FACTSheet #7, September 2015

Indicates no change from FACTSheet #6, March 2015

Indicates an increase from FACTSheet FACTSheet #6, March 2015 Indicates a decrease from #7, September 2015 FACTSheet #6, March 2015

Introduction Gross state product2 • Western ’s The economy 1 This latest FACT Sheet produced merchandise exports rose 8% by the Committee for Perth in volume terms in 2013-14. Population growth 2 contains a snapshot of key This was the largest contributor to GSP growth ahead of Labour market 2 facts relating to the current performance of Western Australia household consumption Industry sector employment 2 and its capital Perth. which was up 2% and dwelling investment up 11%. Annual business investment 2 It draws on data from a range • Business investment fell 11% in of sources including FACTBase volume terms in 2013-14. Quarterly business investment 2 reports, government departments • Merchandise exports are expected to rise by an annual Iron ore and LNG prices 2 and media sources and will be updated regularly. average of 6% in the five years Major minerals and petroleum 3 to 2018-19, offsetting falling sale by value business investment over the The economy 1 period. Iron ore and LNG sales outlook 3 Western Australia’s gross state by volume 3 product (GSP) was $265 billion Industry contribution Exports 3 in 2013-14, contributing 17% of • Mining made the largest Australia’s gross domestic product industry contribution to GSP Merchandise trade 3 (GDP). GSP per capita was growth in 2013-14, with real $103,770, 53% higher than the value added rising 11%. Major trading partners 3 national average of $67,932. • Other industry sectors contributing to GSP growth Major iron ore export markets 3 included agriculture, forestry by volume Western Australia’s population in the December quarter 2014 and fishing up 59%, non-market Iron ore exports 3 was 2.58 million (11% of the service industries, including national population). The 2015 public administration and Major iron ore exporting ports 4 Western Australia Tomorrow safety; health care and social report forecasts that the State’s assistance; and education and LNG sales 4 population will rise to 3.27 million training up 5%, construction up by 2026. 4%, market services industries Quarterly merchandise exports 4 up 1% and utilities - electricity, Services trade 4 • Western Australia’s real GSP gas, water and waste services rose 5.5% in 2013-14, following up 1%. Construction Industry 4 4.6% growth in 2012-13, and • The manufacturing industry was above annual average detracted from GSP growth in Apprentice commencements 5 growth of 4.9% over the past 2013-14 (down 3%). 10 years. • The mining industry Apprentices in training 5 • GSP is forecast to rise 3.25% in accounted for 30% of GSP Employment of females 5 2014-15, 2.0% in 2015-16 and in 2013-14. Market services 3.5% in 2016-17. industries comprised 28% and Employment of Aboriginal 5 • Australia’s GDP rose 2.5% to construction 12% of GSP. and Torres Strait Islanders $1,584 billion in 2013-14 and • Mining industry nominal value is forecast to rise by 2.5% in added rose 18% to $79 billion in Reforming and Reshaping 5 2014-15 and 2.75% in 2015-16. 2013-14. • Nominal value added in market Lifestyle 7 • Weighted annual average GDP growth of Western services industries rose by 5% to Knowledge and innovation 8 Australia’s major export $74 billion and construction by markets was 5.6% in 2013, and 1% to $33 billion in 2013-14. Acknowledgments 9 is expected to decline to 4.9% • Nominal value added in in 2014 and 4.8% in 2015. agriculture, forestry and fishing rose by 64% to $7 billion in 2013-14.

