has been an the past 10 years the overall agenda has been put on hold, increase in commencements in percentage of female apprentices with Governor’s orders for most individual trades since 2012. in construction has risen from 0.88% boundary adjustments that are The increase of commencements to 1.87%. not supported by the councils during this period will have a involved to be revoked. The positive impact on the number of The number of female trainees boundary adjustments for 15 apprentices in training over the in training is currently 30 and has metropolitan councils would next 36 months. Given the recent risen from 3.29% to 4.05% over the only proceed if affected significant growth in industry past 10 years. Although there councils provided a council activity it is important to maintain is no definitive research into the resolution in support of it. this increase in commencements reasons for the increase, one • A 16-storey, $120 million in order to sustain the industry’s factor has been the increased tower for Subiaco, has been future skilled workforce needs. promotion of ‘women in trades’ approved. The decision marks by the Construction Training the end to a four-year attempt Construction apprentice Fund and organisations such by Sydney-based developer commencements, excluding as ‘TradeUp Australia’ and the D2 Property to build on the site electrical, during the year National Association of Women in of the former Subiaco Pavilion November 2013 to October Construction - WA markets. Existing buildings 2014 have improved by 31.5% on the site, unused since the compared to the same twelve Employment of markets closed in 2007, will be month period November 2012 to demolished to make way for October 2013. Aboriginal and Torres 292 residential apartments, Strait Islanders21 restaurants, fast-food outlets, Overall, commencements have a small bar, rooftop bar and increased by 24.6% comparing the There are currently 166 Aboriginal shops. 24 year November 2013 to October and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) • The State Government has 2014 to the same twelve month apprentices in training. Over capped surcharges imposed period November 2012 to October the past 10 years the overall on taxi patrons who pay their 2013. The electrical apprentice percentage of ATSI apprentices fare with non-cash methods commencement figures have has risen from 3.28% to 4. 04%, to 5 per cent. The State recovered after declining in the first which is indicative of the number Government announced half of the year. of ATSI people in the general that passengers using a population. credit, debit or charge card, Figures indicate a healthy manual voucher, e-ticket or a growth of 14.3%. All trades have Currently there are 73 trainees in smartphone app to pay their taxi fare would no longer have seen an increase in apprentice training with an ATSI background, to pay a surcharge of up to commencements with bricklaying which represents approximately 11%. 22 increasing by 59.1% and wall and 9.86% of all building and • The third and largest phase ceiling fixing increasing by 77.2% construction trainees. This increase appears to coincide with a of Fiona Stanley Hospital concerted effort to recruit ATSI started in early February when people by the civil construction the doors to the emergency Apprentices in sector department were opened, Training21 at the same time as the Traineeships21 Fremantle Hospital emergency Overall, the ‘in-training’ figures department closed. It’s appear to be improving during expected that staff at the There are currently 751 trainees the year; this may be due partly emergency department at the in training, primarily in the Civil to the number of apprentices $2 billion Fiona Stanley Hospital Construction sector. being retained in the industry would see about 95,000 and the impact of various state patients a year. In addition to There has been a 54.2% increase and federal initiatives as well as the emergency department, a since the 2008 figure of 487 trainees the recent increase in overall wide range of acute services ‘in training’. commencements. such as paediatrics, coronary care, cancer services and mental health services will also
FACTSheet #6 March 2015 | 5 FACTSheet #6, March 2015
