FACTSheet #12, February 2018 Indicates no change from FACTSheet #11 September 2017

Indicates an increase from FACTSheet #11 September 2017

Indicates a decrease from FACTSheet FACTSheet #11 September 2017 #12, February 2018 • Indicates newly released or incomparable data

Introduction This latest FACTSheet produced by • Mining accounted for 29% of the Committee for Perth contains GSP in 2016-17, followed by Introduction 1 a snapshot of key facts relating to business and property services The economy 1 the current performance of Perth (10%) and construction (8%). Population growth 2 and Western Australia. It draws • Manufacturing accounted for on data from a range of sources 5% of GSP in 2016-17. Labour market 2 including FACTBase reports, • Agriculture, forestry and fishing Consumption 3 Committee for Perth research, accounted for 3% of GSP in government departments and 2016-17. Investment 3 media sources. Property market & Industry sectors construction activity 3 The economy contribution to real GSP Merchandise exports 4 growth 2016-172 Services exports 4 Gross State Product Mining 4 (% change)1 • An industry’s contribution to WA’s construction industry 5 real GSP growth depends on • Western Australia’s ross real changes to its gross value Economic news 5 G State Product (GSP) of $247.7 added and its share of GSP. Reforming and Reshaping 8 billion in 2016-17 was 14% of • Agriculture, forestry and fishing Lifestyle 15 Australia’s gross domestic gross value-added rose 24% product (GDP). in 2016-17, contributing 0.5 Knowledge and innovation 17 • GSP per capita of $96,466 percentage points to real GSP References 19 in 2016-17 was 34% above growth. Australia’s GDP per capita of • Mining gross value-added rose $71,971. 2% in 2016-17, and with its large • Real GSP fell 2.7% in 2016-17, share of GSP, contributed 0.5 compared with annual percentage points to real GSP average growth of 3.9% over growth. the past ten years. • Construction gross value added • The 2017-18 Government Mid- fell 26% in 2016-17, detracting Year Financial Projections 2.8 percentage points from real Statement forecasts real GSP GSP growth. growth of 2.5% in 2017-18 and 3% in 2018-19. Gross State Income and • Australia’s real GDP rose 2.0% in 2016-17. The Australian terms of trade2 Government forecasts GDP growth of 2.5% in 2017-18 and • Changes in export prices 3% in 2018-19. relative to import prices (terms of trade) affects Gross State Income (GSI) and accounts for Industry sectors the difference between (nominal gross value changes in GSI and GSP. • Western Australia’s terms of 2 added) trade rose 13% in 2016-17. This meant that despite a decline • Goods producing industries in real GSP, Western Australia’s accounted for 47% or $115.8b GSI rose 3.6% in 2016-17, below of GSP in 2016-17, followed annual average growth of by services industries, 43% 4.3%over the past ten years. or $105.5b, and dwelling • The Reserve Bank of Australia’s ownership and other items, $A commodity price index for 11% or $26.4b. Australia rose 22% in 2016-17.

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3 Underutilisation rate • The 2017-18 Government Population growth Mid-Year Financial Projections 4 Statement forecasts an annual • Western Australia’s population (quarterly) of 2.58 million in 2016-17 was average participation rate of • The underutilisation rate 10% of Australia’s population. 67.9% in 2017-18 and 68.2% in measures the proportion • Population growth of 0.8% or 2018-19. of the labour force 21,403 in 2016-17 was below • There were 19,300 job that is unemployed or annual average growth of vacancies in the September underemployed, workers 2.1% over the past ten years. quarter 2017, 200 more than in wanting more hours. • Natural increase of 20,024 and the previous quarter and 1,800 • The underutilisation rate of net overseas migration, up more than a year ago. 15.2% in the December quarter 13,101 offset falling net 2017 was above the 14.9% in interstate migration, down the previous quarter and 15.0% Commodity prices and 11,722 in 2016-17. a year ago. 7 • Annual average population exchange rate • The underutilisation rate growth is forecast to rise to in the December quarter 1.0% in 2017-18 and 1.2% in • The RBA’s monthly $A 2017 comprised an 2018-19. commodity price index rose 2% underemployment rate of 9.2% • The 2015 WA Tomorrow report in November 2017. and an unemployment rate of forecasts a population of 3.27 • The monthly average price 6.0%. million by 2026. of iron ore rose 4% to US$64 a • The underemployment rate of tonne in November 2017. 9.2% in the December quarter • The annual average price The labour market 2017 was above the 9.1% in the of iron ore rose 35% to US$70 previous quarter and 9.0% a a tonne in 2016-17 and is 4 year ago. forecast to fall to US$66 a Employment tonne in 2017-18 and US$62 a tonne in 2018-19. • Western Australia’s employment • The monthly average $A fell by 8,900 to 1.323 million in Industry sector exchange rate fell 1% to US76 January 2018. 5 employment cents in November 2017. • Full-time employment fell by • The annual average $A 2,100 to 899,200 in January 2018. • The services industries exchange rate rose 4% to US75 • Part-time employment fell by accounted for 73% or 979,898 cents in 2016-17 and is forecast 5,100 to 430,500 in January 2018. of total employment in the to rise to US77 cents in 2017-18 • Seasonally adjusted, total December quarter 2017 and and US76 cents in 2018-19. employment fell by 8,900 goods producing industries between December 2017 to accounted for 27% or 357,766. January 2018. • The largest increases in Average annual • The 2017-18 Government employment through the year earnings and wages Mid-Year Financial Projections to the December quarter 8 Statement forecasts annual 2017 were in education growth average employment growth and training, up 23,727 of 2% in 2017-18 and 1.5% in and healthcare and social • Average annual adult full-time 2018-19. assistance, up 18,615. total earnings rose 0.01% to • The largest falls in employment $93,366 in 2016-17. Unemployment rate through the year to the • Western Australia’s average December quarter 2017 were annual adult full-time total • Western Australia’s in manufacturing, down 15,978 earnings were 12% ($9,875) unemployment rate has and mining, down 8,729. above the Australian average steadied at 5.7% in January, of $83,491 in 2016-17. seasonally adjusted, despite • Wages growth of 1.4% in 2016- a slight dip in the number of Participation rate 17 was below annual average people employed. The number and job vacancies growth of 3.3% over the past 10 years, and below Australia’s of jobs fell by around 9,000 6] to be more than 1.3 million, (quarterly) wages growth of 1.9% in 2016- seasonally adjusted, according 17. to the Australian Bureau of • The participation rate • The 2017-18 Government Statistics. About 12,000 fewer measures the proportion Mid-Year Financial Projections males were employed while of the civilian working age Statement forecasts wages 3,000 more females had jobs.26 population that is employed or growth of 1.5% in 2017-18 and • The 2017-18 Government unemployed. 1.75% in 2018-19. Mid-Year Financial Projections • The participation rate of 68.8% Statement forecasts an annual in the December quarter 2017 average unemployment rate was above the 67.9% in the of 5.75% in 2017-18 and 2018- previous quarter and 67.6% a 19.4 year ago.

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over the past ten years. Exploration Consumption • Total gross household 11 disposable income fell by expenditure Real household $2.9 billion in 2016-17, due to changes in employee wages, • Western Australia accounted consumption (% down $3.5b, social benefits for 66% of Australia’s minerals change)9 and other secondary income, exploration expenditure and down $139m, self-employed 47% of Australia’s petroleum • Western Australia accounted and property income, up exploration expenditure in for 10% of Australia’s household $411m and interest and tax 2016-17. consumption in 2016-17. paid on secondary income, • Minerals exploration Household consumption down $340m. expenditure rose 18% to $1.0 accounted for 42% of GSP in billion in 2016-17, mainly due to 2016-17 and contributed 0.2 increases in gold exploration. percentage points to real GSP Investment • Petroleum exploration growth. expenditure fell 50% to $651 • Real household consumption Investment (nominal)9 million in 2016-17. growth of 0.5% in 2016-17 was below annual average growth • Western Australia accounted Property market and of 2.9% over the past ten years. for 19% of Australia’s business • The 2017-18 Government investment in 2016-17. Business construction activity Mid-Year Financial Projections investment accounted for Statement forecasts real 15% of GSP in 2016-17 but household consumption to rise detracted 6.4 percentage Median established 0.75% in 2017-18 and 1.75% in points from real GSP growth. house price and rents 2018-19. • Real business investment fell 12 29% in 2016-17 and is forecast (quarterly) to fall 12% in 2017-18 and 8.5%in Household consumption 2018-19. • Perth’s preliminary median by industry sector • Nominal business investment fell house price increased 1.2%to $516,000 in the December 9 28% to $38.2 billion in 2016-17. (nominal) • Nominal dwelling investment quarter 2017. Perth’s median fell 21% to $9.1 billion in 2016-17. unit price is $405,000 for the • Nominal household • Nominal public investment rose December 2017 quarter which consumption fell 0.2% to $104.1 4% to $8.8 billion in 2016-17. is a 1.3% increase on the billion in 2016-17. September quarter. • The largest decreases in • Regional WA’s overall median household consumption in house price increased 2.9% to 2016-17 were in rent and other $350,000 during the December dwelling services, down $642m Private new capital 2017 quarter, outperforming or 3% and net expenditure 10 the Perth Metro region. interstate, down $355m or expenditure • Perth’s overall median rent 110%. price remained at $350 per • Western Australia accounted • The largest increases in week during the December for 57% of Australia’s mining household consumption in 2017 quarter. This was the third new capital expenditure in 2016-17 were in insurance, consecutive quarter that 2016-17. finance and other, up $587m or Perth’s median rent price had • Mining accounted for 77% of 4% and health, up $327m or remained steady. 4%. Western Australia’s private new capital expenditure in 2016-17. Mining new capital Building and engineering Gross household expenditure fell 37% to $22.2 13 billion in 2016-17. construction activity disposable income per • New capital expenditure in capita2 other selected industries fell • Residential building activity fell 14% to $6.8 billion in 2016-17. 26% to $6.6 billion in 2016-17. • Western Australia’s gross • In September 2017, Western • Non-residential building activity household disposable income Australia had $98.9 billion of fell 5% to $4.5 billion in 2016-17. per capita of $51,412 in 2016- major resource projects under • Heavy industry engineering 17 was 8% or $3,933 above construction or committed construction activity fell 35% to Australia’s gross household and $49.2 billion under $17.5 billion in 2016-17. disposable income per capita consideration. • Other engineering construction of $47,479. activity fell 24% to $7.0 billion in • Gross household disposable 2016-17. income per capita fell 3% in 2016-17, compared with annual average growth of 4%