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Population growth 4 • In 2014-15, employment rose Quarterly business in market services industries, 8 • Western Australia’s population up 35,250 or 5.6%, non-market investment rose 1.6% in 2014, following services industries up 21,650 or • Business investment in Western 2.5% growth in 2013. This was 6.9%, construction up 7,125 or Australia fell 6.7% to $14.2 lower than the annual average 5.1% and agriculture, forestry billion in the March quarter growth of 2.6% in the past 10 and fishing up 3,600 or 12.8%, 2015. years. but fell in all other industries. • Engineering construction work • The population was 2,581,250 • Mining employment fell 12% done fell 7.3% to $8.2 billion in in 2014, 40,117 more than 12,900 in 2014-15, due to falls the March quarter 2015. a year earlier. Net overseas in metal ore mining, down • Mining new capital migration contributed 47% 15,450 or 26), exploration and expenditure fell 14% to $10.5 (18,901) of the growth in 2014. other services employment billion in the March quarter • Population growth is forecast down 1,175 or 4.5% and oil and 2015 – not adjusted for to slow from 2.6% in 2013-14 to gas extraction (down 375 or seasonal factors. 1.9% in 2014-15 and then rise 3.4%), offsetting a rise in ‘other’ to 2.2% in 2017-18 and 2018-19, mining1 up 2,525 or 21%. according to the 2015-16 State • Business investment Budget. contributed 26% of Western Iron ore, LNG and Australia’s GSP in 2013-14. 9 • The State accounted for resource prices 26% of Australia’s business 5 • The value of minerals and Labour market investment in 2014 and 50% petroleum sales in Western of the value of Australia’s Australia fell 0.9% to $114.1 • Employment in Western resource projects under billion in 2014. Australia grew 0.3% or 4,200 construction or committed in • The Reserve Bank of Australia’s to 1.38 million in June 2015. April 2015. non-rural commodity price Employment grew 2.3% or • In March 2015 there was index fell 21.6% in 2014-15, 30,900 through the year $179.3 billion of resource down 17.5% in 2014. to June 2015, higher than projects under construction or • The Australian dollar exchange Australia’s growth of 1.9%, committed in Western Australia rate fell 9.4% to US82.9 cents 224,500. and a further $118.4 billion in 2014-15, down 6.4% in 2014 • The State’s unemployment under consideration. rate was 5.8% in May 2015; and is forecast in the 2015- higher than the 5.1% in the 16 State Budget to average previous month. Australia’s US75.9 cents in 2015-16. unemployment rate was 6.0% Annual business • The monthly average price in June 2015. investment7 of iron ore rose 5% to US$63 • The State’s annual average a tonne in June 2015. The annual average price fell 42% employment is forecast to • Business investment in Western to US$72/t in 2014-15, down grow by 1.75% in 2015-16, with Australia fell 9.4% in real terms 28% to US$97/t in 2014 and is an average unemployment in 2014, compared to annual forecast to fall to US$47.5/t in rate of 6.25%, according to the average growth of 12.5% over 2015-16. 2015-16 State Budget. the past 10 years. • The monthly average price of • The value of business LNG fell 5% to US$9.5 a million investment fell 8% to $63.8 British thermal unit in June 2015. billion in 2014. Industry sector The annual average price fell • The value of private new 6 14% to US$13.8/mmbtu in 2014- employment capital expenditure of 15, down 1% to US$16.0/mmbtu selected industries in Western in 2014. • Market services industries Australia fell 0.4% to $55.8 • The monthly average price of accounted for 48% of Western billion in 2014, which was 36% crude oil rose 1% to US$59.8 a Australia’s employment of the Australian total. barrel in June 2015. The annual in 2014-15. Non-market • The value of mining new average price fell 32% to services industries of public capital expenditure fell 1.2% to US$69/bbl in 2014-15, down 5% administration and safety; $46.2 billion in 2014; 55% of the to US$93/bbl in 2014. health care and social Australian mining total. • The monthly average price assistance; and education and of gold fell 1% to US$1,181.5 training contributed 24.5%, an ounce in June 2015. The construction 10.8% and mining annual average price fell 6% to 6.9%. US$1,223/oz in 2014-15, down 10% to US$1,266/oz in 2014.