open as part of Phase 3. 22 ahead of schedule, with • Heavy trucks will be removed • In February, approximately completion predicted by mid- off Leach Highway with 18,000 year 7 students started 2016. Gateway WA project is construction of Western high school. It’s the first time the largest road project ever to Australia’s largest road year 7 students at public be undertaken in Perth and is infrastructure project - the schools went to secondary jointly funded by the Australian Perth Freight Link - scheduled schools. The move brings WA in ($676 million) and the Western to start in early 2016. The State to line with the rest of Australia. Australian ($310 million) Government will invest $650 • The State Government Governments. It will deliver a million towards the $1.575 has launched its aviation fully upgraded road network billion project, which will strategy, which will provide a around the consolidated Perth remove up to 500 trucks a framework for future policy, Airport terminal and nearby day from Leach Highway and planning and investment in Kewdale and Forrestfield provide a more efficient and the state’s aviation sector by industrial estates. 22 direct freight line to Fremantle private sector and the State • BHP Billiton will provide Port. 22 Government. The Department $10 million to develop an • The State Government’s City of of Transport will work with the interactive water park at Perth Act to establish Perth as Australian Government and Elizabeth Quay. The park, on the city’s pre-eminent council, Perth Airport on its forecasting, the corner of William Street looks set to be amended after and master and infrastructure and Geoffrey Bolton Avenue, the City of Perth and the City planning, to ensure the will include a water feature of Vincent couldn’t reach airport keeps pace with future with choreographed water agreement on critical electoral demand. 22 jets, lighting and sound. issues, including wards and • The first images of the new The water park can also be vote weighting. The proposed Perth Stadium train station drained in a matter of minutes Act would have seen the have been revealed. The to create a public event space City of Perth’s boundaries station and associated railway for up to 800 people. 22 expanded, to take in all of the infrastructure, valued at • The City of Rockingham’s City of Perth and the City of $100 million, is part of a $358 push for higher-density Vincent plus The University of million integrated transport development along its coastal Western Australia, Kings Park, component for the stadium. 22 and CBD precincts is starting the Queen Elizabeth II Medical • Motorcycles and taxis will be to pay dividends, with more Centre and the new Perth allowed to travel in selected than $100 million in residential Children’s Hospital. 23 bus lanes for a 12-month trial projects under construction or • Elizabeth Quay is on time and period starting in March. Under approved to be built, which budget, and will be ready the trial, properly-licensed will collectively add more than for the public in spring 2015. taxis can also travel in most 600 apartments, as well as two The inlet walls are complete bus lanes, except those which hotels. 31 and excavation is expected terminate in dedicated bus • In January, the draft to begin early 2015, ready facilities. 22 Scarborough Master Plan was for water to fill the inlet. • Perth-based construction released for public comment, The footings for the new company, CASC has been proposing a $57.4 million pedestrian bridge are being awarded a $30 million contract redevelopment starting this constructed and pilings are to supply formwork and year to provide more housing, being installed for the food concrete for the 60,000 seat a water playground, a park and beverage outlets, jetties new Perth Stadium. 22 with skate facilities, community and moorings. Elizabeth Quay • In February, the State and function centre, new will deliver about 1,600 jobs Government called for cafes, restaurants, kiosks and during construction, with expressions of interest for the public art. New lookouts, 146 contracts awarded to day-to-day management of decking and boardwalks will businesses for earthmoving, Perth Stadium. The operator enable better access to the fabrication, surveying, will manage a range of beach while family friendly construction, landscaping and activities in the stadium and areas will provide green architectural services. sports precinct including spaces, playgrounds, alfresco • The State Government has events and functions, catering, dining and event spaces. called for expressions of cleaning, waste management, Provision has been made interest from artists across security, traffic management for the City of Stirling’s plan Australia for a major public and ticketing. The process is for a public pool. The $57.4 artwork at Elizabeth Quay. The expected to take a year. 22 million revitalisation is being $1.3 million piece at the top • In January, the $1 billion delivered by the Metropolitan of the inlet will be the entry Gateway WA Project reached Redevelopment Authority and statement from the city to the halfway mark, six months the City of Stirling 22 the quay. As part of the $440
FACTSheet #6 March 2015 | 6 FACTSheet #6, March 2015