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Building construction Kingdom 64% and China 63% • Overnight visitors fell 4% to 10.4 in 2016-17. million in 2016-17, compared activity outlook • Minerals and petroleum with annual average growth of (quarterly)14 accounted for 90% or $108.2b 4% over the past ten years. of merchandise exports in • The fall in overnight visitors in • Western Australia had $6.5 2016-17. Agriculture, food, 2016-17 was due to domestic billion of building activity in the fibre, fisheries and forestry visitors falling 5% to 9.5 million. pipeline in the June quarter exports accounted for 7% or • International visitors rose 9% to 2017, below the $7.0 billion in $8.5b of merchandise exports 965,900 in 2016-17. the previous quarter. in 2016-17. • Visitor spending rose 1% to • Residential building approvals $10.1 billion in 2016-17 due rose 1% to $1.5 billion in the Services exports to increases in spending by September quarter 2017. daytrip, up 9% to $2.1 billion, Residential building approvals and international, up 8% to typically lead building activity Service exports $2.5 billion, visitors. • Domestic visitor spending fell by one to two quarters. 17 • Non-residential building (nominal) 4% to $5.5 billion in 2016-17. approvals fell 19% to $1.0 billion • Western Australia accounted in the September quarter 2017. for 8% of Australia’s services Mining • Housing finance for the exports in 2016-17, compared construction of new dwellings to 9% in 2016. rose 0.5% to $1.0 billion in • Services exports accounted for Mining gross value the September quarter 2017. 2 3% of GSP in 2016-17 and Housing finance typically leads added (nominal) detracted 0.1 percentage residential building activity by points to real GSP growth. • Western Australia is the main two to three quarters. • Real services exports fell 2% in minerals and petroleum 2016-17 compared with annual exporting region of Australia Merchandise exports average growth of 1% over the and produces a significant past ten years. proportion of the world’s • Nominal services exports fell 1% minerals and petroleum Merchandise exports to $6.8 billion in 2016-17. commodities. Western 15 Australia accounted for 56% of (nominal) Australia’s mining gross value Services exports by added in 2016-17, below its • Western Australia accounted 17 for 43% of Australia’s industry sector 59% share in the previous year merchandise exports in 2016- and 67% share in 2013-14. 17. Merchandise exports • Services exports in 2016-17 • Mining accounted for 29% of accounted for 50% of GSP in mainly comprised personal GSP in 2016-17, above its 24% 2016-17 and contributed 3.2 travel at 34% and education- share in the previous year, but percentage points to real GSP related travel 28%. below its 37% share in 2010-11. growth. • The largest increase in services • Nominal mining gross value- • Real merchandise exports exports in 2016-17 was in added rose 26% to $72.3 billion growth of 7% in 2016-17 was education-related travel, up in 2016-17, above annual above annual average growth 12%, while the largest decline average growth of 7% over the of 6% over the past ten years. was in personal travel, down past ten years. • The 2017-18 Government 6%. Mid-Year Financial Projections • International student enrolments rose 10% to Major minerals and Statement forecasts real 19 merchandise exports growth 55,274 in 2016, above annual petroleum sales of 7.5% in 2017-18 and 5% in average growth of 5% over the 2018-19. past ten years. • Iron ore accounted for 61% of • Nominal merchandise exports • Western Australia accounted minerals and petroleum sales rose 20% to $124.0 billion in for 7.75% of Australia’s in 2016-17, followed by: LNG 2016-17. international student (12%); Gold (10%); Alumina enrolments in 2016, below the and bauxite (5%); Crude oil 7.85% share in 2015. and condensate (4%); Nickel 16 Major export markets (2%); Base metals (1%); Mineral sands (1%). • Western Australia’s largest • Minerals and petroleum sales export market in 2016-17 was Overnight domestic and rose 19% to $105.0 billion China, $60.2b or 50%, followed international visitors18 in 2016-17, mainly due to by Japan, $15.7b or 13% and increased sales of iron ore, Hong Kong, $9.6b or 8%. • Tourism accounted for 2% or LNG and gold. • Western Australia had majority $5.5 billion of GSP and 5% or shares of Australian exports 72,000 of total employment in to Hong Kong 75%, United 2015-16.

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Iron ore sales20 WA’s construction Value of construction industry21 work done21 • Western Australia accounted for 53% of world seaborne iron • Residential: An increase of ore exports in 2016. 4.8% in value in the last quarter • Iron ore sales rose 31% to $63.7 Employment to $6.44 billion. This shows billion in 2016-17, due to rising a marked improvement in • The industry employs more than sales volumes and average activity in the last quarter 10.25% of the State’s workforce, prices. compared with a reduction of with 16.9% growth in August • The volume of iron ore sales 22.7% on the previous twelve 2017 compared to August 2016. rose 6% to 790 million tonnes months. There was only one decrease in in 2016-17, below annual • Non-Residential: A decrease the previous four quarters. average growth of 12% over of 5.3% in value in the last • Tradespeople: The industry the past ten years. quarter to $4.49 billion. This was employs more than 70,800 • The annual average $A unit against a decrease of 4.0% in tradespeople, this is the highest price (free on board) of iron the previous 12 months. This is number since August 2014 and ore sales rose 24% in 2016-17. third highest on record. a marked improvement on the • The 2017-18 Government year to September 2016 when • Apprenticeships: The industry Mid-Year Financial Projections there was a 10.5% decrease in employs more than 45% of the Statement forecasts iron ore work done. It demonstrates a State’s apprentices. Including sales to rise from 790 million stabilisation in the market. electrical, there are currently tonnes in 2016-17 to 835 million • A shortage of bricklaying 6,833 apprentices ‘in training’ tonnes in 2020-21. apprentices has emerged as which is a 6.2% decrease on young people turn their back the previous year but there has on the trade, with claims that 20 been a 75% reduction in LNG sales some see the job as too much apprenticeship cancellations. like hard work. There has been There has been an overall • Western Australia accounted an 83% fall in the number decrease in apprentice for 9% of world LNG exports in of West Australians starting 2016. commencements of 18.6%, including electrical. bricklaying apprenticeships in • LNG sales rose 18% to $12.7 the past two years, from 432 • Traineeships: The industry billion in 2016-17, due to rising to 74. It comes amid a drop in sales volumes offsetting falling employs 716 trainees. Since 2009, there has been a 67% many other construction trades average prices. and a surge in training for less increase in traineeships, • The volume of LNG sales physically strenuous trades and rose 37% to 29 million tonnes especially in the civil construction sector. jobs such as bakers, barbers in 2016-17, above annual and security personnel.23 average growth of 9% over the past 10 years. • The annual average $A unit Building approvals and price (free on board) of Economic news LNG sales fell 14% in 2016- commencements21 17. Western Australia’s LNG • CommSec Research’s ‘State of production capacity will grow • Total Dwelling Units: There was the States’ publication reports to 50 million tonnes a year by a total of 19,928 approvals that employment growth in WA mid-2018. for all types of dwelling units. is just off its strongest levels in This was a reduction of 9.5%on five years. It also reports that 20 the previous year to October. Western Australia’s population Gold sales However, over the past three is growing at its fastest rate in months approvals have • Western Australia’s gold sales two years, with four quarters of remained stable demonstrating rose 7% to $10.8 billion in 2016- continuous growth. This is that the outlook could be further to another CommSec 17, due to rising sales volumes improving into 2018. and average prices. report that showed that WA • Total Houses: There was a total • The volume of gold sales rose had the strongest rate of of 14,584 approvals for houses. 4% to 205 tonnes in 2016-17, growth in job vacancies of all This was a reduction of 9% in above annual average growth States and Territories in 2017. the year to October. The of 3% over the past ten years. • For the calendar year of 2017, reduction was only 3.5% in the • The annual average $A unit Western Australia recorded last quarter which shows a employment growth of 1.4%, price (free on board) of gold levelling of the decline. sales rose 3% in 2016-17. recovering sharply from • Dwelling Commencements: In a 0.8% fall in 2016-17; an the year to October, there was unemployment rate of 5.9%, a total of 19,666 dwelling down from 6.2% in 2016-17 and commencements. the equal second lowest of all States, along with Tasmania; and the highest participation rate of all States, 67.8%, 2.7