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Major mineral and agricultural commodities Major trading partners 10 including wheat, barley, oats, 14 petroleum sales grain sorghum, canola, cotton, 2014 apples, grapes, hay, lupins, • Western Australia’s iron ore nursery production, potatoes, • China was Western Australia’s sales fell 6.2% to $65.1 billion tomatoes, cattle and calves, largest export market in 2014 in 2014, 57% of minerals and sheep and lambs, pigs, poultry, ($63.5 billion or 51%), followed petroleum sales, with sales wool, milk and eggs, rose 31% by Japan ($24 billion or 19%). volumes up 25% to 697 million to $7.1 billion in 2013-14. • China overtook Japan as the tonnes. • The value of wheat production State’s largest export market • LNG sales rose 18% to $15.6 rose 41% to $3.0 billion in 2013- in 2006. billion in 2014, 14% of minerals 14, with volumes up 36% to 9.1 • The State’s exports to China and petroleum sales, with million tonnes. fell by 4% ($3.1 billion) while volumes up 10% to 21.1 million • The value of the State’s exports to Japan rose by 6% tonnes. agri-food exports including ($1.3 billion) in 2014. • Crude oil sales rose 4.2% agriculture, forestry and fishing • was the State’s to $9.6 billion in 2014, 8% of industry products, natural and largest source of imports in minerals and petroleum sales, cultured pearls, and food and 2014 ($4.5 billion or 12.5%), with volumes up 15.5% to 7.9 beverage manufacturing, rose followed by China ($4.2 billion gigalitres. 10% to $7.6 billion in 2013-14. or 11.7%). • Gold sales fell 0.3% to $8.7 billion in 2014, 8% of minerals and petroleum sales, despite Merchandise trade 13 Major iron ore export volumes rising 3.1% to 193.2 15 tonnes. markets by volume • In 2013-14, exports of goods and services accounted for • Western Australia accounted 52% of GSP. for 52% of global iron ore LNG and iron ore sales • In 2014, minerals and exports in 2014, up from 47% in 11 outlook by volumes petroleum contributed 91%, 2013 and 42% in 2012. $113.6 billion of the State’s • The State’s iron ore exports to • Western Australia’s iron ore merchandise exports. China rose 30% to 552 million sales are forecast to rise by an • Western Australia contributed tonnes in 2014, higher than the annual average of 4.8% to 799 47% of Australia’s merchandise 22% annual average growth in million tonnes between 2013-14 exports in 2014, accounting for the past 10 years. and 2018-19. large shares of national exports • Iron ore exports to Japan fell • LNG sales are expected to to China (71%), Japan (51%) 3% to 76 million tonnes in 2014. grow from 21 million tonnes and Korea (49%). • Iron ore exports to Korea rose in 2013-14 to almost 50 million • China was the largest market 15% to 51 million tonnes in tonnes by 2017-18, assuming for the State’s exports of iron 2014. the Gorgon, Wheatstone and ore (76%) and gold (64%) in • China overtook Japan as Prelude projects are operating 2014. Western Australia’s largest iron at full capacity at this time and • Western Australia’s ore export market in 2005. the North West Shelf maintains merchandise exports were current production levels. steady at $124.6 billion in 2014. • Western Australia accounted • Merchandise exports were Iron ore exports 16 for 40% of proposed iron ore mainly iron ore (52%), LNG expansions by the top 10 iron (12%), gold (10%) and crude oil • The value of Western Australia’s ore exporting countries in and condensate (8%) in 2014. iron ore exports fell 12% to $65 2012 and 22% of global LNG • Merchandise export volumes billion in 2014, a turnaround capacity under construction in rose 13% in 2014, above annual from annual average growth Q1 2015 average growth of 5.6% in the of 27% in the past 10 years. past 10 years. • The annual average price of • Merchandise imports rose 7% the State’s iron ore exports fell Principal agricultural to $36 billion in 2014. 29% in 2014. commodities 12 • Merchandise imports were • The volume of the State’s iron mainly refined petroleum ore exports rose 24% to 697 oil (13%), crude oil and • The gross value of agriculture million tonnes in 2014, above condensate (12.5%), non- production in Western Australia annual average growth of 13% monetary gold (9%) and motor rose 22% to $11.0 billion in 2013- in the past 10 years. vehicles (5%). 14. • The gross value of principal