million project budget, up to a new local government is in amount of waste sent to 10 public art pieces will be elected in October 2015. 22 landfill. 22 commissioned to capture the • The State Government will sell • In July, the State Government history of the area, enrich the Market City in Canning Vale launched the Western public spaces and engage and port handling facilities in Australian National Disability visitors for years to come. Port Hedland and Kwinana in Insurance Scheme My Way There will also be a piece of the first round of asset sales ot trial in Busselton. An extra $100 art at Barrack Street Jetty reduce the state’s debt levels. million, including $40 million of that reinterprets the school The three assets are expected State Government funding, signatures from the Bell Tower, to generate between $1billion is expected to be spent on a collection of 2D and 3D and $2billion. 22 supporting the 8,400 people in Aboriginal artworks and a • The $221 million rail extension the State’s two NDIS trials over sculpture of Bessie Rischbieth, to Butler opened in September, the two-year trial period. This a leading social figure whose several months early and $20 is over and above the funds civil action in the 1960s million under budget. The currently provided to people symbolises shifting attitudes State Government expects with disability across the State. to recognising the natural more than 2,000 passengers a The cities of Cockburn and attributes of the Swan River. 22 day will choose to take the 37 Kwinana will join the WA NDIS • The first pile for the 60,000 seat minute journey to Perth from My Way trial from July 1, 2015. new Perth Stadium was driven the new station. 22 22 into the Burswood Peninsula • Respected former public site in December. Over the servant and Agent General next 12 months, more than Kerry Sanderson AO was Lifestyle 2,000 piles will be driven about named as Western Australia’s 35 metres into the ground, to first female Governor. 22 • It’s estimated that more than support the stadium. Over the • The State Government has 1.4 million people went in to next three years, more than placed the former Sunset Perth, over a three day period 5,700 workers will be involved in Hospital matron’s house on the to see The Giants, an 11-metre the stadium’s construction. The market, bringing the Sunset tall Deep Sea Diver and a stadium will be built using more Heritage Precinct - a valuable six-metre tall Little Girl walk than 10,000 tonnes of structural arts and community asset for through the city. While the steel and more than 52,000 Perth and Western Australia - influx of people into the city cubic metres of concrete. 22 a step closer. The sale of the stretched public transport to • The State Government has house, located on a 1,993sqm the limit, owners of hotels, bars, reached an agreement lot on Iris Avenue in Dalkeith will restaurants and cafes were with the Commonwealth fund much-needed heritage smiling, with tens of millions that will ensure in the event building preservation work of dollars pumped into Perth of a shark attack or threat; on the historic Sunset site. It businesses over the three days. immediate action can will also open up part of the 24 be taken by the Western site for community use and • This year’s Fringe Festival set Australian Government to enjoyment, with a picnic new records with more than implement the imminent threat area and playground to be 250,000 tickets sold during policy. The government also available in late 2016. 22 the month-long event and withdrew its application for • More than $4 million in more than $6.2 million taken Commonwealth approval of upgrades at Hillarys Boat at the box office. Cabaret the drum line shark hazard Harbour were completed in show La Soiree was so popular mitigation program. 29 September. The $3.3 million it extended its run beyond • Four public primary schools demolition and reconstruction the official end of the Fringe and four public secondary of K and L jetties, together with Festival. 25 schools will be built and the $1.2 million extension of the • Perth is on track to become maintained under Western northern car park, provided the country’s performing arts Australia’s first Public Private a boost to one of the busiest capital. Figures released by the Partnership (PPP) for schools. parts of the facility. Pen holders Australian Bureau of Statistics The State Government now have access to a modern show that 56.3% of Western has called for expressions floating pen system, improved Australians aged 15 years or of interest from private fire, security and fendering older went to a performing arts companies for the package. 22 systems. 22 event in 2013-14. This compares • The Minister for Local • Recycling of metropolitan to 52% of people in New South Government dismissed the City household waste increased Wales, 55% of Victorians, of Canning and appointed a from 39% to 45% between 54.8% of South Australians panel of three commissioners 2011-12 and 2013-14 while and 48.5% of Queenslanders. to represent ratepayers until there was a 6% reduction Western Australia was only