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percentage points above the half of the purchases in the in the sector’s increasingly national rate of 65.1%.22 CBD office market in the automated services industries. • Western Australian small past two years, according to The Newport Consulting survey businesses are unhappy Savills Australia. The group’s involving in-depth interviews with the current state of the latest ‘Quarter Time National with 50 mining leaders shows economy but are the most Office’ report has revealed 42% planned to increase optimistic in the nation about its that about $700 million worth spending in the 2017-18 future, a survey has found. of transactions were recorded financial year, up 23% from However, that mostly applies to during 2017 – up from $691 2016. The survey showed 25% Perth business owners, with million in 2016 and $247 of those questioned, plan to confidence falling in regional million in 2015. Transactions increase hiring this financial areas. According to the latest for 2017 were also above year, up from 8% who were set Sensis Business Index survey the 10-year average of $614 to boost job numbers in 2015- of 1,000 small and medium million, with Savills’ research 16. But most employers, 54% businesses nationwide, about showing foreign investment claim there will be no change 33% of WA businesses think the accounted for 55% of major in job levels this year, up from economy will be better off in Perth office acquisitions during 44% who anticipated steady the next year.26 2016 and 2017. Sydney-based workforces in 2015-16. About • The State’s automotive industry GDI Property’s purchase a fifth, 21% plan to cut staff got off to a positive start in 2018 of Westralia Square for numbers this financial year, with a rise in new vehicle sales $216 million was the largest compared with nearly half, for January, compared to last acquisition recorded in the 48%, in 2015-16.23 year, on the back past 12 months, followed by • The volume of freight through of increased SUV and light the sale of The Quadrant Fremantle Ports has remained commercial vehicle sales. The facing Elizabeth Quay for $175 static for the third year running, monthly figures, released by million to a Primewest Trust, raising further questions about the Federal Chamber of backed by offshore equity when the proposed outer Automotive Industries, show a including Singapore-based harbour development at 5.2% jump in sales for January, investment fund GIC Private.26 Cockburn Sound will be with 7,401 vehicles sold in the • Perth’s housing prices are needed. The government- month. There was a 10.8% rated the 21st most expensive owned facility posted a 1.1% rise in SUV sales and a 21% in the world, with the cost increase in total port trade to increase in light commercial 5.9 times higher than the 35.3 million mass tonnes for the vehicles sold, while there was a median household income, year to June 2017, according drop of 9.4% in passenger according to international to data in its newly released vehicles in January.26 think-tank Demographia. annual report. The higher FY17 • Early signs of recovery are Sydney was ranked second result was just short of the port’s starting to emerge across worst, with house prices almost FY15 result of 35.8 million mass Perth’s CBD office market, with 13 times higher than the tonnes.26 vacancy rates falling below median household income. • Despite the long-held 20% for the first time in two The study found Melbourne’s perception that Greater Perth years, according to the house prices were almost 10 has a boom-bust economy that Property Council of Australia. times higher than the median rises and falls on the back of Released in February, the household income. Adelaide the resources sector, a Property Council’s twice-yearly and Brisbane came in at 16th, landmark report office market report shows 18th place respectively.29 by the Committee for Perth has a drop in Perth’s CBD office • A 40% rise in project dispelled that myth. The report vacancy rate, from 21.1% applications with the examined a number to 19.8% in the six months to Department of Mines, Industry of key economic indicators January 2018. This followed 12 Regulation and Safety last year and found that the local months of positive demand for has provided another signal economy was less volatile and CBD office space in Perth, of a turnaround in the mining more resilient than the including 22,178 square metres sector. Australian economy. What the of net absorption over the • The department recorded study found is that when you second half of 2017. The West 2,575 ‘Program for Work’ compare Western Australia’s Perth office market tells a applications in 2017, GSP, unemployment rate and different story; the vacancy compared with 1,799 the housing price volatility with the rate rose to 16.7%, from 15% in previous year. The figures are rest of the country, we the six months to January 2018, in line with the Environmental outperformed them. It was only which the report said was due Protection Authority’s on inflation that WA measured to the addition of 4,803sqm of announcement in December poorly against Australia.30 new office space coupled with that the number of significant • Figures from the 2016 Census weaker demand for existing projects needing assessment show that the performing arts space.26 had risen 50% in 2017.26 and sports sectors are the • Foreign investors are • A report predicts good times fastest growing providers of making their mark on Perth, ahead for mining but warns jobs in Western Australia. The accounting for more than of a potential skills shortage

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figures from the Australian boards, female representation instead saying Investec will Bureau of Statistics indicate marginally rose to 8.9%. When assist the Treasury department there has been a 25% increase the sectors within the WA and Landgate to prepare in people employed in the ASX 100 are broken down, a scoping study to identify arts and recreational services the top 10 companies record options for Landgate’s future.26 industry in WA, including fitness 25% female representation, • The State Government centres, sport and performing dropping to 6.7% for WA ASX introduced amendments to the arts.28 11-20, 9.1% for WA ASX 21-49, Payroll Tax Assessment Act in • The total contribution of tourism and 3.7% among WA ASX 50- State Parliament to the Western Australian 100.30 to introduce a temporary economy in 2016 was $10.64 • Western Australia not only has progressive payroll tax increase billion, or 4.6% of the State’s the highest gender pay gap in for the biggest companies in Gross Value-Added (GVA) the country at 22.8% but only the State. From July 1, 2018 until economy. It also directly and 9.5% of C-Suite positions on the June 30, 2023, Western indirectly employed 109,000 WA ASX 100 are held by Australian employers with people. By comparison, 23.8% women. When you analyse the an Australia-wide payroll of the State’s GVA was number of women in the WA exceeding $100 million - but not generated by the mining ASX C-Suite, there are 16.7%in exceeding $1.5 billion - will industry, 13.6% by construction, the top 10 companies, only have that part of their payroll 5.6% by health care and social 3.8% in the 11-20, 12% in the taxed at a rate of 6%, up from assistance and 5.2% by 21-50 and 6.2% in the 51-100 the current rate of 5.5%. professional and technical companies. Of the 526-people Western Australian employers services.30 appointed onto the WA ASX with an Australia-wide payroll • The education, 100 C-Suites, only 50 are exceeding $1.5 billion will have accommodation and arts women.30 that part of their payroll taxed sectors were the State’s biggest • Perth companies Austal and at a rate of 6.5%. It is estimated job creators in the five years to Civmec will be working on the that this measure will raise November 2017. More than construction of 10 navy vessels $435 million over the forward 124,000 people were employed at Henderson, but the amount estimates.22 in the education and training and type of work they will • The State Government moved sector as of November, the ABS undertake is unclear after the new laws to freeze the pay of found federal government selected Members of Parliament and the an increase of 32.4% on the Germany’s Luerssen as its most senior bureaucrats for the same time in 2012. The arts and preferred designer and builder. next four years. The Salaries and recreation industry is The offshore patrol vessel Allowances Amendment (Debt one of the State’s smaller program will be worth $4 billion, and Deficit Remediation) Bill employees, providing 27,000 including sustainment, with the 2017 was declared urgent and jobs but that number grew by first two vessels to debated in State Parliament, in 19.1% over the past five years. be assembled by ASC in an effort to save $16 million in Employment in agriculture, Adelaide and the remaining 10 the State Budget. The pay forestry and fisheries sectors at Henderson. The federal freeze will be applied to the was up 16.2% to 43,100, while government said Luerssen most senior members of accommodation and food would use the capabilities of government, including the operators lifted employment Austal and Civmec to build 10 Governor; 32.6% over the period to vessels at Henderson, but all Members of Parliament 99,300.26 provided no details, and including the Premier and • The number of workers on big added this was subject to the Ministers; clerks and deputy projects in Western Australia is completion of commercial clerks of the Legislative Council likely to stabilise at just one- negotiations.26 and Legislative Assembly; quarter of the peak level of • The State Government has judicial office holders, including 35,000 recorded during the selected investment bank masters of the Supreme mining construction boom in Investec as its commercial Court and magistrates; the 2012, and that’s only if planned adviser on land registry agency Parliamentary Inspector of the projects are approved.26 Landgate, adding Corruption and Crime • Wesfarmers, with 24,963 staff, to speculation it is a likely Commission; and executive remains the biggest business privatisation target. Investec officers of Government Trading employer in Western Australia, was the adviser to the South Enterprises.24 followed by Woolworths 15,862, Australian government last Rio Tinto 12,930 and BHP Billiton year, when it privatised the 10,000.26 State’s land titles service in a • Out of a total of 539 directors in bumper $1.6 billion deal. the WA ASX 100, 492 were men • The NSW government reaped and just 47 were women. Even an even larger price of $2.6 when the calculations billion when it sold its land titles considered the number of men office last year. The Western and women who sat Australian government has not on multiple WA ASX 100 used the word privatisation,

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president Lynne Craigie, said Park. Site works for the new Reforming and there needed to be more Inner City College on Kitchener Reshaping diversity generally in councils, Park commenced in February. not just in gender, saying one The MOU confirms the retention of the big hurdles women of the Subiaco Oval playing • New capital works advisory body think they’re going to face is surface and the inclusion of Infrastructure WA will help take childcare.29 a ‘green belt’ to link Mueller the politics out of the State’s • The State Government Park to the Subiaco Oval major showpiece investments, has signed the stage two playing surface. A shared user according to Premier Mark agreement for Western agreement will be developed McGowan. Unveiling the new Australia’s new $428 million to enable access to the oval body in February, the Premier museum with managing for students, junior sport, the said it would be established contractor Multiplex, public and the West Australian in early 2019 after a year of construction of which is Football Commission.22 consultation and enabling scheduled for completion • Western Australia became the legislation. IWA’s main functions in mid-2019. The new facility first State in Australia to provide are to be to develop a 20-year includes seven major galleries, a funded vaccine against four State infrastructure strategy, learning studios, a cafe, strains of meningococcal provide expert advice and and will feature a display disease in children aged under support agencies on capital of a blue whale skeleton. five. Meningococcal disease is works plans. The independent Multiplex, in conjunction with an uncommon, but sometimes statutory body will vet HASSELL+OMA, was appointed life-threatening illness. At any infrastructure proposals of state as lead contractor in 2016. It’s one time, about 10% of healthy significance, for projects costing forecast that the new museum people carry meningococcal $100 million plus, or smaller but will attract about 800,000 bacteria harmlessly in their nose 23&27 high-risk projects. visitors in the first year and or throat, and do not become • The State Government plans contribute around $31 million ill.22 to deliver on its election of tourism spending.26 • From July this year, the State commitment to increase • Better land use and Government has banned the total number of women development outcomes lightweight, single-use plastic appointed to Government around transport corridors shopping bags in Western boards and committees to such as METRONET are the Australia. The ban will bring 50% by 2019. In September, aim of a revised State policy Western Australia into line with the Premier launched covering road and rail noise. South Australia, Tasmania, OnBoardWA, a website The revised policy seeks to the Northern Territory and and register encouraging diverse provide clearer guidance the Australian Capital representation on to minimise unreasonable Territory which already have State Government boards or levels of transport noise while plastic bag bans in place. committees. Women make protecting the State’s major Queensland has also vowed to up about half of the Western transport corridors. It also puts ban the bag from July 1, 2018.24 Australian workforce and more a greater focus on road and • The State Government will than 70% of the public sector yet rail noise earlier in the planning introduce the most significant are under-represented process. The proposed reforms to Western Australia’s at the decision-making level. changes seek to: Simplify the liquor laws in a decade to Women on boards lead to better noise criteria and assessment support local businesses and informed decision-making, better process; Provide new noise create more jobs. performance and more effective exposure categories that • Under the Liquor Control governance while also creating correspond with quiet house Amendment Bill 2018, the Chief stronger connections with the design requirements such as Executive Officer of Tourism 24 community. building orientation, window Western Australia will be given • The number of women glazing and insulation; provide equal consideration to that of elected to local government standardised templates for the Chief Health Officer and across Western Australia noise management plans, Commissioner again increased, despite the local planning scheme of Police when assessing liquor relatively small number of female provisions and notifications on licensing applications. Tourism candidates standing titles.22 WA will be able to put forward for the October 2017 council • A Memorandum of a submission regarding the elections. Department of Local Understanding (MOU) between tourism benefits of any Government and Communities the State Government and application - creating more figures show the number of the City of Subiaco allows balance in the consideration of female candidates elected to for future public access to licences. In addition, a new council has increased more than Subiaco Oval and paves the category will be added to the 25% since 2013. 449 female way for master planning for public interest assessment to candidates were elected, which the precinct. The agreement allow venues’ tourism, is 51 more than in 2015 and 91 allows for the revocation of community and cultural more than in 2013. WA Local the Management Order over benefits to be considered as Government Association Subiaco Oval and Kitchener