FACTSheet #6 March 2015 | 7 FACTSheet #6, March 2015
outperformed by the ACT with of this year’s biggest sporting • The world’s richest pacing race an attendance rate of 64.2%. 30 events. The two top-ranked will come home to Perth with • 10 Olympic gold medallists and one-day international sides, the Inter Dominion harness a current world record holder Australia and India, played at racing competition from 2015- took part in the 2015 BHP Billiton the WACA as well as the West 16 to 2017-18. The prestigious Aquatic Super Series at HBF Indies, United Arab Emirates international competition, Stadium in January. Teams from and Afghanistan. The matches which has rotated between the United States, China, Japan were broadcast to millions of all the States of Australia and and Australia competed in people around the world. 22 both islands of New Zealand, series. 22 • The City of Perth has approved will see elite harness horses • After their historic AFC Asian a 362 room Westin Hotel compete in an event that Cup win, the Socceroos will kick development application on requires both speed and off their home 2018 FIFA World the old FESA House and Perth endurance. $1.8million in Cup campaign in Perth this year. Chest Clinic site in Hay Street, total stakes would be on offer The State Government, through Perth. The development also for the 2015-16 series with a Tourism Western Australia, has includes restaurants, bars, retail $1.3million purse awarded in secured the team’s first home and public spaces. The State the Grand Final, making Perth’s FIFA World Cup qualification Government has a goal for Inter Dominion the richest match, to be played at the 1,900 hotel rooms to be added pacing race in the world. 22 revitalised nib Stadium, in June or to the Perth CBD by 2020. 22 • The City of Perth’s Twilight September. 22 • Perth is ranked as the third Hawkers Markets returned to • Perth has won hosting rights most generous metropolitan Forrest Place, every Friday for the world final of the 2016 area in Australia, in terms of night between Friday 17th Union Cycliste Internationale the average amount given October until 24th April 2015, World Cycling Tour (UWCT). per person and fourth in terms from 4.30pm-9pm. 26 The tour is for the world’s best of per taxpayer donations. amateur riders and comprises Between 2007 and 2012 the Knowledge and 15 qualifying events which are average amount of money held in cities around the world, donated by an individual living innovation culminating in the world final.22 in Perth, to charities rose by • TripAdvisor rated Australia’s 16.5% to $556 a year and the • A world-first wave energy top 25 beaches of 2015, with average taxpayer donation project has been switched-on Cottesloe coming in seventh increased by 27.1% to $206. 30 at Garden Island. Australian and Scarborough, sixteenth. 28 • People living in 19 of Perth and company Carnegie Wave • The State Government has Peel’s 40 local areas have Energy developed a world-first invited local and international experienced an increase in grid-connected wave energy contractors to submit expressions economic stress over recent generator and desalination of interest to design and years. The hardest hit families plant capable of producing construct Western Australia’s are living in Armadale, Stirling, both electricity and fresh new museum in the Perth Murray, Waroona, Wanneroo, water. The project will provide Cultural Centre. The State Mandurah, Gosnells, Canning renewable electricity for HMAS Government has allocated and Serpentine-Jarrahdale. Stirling, Australia’s largest $428.3 million to the new Those least affected by naval base. The desalination museum project, which will be economic stress were in component will be able to four times the size of the current Peppermint Grove, Cottesloe supply up to one-third of museum. It’s scheduled to open and Nedlands. 30 Stirling’s freshwater needs. 22 in 2020. 22 • More than 50 free and ticketed • Environmental approval has • The Economist Intelligence events featuring 130 designers been given for Australia’s first Unit’s Global Liveability Index and 113 models featured metropolitan waste-to-energy has ranked Perth as the ninth in 2014 Telstra Perth Fashion facility in East Rockingham most liveable city in the world. Festival, which was held at - which could process Melbourne was ranked first for the Perth Concert Hall. As well household waste into enough the fourth consecutive year. as providing a platform to electricity to power 23,000 Adelaide was ranked fifth and promote local and national homes a year. The facility is Sydney seventh. 