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part of a licence application. Parliament, continuing 2020-21.22 Licensed restaurants with a WorkCover WA’s open and • An east coast energy retailer capacity of 120 people or less consultative approach on the backed by French multinational will will be able to serve alcohol legislative review. It is expected become the fifth player selling to without a meal. Currently, the new Bill will be introduced consumers in the local gas market, restaurant licensees must into Parliament by the end of after receiving approval by the lodge a separate application 2018.22 Economic Regulation Authority in for a permit to allow this • Energy Minister Ben Wyatt February. Melbourne-based Simply authority.24 hopes to introduce laws to Energy is 72% owned by French • From September 2017, ease network access rules business Engie, which was changes to the Liquor Control for new electricity generators previously known as GDF Suez. The Regulations 1989, allow tour by mid-2018, saying he remaining 28% is held by Mitsui & operators who gain understood independent Co. The company operates accreditation to supply operators were unsettled about in the National Energy Market, alcohol on their tours. This lets Synergy’s share of the retailing electricity and gas, with accredited tourism businesses electricity generation market in the business formed from after a to offer hospitality experiences the State’s South West buyout of EnergyAustralia’s assets.26 such as providing self-serve Interconnected System. About • A Debt Repayment Account has beer and wine 50% of the system’s generation been established to support the to guests at a barbecue capacity is in the hands of repayment of central borrowings in dinner or creating a dining Synergy, while a further 20%or an effort to improve the experience with alcohol while so is controlled by Synergy State’s finances. The account touring an attraction. The through-long term contracts. will be utilised when the State supply of alcohol must only be The Treasurer’s approach will receives unexpected revenue a secondary extra to the be to introduce facility level windfalls, such as any significant purpose of the tour and must bidding across Synergy’s assets, unbudgeted or unforeseen not be provided at an which would require revenue gains. The Budget includes additional cost.22 technological upgrades $338 million in debt repayments to • Large compensation payouts costing around $40 million. The flow through the new account over for senior bureaucrats when a changes will complete a move the four years to 2020-21, contract is brought to an early of the network from an commencing with a end have been reduced. unconstrained to a constrained $230 million repayment in 2017-18, Currently, senior members of access regime, which would with repayments scheduled to the public service may seek a effectively make it cheaper for be made each year thereafter. The compensation payment of up private generators to link into initial funds to flow through the to 12 months’ remuneration, the system.22 account will be sourced from a which includes salary, • A Foreign Buyers Surcharge has one-off duty assessment worth motor vehicle allowances and been introduced to pay for a $169.4 million issued in May 2017, superannuation. freeze on TAFE fees and assist associated with a high value Under the new policy, with Budget repair. The commercial property transaction. which came into operation surcharge will apply from Debt repayment funded from from September 2017, January 1, 2019 at the rate this unexpected revenue will be compensation payments of 4% on all purchases of supplemented by surplus funds will be applied, based on four residential property in Western to be paid into the Consolidated months’ remuneration for Australia by foreigners, Account by RiskCover, totalling each full year of the contract including individuals, $168.6 million over the forward remaining, up to corporations and trusts. The estimates period, including $60.3 a maximum of 12 months. surcharge is on top of the million in 2017-18.22 Further legislative changes will normal transfer duty payable • A new point of consumption also limit the maximum on property purchases. (POC) wagering tax of 15% of compensation payment, The change is restricted to net wagering revenue on online when officers’ contracts are residential property. It will betting companies offering their brought to an early end, to 12 not apply to purchases of product in Western Australia months’ salary, rather than commercial or industrial will be introduced by the State remuneration.24 property, nor will it apply to Government. The tax will be • The State Government has residential developments introduced from January 1, 2019. approved the drafting of a of 10 or more properties, The new arrangements will replace new workers’ compensation commercial residential property the current tax framework and statute. The Bill will implement such as hotels, student apply to all forms of wagering, lifetime care accommodation including fixed odds and totalisator and support arrangements for and retirement villages, or for racing and sports. Under this catastrophically injured mixed-use properties that are new arrangement, all bets with workers, delivering on a used primarily for commercial registered wagering operators commitment between the purposes. It is estimated that in Australia that are placed by Commonwealth, and State revenue of $21 million will be customers within Western Australia and Territory governments. raised in its first full year and will be subject to the POC tax Public consultation will a total of $49 million over the regardless of the location in which occur on a draft Bill before forward estimates period to the wagering operator is it is introduced into State

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licenced.22 number of allegations about increase of 18,400 residents • Legislation has been school-aged sex offenders. – less than half the national introduced to improve animal There is now an obligation for average.28 welfare in Western Australia. the Western Australia Police • The Department of Health The amendments to the Animal Force and the departments is conducting a review Welfare Act 2002 will enable of Education, Communities, into the State’s pharmacy the State and Justice to immediately ownership laws, as part of a to legally enforce national work together to protect all push to support community welfare standards for livestock, students. When made aware pharmacies in delivering bringing WA in line with most of by WA Police, agencies will health services. The the country. The amendments meet to examine all possible department will be consulting also include provisions for the risk factors of the alleged with the pharmacy industry appointment of a new class of offender attending a public and other stakeholders to animal welfare inspector with school. The most appropriate consider whether the current the power to enter any non- education program, as well regulations are sufficient residential place or vehicle to as clinical services, for the to maintain the integrity of check compliance with the Act alleged offender would then the sector and in keeping and regulations, as well as be decided with the best with current practices and official directions and court interests of all students in emerging trends.22 orders.22 mind. This could mean the • As part of the State • As of December, laws came student could be removed Government’s Jobs Bill, into effect that make it an from a school temporarily or prospective suppliers of offence for any person to drive permanently while continuing government contracts will now a motor vehicle fitted with any their education.22 be required to submit local device that would disrupt the • The State Government has participation plans as part of operation of a speed camera. raised a possible ban on their tender. These plans will Anyone caught with such a battery cage egg laying in WA then be incorporated into device fitted to their vehicle or unless the industry puts forward the contracts of successful any physical barrier preventing changes to improve animal suppliers to ensure the detection now faces a $1,200 welfare conditions for laying promised local jobs are fine and the loss of seven hens. delivered.22 demerit points, doubling to 14 • In a move that could push • The State Government has demerit points on a holiday up prices for eggs, the State introduced a Bill to ensure weekend.22 Government is demanding dependent family members • In October changes to the producers give hens more of workers killed on the job provisional driver’s licence room to move on factory farms receive fair, reasonable process came into effect. as part of a wider national and timely compensation. Under the changes, learner reform of the egg and chicken The Workers’ Compensation drivers must complete the meat industry. The State and Injury Management Act Hazard Perception Test before Agriculture Minister said she 1981 will be amended to the Practical Driving was unimpressed by plans put significantly increase the lump Assessment. Applicants must be forward by the egg industry, sum payable to dependant 17 years of age or older and which produces about 1.9 partners and more than have completed 50 hours of million eggs each day for WA double the child’s allowance supervised driving, including consumers.23 payable to each dependent five hours of supervised • WA’s recreational fishers will be child. Other changes will see night-time driving, before being able to pool their catches on defacto partners of workers eligible to attempt the Practical boats if new regulations set to given the same access to Driving Assessment.22 be drafted by the compensation as married • Cyclists have been provided State Government are given spouses. The lump sum will greater protection with the the green light. The move increase from $308,339 to introduction of minimum towards new regulations was in $562,303 indexed annually, safe passing rules. The new rules response to the complexity and this new lump sum is 250% of require drivers passing a cyclist confusion with the current bag the maximum compensation travelling in the same direction limit legislation. Simply, the payable for a non-fatal injury.22 on a road to do so at a move in some respects would • The State Government has minimum distance of one metre mean a change from “per created The Volunteering on a road with a posted speed boat” to “per licensed fisher”.27 Community Reference Group limit not more than 60kmh; or • In 2016, WA welcomed 22,693 which will work alongside 1.5 metres on a road with a residents who had the year peak body Volunteering WA posted speed limit of more than before lived in another state, to advise on issues and trends 60kmh. The penalty for drivers however that figure was in the sector. The Group will who break the new law is $400 trumped by the nearly 33,000 work to advance volunteering and four demerit points.22 people exiting the west to in Western Australia and • Formal protocols have been head east.28 provide feedback on the established for government • Australian Bureau of Statistics implementation of a WA agencies to share vital data revealed the State was volunteering strategy.22 information following a home to 2.57 million people • The State Government’s plan and recorded an annual to improve WA’s finances