23 designers, this year the planned for 2017 and would • The State Government has festival was working with the be strategically located in the committed to funding the Singapore-based FIDé Fashion Kwinana Industrial Area. 22 Margaret River Gourmet Escape Weeks and the Asian Couture • Some of the world’s top until at least 2017. 22 Federation to establish a tech entrepreneurs were in • The WACA hosted three partnership between the Perth in early February. The matches as part of the ICC Western Australian and Asian event was part of the Mai Tai Cricket World Cup 2015, one fashion industries. 22 festivities, hosted by Curtin
FACTSheet #6 March 2015 | 8 FACTSheet #6, March 2015
University lecturer and tech 1 ABS 5220.0 State Accounts and 5204.0 National Accounts; Western Australia 2014-15 entrepreneur Bill Tai. The State Budget; and Australia 2014-15 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. 2 event attracted Blackbird ABS 5220.0 State Accounts, 5206.0 National Accounts and 6302.0 Balance of Payments; and Western Australia 2014-15 State Budget. VC Rick Baker, BlueChilli 3 ABS 5220.0 State Accounts founder Sebastian Eckersley- 4 ABS 3101.0 Australian Demographic Statistics Maslin, the Canva founders 5 ABS 6202.0 Monthly Labour Force and a number of pro kiters. 6 ABS 6291.0.55.003 Quarterly Labour Force. 7 Mai Tai is a community of ABS 5206.0 National Accounts, 5220.0 State Accounts and 5625.0 Private New Capital Expenditure entrepreneurs, innovators and 8 ABS 5206.0 National Accounts, 8762.0 Engineering Construction and 5625.0 athletes who gather to push Private New Capital Expenditure. each other in business and 9 World Bank, Commodity Price Data (monthly prices in nominal US dollars). sport while giving back to the 10 Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum, Minerals and Petroleum environment. They host events Summary Tables 11 Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum, Minerals and Petroleum 27 all around the world. Summary Tables; Western Australia 2014-15 State Budget; and Western Australia • The $160 million Australian Department of State Development. Square Kilometre Array 12 ABS 5220.0 State Accounts, 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services, Pathfinderis taking shape in 7501.0 Value of Principal Agricultural Commodities Produced, 7111.0 Principal Western Australia’s outback, Agricultural Commodities. 13 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services, 5206.0 National Accounts about a four hour drive from and 5220.0 State Accounts. Geraldton. The project has 14 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services. seen the installation of 36 15 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services; and Western Australia huge antenna dishes on Department of Mines and Petroleum, Resource Data Files. 16 Boolardy Station, which will ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services; and Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum, Resource Data Files. eventually work together to 17 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services. survey large areas of sky to 18 Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum, Resource Data Files. help scientists understand 19 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services. how galaxies have formed 20 ABS 5368.0.55.003(004) International Trade in Services by Country, State and and evolved. Although only Detailed Services Category. 21 Construction Industry Snapshot, Western Australia January 2015 six of the dishes were active, 22 Ministerial media statement the latest picture has almost 23 ABC online 2000 galaxies in it. 23 24 The West Australian online 25 WA Today online 26 City of Perth website 27 Business Insider Australia 28 Trip Advisor 29 Department of Fisheries 30 FACTBase report 31 Business News Acknowledgments
We acknowledge the assistance of the Department of State Development in compiling this FACTSheet. Copyright
This paper is the copyright of The University of Western Australia and the Committee for Perth. While we encourage its use, it should be referenced as: 2015 Key Facts About Perth & Western Australia, FACTSheet 6, The University of Western Australia and Committee for Perth, Perth. Contacts
For further information on the FACTBase project of our FACTSheets, contact: Marion Fulker, CEO, Committee for Perth, 0419 048 665 or [email protected]
The Committee for Perth is a member funded organisation and we acknowledge our Foundation partners:
A complete list of current memebrs is available at www.committeeforperth.com.au
FACTSheet #6 March 2015 | 9