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stalled after the Liberals with existing criminal records.24 rare circumstances where it blocked its gold tax in the • In November, Youth Minister is impossible to work without Upper House. Labor was Peter Tinley announced the the electrical installation being hoping to raise gold royalties appointment of Western energised, such as testing. Even from 2.5% to 3.75% in an Australia’s inaugural Ministerial in these cases, strict control attempt to raise close to $400 Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) measures will be implemented million, to help rein in State - a group of 16 young people to ensure the work can be debt which is expected to chosen for their talents and done safely.22 peak around $43.8 billion by ability to represent the State’s • Puppy farming could soon 2020. Based on the current youth. The MYAC is the first end in Western Australia gold price, the increased group of its type in WA and after the State Government rate equates to an additional delivers on the Youth Minister’s announced reform plans royalty of about $20 per pledge to give youth a direct aimed at reducing the number ounce.22&27 voice in informing government of unwanted dogs in the State. • Thousands of small business policy direction and outcomes. An implementation group owners who do not pursue The group’s members, chosen is considering developing a legal matters because from a field of 15-25-year olds centralised dog-registration they believe it will be across WA, are all volunteers system, compulsory dog too expensive and time- appointed for a three-year sterilisation for non-breeding consuming will be helped term.22 dogs, and the transitioning by a State Government • Legislation enabling Western of pet shops to adoption initiative, operated by the Australia to participate in the centres. Dog breeding is Small Business Development National Domestic Violence currently unregulated, but the Corporation. Under the Order Scheme successfully Government said its proposed initiative, eligible clients passed through both houses of changes would reduce the will be referred to the John State Parliament. The passage number of dogs needing Curtin Law Clinic for pro of the Domestic Violence rehoming, cut the euthanasia bono legal services. Final Orders (National Recognition) rate of abandoned dogs, and year Curtin University Law Bill 2017 means that WA joined stop dogs suffering neglect due School students, supervised by the national scheme, on to puppy farms.23 qualified practicing lawyers, November 25, 2017. The • Western Australia’s two land gain practical legal skills purpose of the scheme is to development agencies, and specialist knowledge, enhance victim safety and LandCorp and the while small business clients perpetrator accountability by Metropolitan Redevelopment get access to legal advice making family and domestic Authority, will be merged and remedies they could not violence restraining orders progressively as part of the otherwise afford.22 enforceable across State and State Government’s ongoing • More than 12,400 people Territory boundaries. From bid to drive efficiencies and attended the State’s November 25, all new orders improve outcomes for land first Ultimate Fighting made in one State or Territory development and housing Championship in February automatically operates across affordability. The reform follows at Perth Arena after the Australia.22 the first stage of changes to McGowan Government lifted • The McGowan Government the public sector announced a ban on combat sports such sought the views of Western in April, which reduced the as mixed martial arts (MMA) Australians on the future of number of government being held in purpose-built, local government, during departments by 40%.22 fenced-in enclosures such as public consultation for phase • A planning reform team, the UFC’s Octagon.22&23 one of the review of the Local led by experienced town • In November, the State Government Act 1995. The planner Evan Jones, has Government introduced review canvases options for been appointed to deliver legislation into parliament to major reforms to modernise improvements to Western implement a scheme for the WA’s local government sector, Australia’s planning system. expungement of historical including ensuring laws around • Parliamentary Secretary John convictions against LGBTIQ disclosing gifts are simplified Carey will work with the reform people for consensual and match public team to ensure key objectives conduct that would not be expectations, councillor align with policies such as illegal today. Consensual conduct, local government METRONET. These overarching homosexual activity was transparency and policies will be to strengthen for many years a criminal accountability, and suburbs by increasing housing offence in Western Australia accessibility of public choice, boosting public under various provisions of information using technology.24 transport and enhancing the the Criminal Code Act 1913. • The State Government has built and natural environment.22 These provisions have since introduced new legislation • Hon. John Kobelke was been repealed. But the repeal to help improve the safety of appointed by the State did not address the ongoing electricians and other workers. Government to conduct a implications for members of Under the new rules, electrical review of the Swan Valley the lesbian, gay, bisexual, work on or near live electrical planning framework, which transgender intersex and installations and equipment will incorporates the Swan Valley Queer (LGBTIQ) community be prohibited, except for Protection Bill and associated

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development plan. The offender legislation successfully been allocated to establish a review provides the Swan passed through both houses destination marketing baseline Valley community with an of State Parliament. The new budget of $45 million per opportunity to contribute to laws seek to protect Western annum to grow the tourism the future development of Australians from dangerous industry with a stronger focus the region, with views being sexual offenders through a on bringing more visitors sought on: The role and number of key changes to the to WA. An additional $50.5 responsibility of a statutory Dangerous Sexual Offenders million, over four years, has also board for the Swan Valley; Act 2006 (WA) and the Bail been invested to establish a Establishing a right to farm Act 1982 (WA), including: A baseline budget of $40 million in the region; Possible new reversal of the onus of proof so per annum for event tourism, tourism initiatives; and the that offenders bear the burden including events arising from current limits to subdivision in of satisfying the court, on a opportunities presented by the the area.22 balance of probabilities, that new Optus Stadium.22 • Western Australia has joined they will substantially comply • Brookfield Property Partners a national scheme which with the standard conditions unveiled the design will see victims of family and placed on them when they blueprint for its $1.1 billion domestic violence, who have are under supervision in the twin tower development at a domestic violence order community; A presumption Elizabeth Quay, following its in place, better protected against bail for dangerous entry into project delivery if they choose to travel or sexual offenders who are agreements. The Metropolitan move interstate. A person charged with breaching a Redevelopment Authority has who breaches a recognised supervision order; and a new granted the group principal order will now be penalised section to provide for an planning approval for the under the law of the State or interim supervision order.22 mixed-use project, which Territory in which the breach • In September, Perth Airport will be built on lots 5 and occurred. Family violence unveiled a $2.5 billion 6 at Elizabeth Quay, and restraining orders made on infrastructure expansion will comprise two towers. or after November 25, 2017 program that will allow it to Upon completion, the tower are automatically nationally keep pace with passenger proposed for lot 5 is expected recognised under the NDVOS. demands. The plan includes to be one of the tallest towers Family violence restraining the expansion of the in Perth at 53 storeys, offering orders made before that date international terminal, the 15,000 square metres of can be brought within the consolidation of all terminals commercial office space, 220 scheme via an application to to the eastern side of the luxury apartments, 1,300sqm a court.22 airport, additional taxiways of retail and a five-star • Attorney General John and a new parallel runway. hotel. Associated amenities Quigley has flagged further Analysis by the airport showed include restaurants, bars and legal reform to bring Western some areas of international conference facilities contained Australia’s laws, relating to passenger service would come within the cantilevered section gender identity and same- under serious strain by 2020 if of the building, known as sex marriage, in line with no expansion was undertaken, ‘Plus’.26 national and international there would be insufficient • Property developer Sirona standards. The Attorney gates for international aircraft, Capital has unveiled plans General has asked the Law reduced levels of service in for the 5,500m2 -plus retail Reform Commission to review departures, and outbound component of its $270 million particular aspects of WA’s baggage facilities would be Kings Square project in gender reassignment laws, under strain. The $2.5 billion will Fremantle. Kings Square’s retail as they relate to people who be spent over the next seven concept called ‘FOMO’, will identify as intersex, or who to 10 years.23 offer a mix of food and dining, do not identify as male or • In October, a second tunnel arts, apparel, homewares female. Under current WA boring machine began and a marketplace. The laws, intersex people wanting tunnelling at Forrestfield, revitalisation of Kings Square to change their gender as part of the $1.86 billion is a joint project between identity and have the change METRONET Forrestfield-Airport Sirona Capital and the City of officially recognised by the Link project. The two TBMs will Fremantle, which will create Gender Reassignment Board each tunnel eight kilometres new commercial retail and must be single. The Attorney under Perth Airport and the office spaces, as well as a new General will not wait for the Swan River, linking new stations administration and civic centre Commission’s report before at Forrestfield, Airport Central for the City of Fremantle. closing this legal loophole, so and Belmont.22 Probuild started construction intersex couples will not have • The State Government has in September, with finalisation to divorce their partners to committed to investing $425 of the build expected in late have their gender identity million, over five years, towards 2019.26 changed and officially destination marketing and • The 2017-18 State Budget recognised.22 event tourism. In the 2017-18 included more than $138 • In December, Australia’s State Budget, an additional million in funding for important toughest dangerous sexual $36.5 million over four years has capital works as part of the

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State Government’s Plan for It is envisaged the broader Street and the adjacent 105- Peel, with a focus on projects Murdoch Activity Centre will 107 Pier Street in an off-market that will assist in diversifying eventually be home to 22,000 deal worth $8.4 million, the the economy and creating residents and up to 44,000 first transfer of the properties jobs, including: $10 million students. Completion of stage in more than 40 years. for the eastern foreshore one civil works is anticipated in According to realestate.com. redevelopment to develop mid-2018, while the Medihotel au, the 333-335 Wellington an iconic Mandurah foreshore facility is expected to open its Street site last sold for $30,000 precinct, supporting local doors in 2021.22 in 1971. The site comprises tourism and local jobs; and • In October, the first sod was five contiguous allotments $45 million for Nambeelup to turned at the $9.19 million Peel totalling approximately 1,400 ensure future development Youth Medical Services Health square metres. The proposed and growth of the Peel Hub, which will support $70 million development joins Business Park.24 vulnerable residents in the three other planned student • $129 million will be invested Canning region. The hub’s accommodation projects by the State Government focus will be on drug and in Perth city. Cedar Pacific over the next four years to alcohol, mental health and is planning to develop a improve and expand the homeless services, and early 3,000sqm lot behind Perth State’s cycling network. The intervention.22 Arena, which is part of the money will allow at least 95 • Perth’s hotel construction boom Metropolitan Redevelopment kilometres of cycling path to continued in 2017, with Jaxon Authority’s Perth City Link be added to the network - as commencing work on a 27- project, into a 550-bed student well as a range of community storey Mantra hotel that will be housing facility. Devwest Group cycling initiatives. The a stone’s throw from three will repurpose the former Telstra funding includes $55 million recently completed hospitality headquarters on Stirling Street towards filling gaps on the projects at the western end of in Northbridge into a 500-bed current principal shared path the city. The $80 million project student accommodation network around Perth and is backed by WA developer facility, and Stirling Capital $29 million in grants for local George Atzemis, who has plans to build a 24-storey, governments.24 purchased the former Musgrove 571-bed tower in collaboration • A ‘world-class waterfront Music site at 900 Hay Street in with international student precinct’ will be the result 2013. What’s being proposed is accommodation provider GSA, of a $120m upgrade of a 4.5 star, 250-room hotel. The also on Stirling Street.26 Ocean Reef boat harbour new development follows last • A contribution of $60 million to announced by the State year’s $25 million refurbishment extend Stephenson Avenue to Government in September. of the nearby Holiday Inn on Mitchell Freeway was included The Ocean Reef Marina Hay St.26 in the 2017-18 State Budget. The project would transform • The City of Perth appears ready funding was will go towards existing facilities into a world- to throw its weight behind the creating a one-kilometre class tourism and recreational long-awaited $70 million Forrest link between the growing facility. The new precinct Chase overhaul. It is to start Stirling city centre precinct and will also have about 1,000 almost two years later than the Mitchell Freeway. new dwellings, including originally hoped but is At least 30,000 people are apartments, retail and expected to include a yet-to- employed within the Stirling city commercial developments.27 be-disclosed, double-level centre, Osborne Park and the • In October, site work flagship tenancy on the corner neighbouring Herdsman- began on the first stage of of Murray Street mall and Forrest Glendalough area, making the Murdoch Health and Place. The revamp, to involve it one of the biggest business Knowledge Precinct (MHKP) Myer and the surrounding precincts outside the Perth which will include aged care tenancies on the ground and central business district.22 beds, affordable housing first floors (many now closed in • Master planning is underway for and Western Australia’s first anticipation of the building the flagship new Inner-City Medihotel. The 9.6-hectare work) getting a fresh new look, College, to be built in Subiaco. site adjacent to Fiona Stanley will also involve a change to the Lead architect, Bateman T&Z Hospital will be developed ground floor tenancies with Architects Joint Venture, has in two stages over 10 to 15 potential for been appointed to produce a years to become a major a small bar, and dining and design for the school to match hub delivering jobs, new entertainment venues, as well the modern education needs of homes, and leading health as more general retail shopping today’s secondary students. To and research facilities. The associated with the centre.23 be built alongside Subiaco Oval Fini Group’s plans for the first • The new owner of 335 at Kitchener Park, the school will stage of the MHKP include 175 Wellington Street, home to the ease demand apartments, a 150-bed aged Wellington Surplus Stores for 75 for places at existing inner care facility, a 6,480m2 super years, has lodged an suburban public secondary medical clinic, the Medihotel, application with the City schools. The State Government short-stay accommodation, of Perth to build $70 million has allocated $68 million for and 6,080m2 of commercial, student accommodation. stage one of the school, which retail and amenity space. Lease Equity announced the is expected to open to Year 7 sale of 317-335 Wellington students in 2020, expanding to

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cater for 2,000 students from kilometres of urban sprawl. projects under the Heritage Years 7 to 12 by 2025.22 Sustainability researcher James Works Program: the Fremantle • In October, Housing Minister Eggleston said while building Warders’ Cottages and the Peter Tinley launched on the urban fringes was more Coogee Hotel and Post Office. property developer affordable, there were hidden The three sets of terrace Blackburne’s $30 million risks for homeowners and the cottages have sold or are mixed use development State Government.27 under settlement after $3.4 in the heart of LandCorp’s • Truck congestion to Fremantle million was spent on urgent Rockingham Waterfront Port is expected to be reduced conservation works, service Village urban regeneration following the State upgrades, subdivision and pre- project. Blackburne’s Azure Government’s increase to sale planning. Originally valued Rockingham development the freight on rail subsidy in at $730,000 for the entire group, represents the last stage of the 2017-18 State Budget. the once derelict cottages a 17-year transformation of An allocation of $19.4 million generated considerable 16.8 hectares of underutilised over four years - equating to an market interest and achieved Crown land. Rockingham additional $9.8 million - total sales of $8.2 million. The Waterfront Village, a will enable the container rail 1901 former Coogee Hotel partnership between subsidy to increase from $30 to and Post Office will net an 88% LandCorp and the City of $50 per Twenty-foot Equivalent return on investment following Rockingham, is an urban Unit. The higher subsidy provides conservation works and renewal project that has a financial incentive to put more feasibility planning.22 created a high-class tourist, container movements on the • Two Rocks Marina will receive a cultural and commercial port rail service, thereby $6 million revamp over the next precinct that includes high reducing truck movements on two years to improve ageing rise apartments and a café roads leading to Fremantle. It’s infrastructure and prepare the strip.22 predicted the subsidy increase facility for future needs. The • In September, the first sod will assist in growing the rail works will include: Demolition was turned on a project to mode share towards 20% - an of condemned maritime provide greater flexibility and increase of about 5%. The rail structures, including the more design choices for those strategy currently removes original fuel jetty; Construction looking to buy in Ellenbrook. 70,000 to 100,000 one-way truck of relocated boat pens; The eight 80sqm lots in the movements from metropolitan Upgrading and maintenance new Reveley Terrace project, roads every year.22 of existing jetties; Reclamation built by Now Living, are the • Club Capricorn Resort, which within the harbour for future first green-titled lots under closed in 2015, will become a buildings, boat pens and car 100sqm. It is anticipated 12ha residential housing estate parking; Priority repairs to that their affordability will with recreation, tourism, cafe the existing breakwater; and encourage first and low- and restaurants under a long- priority maintenance to existing income homebuyers, and term master plan to transform buildings.22 those seeking to downsize, the northern beaches precinct. • The restoration of century-old by helping them to secure The redevelopment of the old cottages within two historic funding more easily. The Club Capricorn Resort was in adjacent Perth streets has lots are in the heart of the addition to a massive amount of won a prestigious UNESCO Ellenbrook town centre within public and private spending in conservation award - the easy reach of open space the Yanchep area, with a $12 only Australian project to and parks, office and retail million neighbourhood shopping be honoured in 2017. The facilities, public transport and centre under construction and a Brookman and Moir Streets schools.22 new high school to open in Precinct won the Award of • A map of Perth’s new home 2018.23 Distinction in this year’s UNESCO builds has revealed owners • In September, the Kings Square Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural continue to favour detached renewal project officially began. Heritage Conservation. The houses on the urban fringe Once complete, about 1,500 precinct consists of 58 semi- despite warnings it could public servants will occupy detached workers’ cottages, lead to a disconnected city 17,200 square metres of the built as a residential estate for and extreme infrastructure 20,000-square metre office working class families between costs. Housing approval data development component of the 1897 and 1898. The precinct released by the Australian precinct. Public servants from was included in the State Bureau of Statistics in January the departments of Register of Heritage Places details where Perth’s 20,000 Communities and Transport are in 2006. The UNESCO Asia new residential home scheduled to relocate Pacific Awards recognise the approvals were in 2016- to the Kings Square office efforts of private individuals 17, with the cities of Swan, accommodation in 2020.22 and organisations, which Wanneroo, Stirling and • More than $7 million will be have successfully restored and Cockburn being the most invested into revitalising vacant conserved significant heritage popular locations. Detached or underutilised government- structures.22 housing accounted for owned heritage properties, around two thirds of building thanks to the successful sale approvals across 150 of two major conservation

FACTSheet #12 February 2018 | 14 FACTSheet #12, February 2018 26 Lifestyle from recyclable material. shoulders with their heroes.22 • Tourism operators will compete • A record 106,424 fans for the rights to take thrill attended the 2018 Hopman • Optus Stadium was officially seekers up the 65-metre-high Cup, the largest tournament opened on January 21, with Matagarup Bridge after the attendance in the event’s almost 70,000 people touring the Government confirmed the history. An additional 5,688 $1.46 billion facility as part of a experience would be green-lit fans visited Perth Arena to see Community Open Day. Premier upon completion. In late Roger Federer’s open practice Mark McGowan, Sport and January a major milestone was session. The night session Recreation Minister Mick Murray reached in the $91.5 million between Switzerland and USA and former Premier Colin Barnett Swan River Pedestrian Bridge saw the event’s largest session opened the gates for the first time construction as the first major attendance in the Hopman alongside juniors representing a segments arrived at Burswood Cup’s 30-year history with 14,029 range of sports. Attendees had the from Civmec’s steel fabrication attendees packing into Perth opportunity to roam the general yards in Henderson. About 50 Arena to watch Belinda Bencic admission areas, try the different similar components will arrive and Roger Federer defeat food and beverage offerings, sit in over the coming weeks, with Coco Vandeweghe and Jack the seats for the first time, and the project on track to meet its Sock. The 2018 tournament saw experience the stadium’s state-of- revised completion date in the three highest attended the-art lighting, video and audio May. The first steel component sessions in the history of the systems. In the surrounding weighed 30 tonnes and was 19 Hopman Cup – 13,943 (Tues Stadium Park, children were able metres long, giving an 2 January), 14,029 (Wed 4 to play on the six nature indication of the scale of the January) plus the largest playgrounds located in the footbridge linking East Perth Hopman Cup final attendance Chevron Parkland for the first time. with Optus Stadium and the of 14,008 (Sat 6 January). 23 The playgrounds cater for a range wider Burswood Peninsula. • A world-first exhibition about of ages and will be available to • The Fremantle Dockers the life, work and extraordinary families free of charge on event Women’s team made history talent of Perth-born actor 24 and non-event days. when they played against turned international movie star • A new record was set for the Collingwood at Optus Stadium Heath Ledger opened at the number of people attending a on February 10. With almost Art Gallery of Western Australia sporting event in Perth with 53,781 42,000 people attending, in October. Heath Ledger: A Life people watching the one day the match was the biggest in Pictures featured objects and international between Australia standalone women’s sport photographs from international and England at Optus Stadium. event ever held in Australia, collections and Ledger’s The previous record was the breaking the attendance personal archives that revealed 1979 grand final between South record for an AFLW match and not only a charismatic star who Fremantle and East Fremantle, with easily eclipsing the 10,000 who played iconic movie roles, but 23 52,781 going to Subiaco Oval. watched Fremantle’s AFLW a multi-talented individual who • About 30 small Western Australian debut at Fremantle Oval. was driven to push creative food and beverage businesses Tickets were only $2 with all boundaries. For the first-time 22&25 have made the big leagues, proceeds going to charity. visitors saw the Joker and Nurse winning contracts that contribute • Perth will host the first ever Hemming costumes from The to $150 million committed to T20 World Cup in Australia, with Dark Knight, the iconic shirts of suppliers across five years at Optus 11 International Cricket Council Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist Stadium. Larger food and (ICC) World T20 (WT20) from Brokeback Mountain, beverage suppliers include Gage matches in Perth in 2020. Six and Ledger’s Best Supporting Roads Brewing Company, Mrs men’s matches will be played Actor Oscar, BAFTA and other Mac’s Pies and Australian wine at Perth Stadium and five awards.22 specialist Treasury Wine Estates. women’s matches will be • In February, the Art Gallery New West Foods will supply hosted at the WACA Ground, of Western Australia became more than 200 tonnes of frozen with fixtures to be announced home to works from the private 24 potato chips, 800,000 portions of in early 2019. art collection of eminent Italian MasterFoods condiments and 10 • International football superstar family, the Corsinis. In its only tonnes of seafood to the stadium and Young Australian of the Australian showing, the Art annually. Other small produce Year, Sam Kerr will join the Gallery hosted A Window on suppliers to secure deals include Matildas for their first-ever Italy - The Corsini Collection: Little Home Bakery (bread), Morley Western Australian game when Masterpieces from Florence Growers (fruit and vegetables), they play Thailand at nib exhibition. The exhibition Total Food Distributers (meat), Stadium in March 26. The featured Renaissance and Mahogany Creek Distributors match will be the Matildas’ Baroque paintings by renowned (poultry and game), Mondo Meats farewell friendly before jetting Italian artists including (meat), and Oil 2 U (oil). Food off to Jordan for the 2018 Asian Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Packaging Australia will provide Cup. The State Government Pontormo. Also, on display more than 500,000 hot chip has also secured a week-long were decorative items and containers, 200,000 burger boxes Matildas training camp objects from the Corsini family’s and 1.5 million beer cups annually, following the friendly, where home, the Palazzo Corsini, on all of which will be made local junior players will have the the banks of the Arno River, chance to meet and rub Florence.22

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• High Tide 17, part of the inaugural opening of the 2017 Christmas and inner-city convenience. Fremantle Biennale transformed holiday season. The first ever Neighbouring suburb Highgate the city’s West End precinct into a pizza delivery service, Frankie’s was next on the list, followed massive outside art gallery late last on Rotto Pizzeria opened in time by Ashfield in the town of year. The event featured local and for the summer season. While Bassendean. Ashfield recorded international artists such as the newly refurbished hostel scores equal to or better than Switzerland’s Felice Varini, whose accommodation at Kingstown East Perth in every category massive Arc d’Éllipses installation with family rooms and buffet- except proximity to the CBD. stretched some 800 metres style breakfasts and dinners Crawley, Rossmoyne, Burswood, along High Street and took in 25 opened in early December. North Fremantle, Maylands, heritage-listed buildings. Buildings The State Government and Woodbridge and Leederville 25 and streets that were transformed Rottnest Island Authority hope rounded out WA’s top 10. by the artists include the historic the changes will boost visitor • The highest proportion of people Round House; High, Cliff and numbers from around 650,000 a aged over 65 are living in the 22 Mouat streets; the Port Authority year to 900,000 by 2019. Town of Claremont and the City Building; Bathers Bay; the University • Perth’s transport network was of Mandurah, where over 65’s of Notre Dame; the WA Maritime ranked 87th out of 100 cities make up more than 20%of the Museum and J Shed.22 globally and fared the worst population. The highest densities • A vacant lot adjacent to Yagan out of the five Australian cities of people aged 65 Square was used for markets, local featured in the 2017 Sustainable or over are in the Town of music and community events. The Cities Mobility Index by Arcadis. Claremont and City of Subiaco, events space has been created The report found Australian where in 2016, there were more within the Perth City Link project cities lacked comprehensive than 400 people aged over 65 and hosted the WAMFest Live Lot underground metro systems per square kilometre. The most Party - a free concert celebrating and relied too heavily on significant growth in the number Western Australian music across private vehicles which deterred and proportion of people aged two stages, the Perth Makers mobility. “All have less travel over 65 between 2011-16 are in Christmas Markets and the official made by foot, bike and public the Peel region and Joondalup. Pride Parade After Party.22 transport than their peer cities,” Joondalup experienced a 33% 27 • Nearly 650,000 people visited the report found. increase, while the Perth-Peel 30 Perth’s iconic tourist destination • Perth’s daily traffic congestion average was 16.39%. Rottnest Island in the 2017 financial battle has pushed nearly two • By 2060, it is predicted that 1 year, with about a third coming thirds of residents to rethink their in 4 West Australians will be aged from either interstate or overseas. commute, a survey released over 65. There is also expected The number of visitors to the island in February has found. Traffic to be very high growth rates climbed 5.9% in FY17 to 647,524 congestion heading into Perth’s among our ‘oldest old’ and by visitors, with about metropolitan area during 2060 there will half of those being day visitors. Of morning peak hour reduces a be 25 centenarians for every 100 those visitors, about 420,000 took vehicle’s average travel speed children aged under one. By the ferry to reach the to 52.5 kilometres an hour - 10 2100, the total number of island, while about 214,000 were kilometres slower than five dependents in the population is boating visitors. About 67% of years ago. The city has one projected to increase from 49 visitors were Western Australians, of the highest car use rates per 100 people of working age whilst interstate visitors made in Australia with four in every to 79.5 per 100 people up just slightly more of the total five workers choosing to drive of working age. This will put a lot demographic than international to work, but according to a of pressure on government visitors – 17% versus 16%.26 survey conducted by HERE revenue, services, families and • Glamorous camping, otherwise Technologies, two thirds of the community. We’ll also have known as ‘glamping’, those people were starting to fewer people working and accommodation will be available reconsider their daily commute. paying taxes and a greater at Rottnest Island from the summer Tonkin Highway North was the number of people relying on the 30 of 2018-19, after plans busiest road during morning pension. to build a beachfront eco-resort and afternoon peak hours, with • A Committee for Perth survey were conditionally approved. The an average speed of 40.6km/h has found almost 40% of people 27 2.8-hectare development, known and 36.6km/h respectively. experienced some form of as Pinky Beach Eco Retreat and • A study by realestate.com. career disruption, whether it was Beach Club, will be an au claims the best suburban being made redundant, or a ecologically sensitive, world-class lifestyle in WA can be found change in career or industry eco retreat built as part of the between the CBD and the because of the end of the boom Rottnest Island Authority’s vision for Swan River in East Perth. The or the GFC. Another 72%are revitalising the Island’s results are based on lifestyle predicting no real wages growth accommodation offerings. The rankings on proximity to parks, and 45% of people can’t see Eco Retreat will provide different waterways, educational any improvement in their quality levels of accommodation to suit institutions and the city. of life. The survey found that 60% various budgets, available from What East Perth lacked in of household finances are so about $100 up to $350 per night.22 schools and universities, it fragile they would struggle if • Rottnest Island’s waterfront more than made up for with living costs went up by just 5% restaurant was revamped for the green spaces, riverbanks and only 38% of the

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people thought they were better came in second with Friends is missing out on a significant off than they were five years ago. Restaurant. Friends Restaurant opportunity to diversify its A significant number of people was lauded as the “benchmark economy. The FACTBase Bulletin still think they’re stuck in a of fine dining in Perth”. The revealed that while Australia’s financial rut with 26% of them restaurant was said to offer share of the international higher saying their current income is high quality dishes, along with education student market has insufficient for their needs.30 an award-winning wine list and increased over the past 15 years, • Tourism Western Australia has warm hospitality. While Nobu WA’s share has been in decline. signed a deal to fund the restaurant at Crown came Despite being geographically 2018 Australasian Police and sixth for its traditional Japanese closer to China, 14% of WA’s Emergency Games, to be held cuisine with a twist of American international students were from in Mandurah from October flavours which create “an out- China compared to an average 28 to November 3, 2018. The of-this world” unique dining of 26% nationally.30 biennial Australasian Police and experience.25 Emergency Games is a seven- • One of the busiest areas at day, multi-discipline sporting event Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour for serving, retired and volunteer has been transformed with the Knowledge members of eligible police and construction of a new $1 million and innovation emergency service agencies. It multipurpose piazza in the heart is anticipated the event, which of the popular restaurant involves more than 50 individual precinct. The Fremantle Fishing • Robotic technology and and team sports, will attract about Boat Harbour Piazza provides a the internet-of-things will 2,000 visitors from outside the Peel new gathering space for the 1.5 dramatically change region and generate about $2.5 million visitors each year and employment patterns, accident million in visitor expenditure. The additional alfresco dining areas rates and digging costs in the event is open to competitors from that link surrounding restaurants. mining industry over the next Australia, New Zealand, Papua In 2017, it was named Australia’s three years, business advisory firm New Guinea and the Pacific best public boat harbour at a BDO has boldly predicted. BDO’s Islands. Due to its proximity to national award ceremony.22 Energy 2020 Vision report has WA, competitors from Singapore • The State Government predicted that robots will replace will once again be invited to launched a major digital more than 50% of miners by the participate, along with those strategy designed to promote year 2020. Half of the affected from Indonesia, Malaysia and Perth as a study destination in miners will be retrained to run the Hong Kong who will be invited to China to help boost the State’s technology controlling the compete for the first time.22 share of Chinese enrolments robots. The new jobs will • Conde Nast readers voted Perth’s and Western Australia’s increasingly be in fields like COMO The Treasury hotel the economy. The strategy includes remote operations, best in Australasia and 12th in a website hosted in China and a maintenance, software the world. It was the only hotel in social media campaign, which development, data processing 26 Australia to make the top 50 in the aims to increase the profile of and data analytics. 2017 Conde Nast Traveller readers’ Western Australia in China as a • Western Australian startups and choice awards, considered to be study and lifestyle destination to young technology companies the world’s longest-running and both students and parents. The attracted about $109 million most prestigious recognition of website includes student in funding in the December excellence in the travel industry. testimonials, WA’s research quarter, according to the latest More than 300,000 travellers took strengths and achievements, report from tech sector analysts part in the awards, voting for their and university profiles, as well as Techboard. About 73% of the favourite hotel based on criteria providing potential students with funding was raised by ASX-listed including excellent service, design an insight into life in Perth.24 companies, including Fastbrick and dining. In its citation, Conde • A trial of direct flights between Robotics, Livehire, and Parkd Nast Traveller said COMO The Shanghai and Perth is a Group. Fastbrick Robotics, which Treasury was “a fitting emblem of possibility following a successful is developing an automated the new Perth” and “a $580 million meeting between Premier Mark bricklaying machine, raised reinvention of a cluster of 19th McGowan and the Chairman of $35 million through a share century State treasury buildings, China Eastern Airlines in placement. Livehire contributed which sat empty for more than November. The meeting $20 million to WA’s result through 20 years …. Almost every detail in resulted in China Eastern Airlines a placement backed by Telstra 26 the hotel has been returned to its indicating a trial of direct flights Super and other investors. original state, from the reinstalled could begin as early as October • The State Government is dormer windows to the roof-line’s this year. Currently China investing $33.8 million as part of copper trim.”23 Eastern only flies to Eastern the 2017-18 State Budget • Perth has lifted its restaurant game States cities.24 to modernise SmartRider, receiving two mentions in the 2017 • A Committee for Perth Transperth’s cashless ticketing TripAdvisor Choice Awards for best report found that Perth is not system. A new system will be fine dining. While Muse Restaurant attracting enough students from introduced to cater for future in New South Wales was named overseas to study and patronage growth expected as number one in Australia for the part of METRONET and to second year in a row – Perth accommodate advances in technology. All SmartRider

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readers across the network will provide urological procedures, advances in technology will create. be replaced during the system focused on robotic-assisted New TAFE WA curriculum for post- overhaul, as well as upgrading prostatectomies, partial secondary courses and industry back-end technology. More nephrectomies and radical traineeships, to be developed over sophisticated card encryption nephrectomies. It will also allow the coming year, will help ensure technologies will be developed, for 3D vision, magnification the current and future workforce while flexible payment options capabilities, and enhanced has the qualifications, skills and such as smartphone or debit or dexterity, so surgeons are competencies required by industry credit card tag-on capabilities able to manipulate and in changing workplaces. The are being investigated. The dissect areas where access curriculum will be the first of its kind contactless card and mobile is challenging or limited with in Australia.22 phone pay-as-you-go system the human hand. Compared • Curtin University won the WA could be similar to the system to traditional techniques, the Innovator of the Year Award for that has been successfully da Vinci system will result in ethylene blocking compounds that implemented by Transport for patients having faster recovery, extend the life of fruit, vegetables London.22 reduced length of stay in and flowers. In nature, ethylene • Homegrown technology to hospital, and faster return to triggers ripening but also hastens track meteorites has caught normal day activities.22 ageing, shortening storage life. It is the eye of a global aerospace • Dunsborough-based company responsible for up to 50% of post- contractor, highlighting Western Nauti-Craft was named a harvest losses in fresh horticultural Australia’s growing capability in winner in the prestigious 2017 produce.26 the sector at a time when the Maritime Australia Industry • The Water Corporation is federal government is pushing the Innovation Awards. The using virtual reality technology creation of an oversight agency. company was awarded the to simulate how water and US-based defence Civil SME Innovation Grant wastewater infrastructure will and aerospace giant Lockheed of $10,000 for its patented function - before being built. Martin signed a partnership with marine suspension system, Usually, design drawings are Curtin University in September which provides increased levels reviewed in a two-dimensional to support the development of the of ride comfort, control and format, however the Water Desert Fireball Network. The stability through an interlinked Corporation now converts designs network was developed by Curtin hydraulic system.22 into three-dimensional virtual reality. professor Phil Bland and consists of • Malaga company Galvin The corporation used virtual reality a series of mini observatories set up Engineering has developed to allow operators at its Northam cheaply across the outback to Australia’s first lead-free office to experience in 3D the follow meteorite movements. The drinking tap as the State design of wastewater recycling observatories include a camera Government deals with plants at Kellerberrin and lens, software, a mobile phone, new revelations of lead Wyalkatchem. The operators were solar panel and a protective outer contamination in taps at a able to provide feedback casing.26 number of Western Australian to improve the design from an • Carnegie Clean Energy has been schools and the ongoing occupational health and safety awarded a $15.75 million grant for issue at the Perth Children’s perspective.22 wave energy technology Hospital. The company said it • Six projects designed to make Perth development. The grant will be has developed the GalvinClear a smarter city, ranging from a used to install a large-scale wave stainless steel range of Ezy-Drink driverless electric bus in South Perth energy converter device off taps in response to demand for to management of wetlands in the coast of Albany capable of lead-free alternatives. Ezy-Drink Joondalup received $15 million in producing about one megawatt push button taps are ready funding. The projects also include of electrical power for export into for installation in schools and renewable energy generation in the South West Interconnected public places including parks, Fremantle and an irrigation trial System. The University of Western recreation centres, concert in the City of Perth. The funding for Australia has been awarded a venues and hospitals. 26 the projects includes $6 million from $3.75 million grant to develop • Curtin University opened the Federal Government’s a world-class Wave Energy its new Dubai campus in inaugural Smart Cities and Suburbs Research Centre in Albany, the United Arab Emirates Program. A further $9 million will be building on expertise already in September, with degree contributed by local councils, developed at the UWA Oceans programs launching this year. universities and business groups Institute.22 The campus will initially offer participating in the projects.26 • A $5 million state-of-the-art robotic business, media, project • Western Australian game system used to treat prostate management, education, developers received a major shot in cancer was funded by the State and information technology the arm with two locally made Government. Known as the da courses, and is looking to games awarded at Melbourne Vinci system, the robot was the first expand its course offerings in International Games Week. of its kind in a WA public hospital the coming years.24 Blacklab Games’ ‘Battlestar and brought the State in line with • A landmark partnership Galactica: Deadlock’ and Jacob other health jurisdictions which between TAFE WA and Rio Tinto Janerka’s ‘Paradigm’ were among have a will ensure Western Australians the top 13 games chosen from a similar metropolitan population. are skilled to take up the jobs shortlist of 34 from around Australia Established at Fiona Stanley that automation and future as winners of the 2017 Game Hospital, the da Vinci system will

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Development Awards. Both games have also received international attention.26 • The first 100 public primary schools have been selected to have existing classrooms converted into science laboratories to prepare students for jobs of the future. The State Government’s $17 million election commitment included $12 million to transform 200 existing primary school classrooms into science laboratories by 2021, with an additional $5 million for resources. In addition, each school will receive $25,000 from the $5 million allocation, to purchase laboratory equipment and resources such as 3D models of the solar system and human anatomy, digital microscopes, 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, robotics kits and renewable energy kits.22 • Synergy intends to develop up to 280 megawatts of renewable energy projects in Western Australia by 2020 after the State Government approved plans for a private investor to acquire a majority stake in its existing wind farm and solar farm, and in two new projects. The private investor will buy an unspecified equity stake in Synergy’s Grasmere wind farm at Albany and its Greenough River solar farm near Geraldton. More significantly, it will also be a part owner of the planned Warradarge wind farm near Eneabba, which will be up to 250MW, making it the largest renewable energy asset in the State.26

1 ABS 5220.0 State Accounts and 5204.0 National Accounts; WA 2017-18 Government Mid-Year Financial Projection Statements and Australian 2017-18 Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Outlook 2 ABS 5220.0 State Accounts ABS 5220.0 State Accounts; 5206.0 Quarterly National Accounts; and 5302.0 Balance of Payments; and WA 2016-17 Pre- election Projections Statement 3 ABS 3101.0 Australian Demographic Statistics 4 ABS 6202.0 Monthly Labour Force 5 ABS 6291.0.55.003 Quarterly Labour Force 6 ABS 6202 Monthly Labour Force and 6354 Job Vacancies 7 Reserve Bank of Australia Statistical Tables 8 ABS 6302 Average Weekly Earnings and 6345 Wage Price Index 9 ABS 5220 State Accounts and 5206 Quarterly National Accounts 10 ABS 5625 Private New Capital Expenditure 11 ABS 8412 Mineral and Petroleum Exploration 12 reiwa.com.au 13 ABS 8752 Building Activity and 8762 Engineering Construction Activity 14 ABS 8731 Building Approvals and 5609 Housing Finance 15 ABS International Trade in Goods and Services; 5220 State Accounts and 5206 Quarterly National Accounts 16 ABS 5368 International Trade in Goods and Services 17 ABS 5386.0.55.004 International Trade in Services by State 18 Tourism Research Australia, International and National Visitor Survey 19 WA Department of Mines and Petroleum, Resource Data Files. 20 Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Resources Data Files 21Construction Training Fund, Construction Industry Snapshot, December 2017 22 Ministerial media statement 23 The West Australian 24 Premier’s media statement 25 Perth Now 26 Business News 27 WA Today 28 Census 29 ABC online 30 FACTBase report

FACTSheet #12 February 2018 | 19 FACTSheet #12, February 2018 Acknowledgments We acknowledge the assistance of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation 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: 2018 Key Facts About Perth & Western Australia, FACTSheet No. 12, The University of Western Australia and Committee for Perth, Perth.

Contacts For further information on the FACTBase project or our FACTSheets contact Marion Fulker, CEO, Committee for Perth (08) 9481 5699 or [email protected]

The Committee for Perth is a member funded organisation and we acknowledge our Gold Members:

A complete list of current members is available at www.committeeforperth.com.au

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