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Major iron ore • The State’s merchandise ever recorded. 17 exports to all other countries • As at April 2015, the industry, exporting ports (excludes China and Japan) including electricians, increased by 6% to $9.2 billion employed just over 45% • Iron ore exports from Port in the March quarter 2015. of all Western Australia’s Hedland rose 31% to 393 million apprentices. tonnes in 2014, accounting Services trade 20 • Western Australia’s estimated for 56% of the State’s iron ore resident population grew by exports. 1.6% for the year to December • Iron ore exports from Dampier • Western Australia contributed 10.5% of Australia’s services 2015. This figure compares remained at 138 million tonnes favourably with Victoria (1.8%) in 2014, contributing 20% of the exports in 2014. • The State’s services exports and both Queensland (1.4%) State’s iron ore exports. and New South Wales (1.4%). • Iron ore exports from Cape in 2014 were mostly personal travel (48%), transport (17%), • The Western Australian Lambert rose 46% to 129 million seasonally adjusted tonnes in 2014, contributing business travel (14%) and technical, trade and other unemployment rate was 5.1% 19% of the State’s iron ore during May 2015, down from a exports. business services (8%). • Western Australia’s services rate of 5.6% in April 2015. This • Port authorities and iron ore continues to compare most producers are aiming for port exports rose 5% to $6.3 billion in 2014, mainly due to increases favourably to the national rate capacities of 495 million tonnes of 6.0%. for Port Hedland by 2017-18, in personal travel to the State (up 8% to $3.1 billion), business • The seasonally adjusted 210 million tonnes for Cape participation rate in Western Lambert by 2014-15 and 150 travel (up 6% to $869 million) and postal and courier services Australia was 68.3% in May million tonnes for Dampier by 2015, down from a rate of 2014-15. (up 21% to $225 million). • Services imports rose 0.6% to 68.4% in April 2015. • It is estimated that 18 $10.6 billion in 2014, mainly due LNG sales to increases in freight services approximately 20,000 (up 15% to $1.6 billion). construction industry • The value of Western Australia’s employees are working on LNG sales rose 18% to $15.6 resource industry infrastructure billion in 2014, above annual construction projects. This is average growth of 17% in the Western Australia’s a significant reduction from 21 past 10 years. construction industry the 29,000 estimated to be • The annual average price of employed in that sector in the State’s LNG sales rose 7% • The Construction Industry 2013. in 2014, the same as annual employs 10.75%, annualised • The value of residential and average growth in the past 10 of the overall State workforce. non-residential construction years. There were 158,160 people work, excluding heavy • The volume of the State’s LNG working in the construction engineering, in the year to sales rose 10% to 21.1 million industry as at May 2015, with March 2015 increased by 2.7% tonnes in 2014, above annual an annualised average of compared to March 2014. average growth of 9% in the 148,160 in the previous twelve • The Housing sector has in past 10 years. month period. recent months grown to • The industry workforce unprecedented levels with Quality merchandise increased by 18,990 people in continual growth and annual 19 the last quarter. On a year- dwelling unit approvals to May exports to-year comparison up to the 2015 at 31,914 (23,500 houses), end of April 2015, there was a compared to a previous peak • Western Australia’s 19.9% increase in construction of 30,354 (23,691 houses) at merchandise exports fell 4% apprentice commencements, May 20144 . to $27.8 billion in the March excluding Electrical, and • Seasonally adjusted, building quarter 2015. an increase in electrical approvals for all dwelling units • Western Australia’s apprentice commencements increased by 0.16% between merchandise exports to China of 17.7% April 2015 and May 2015. There fell 6% to $13.5 billion in the • There are currently 4,316 was an increase of 16.3% over March quarter 2015; the fifth Building Trades apprentices ‘in the three months to May 2015. successive quarterly decline. training’ which is the highest • Trend building approvals in • The State’s merchandise number since 2010. Together Western Australia increased by exports to Japan fell 15% with electrical apprentices, 0.4% between April 2015 and to $5.2 billion in the March there are 8,449 apprentices May 2015 and rose by 4.5% quarter 2015. in training which is the highest over the year.

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• Seasonally adjusted, dwelling there are 8,449 apprentices Reforming and commencements decreased in training being the highest by 4.76% in the quarter to number ever recorded. reshaping March 2015; and on an • An independent committee annualised basis compared to Employment of females 21 March 2014 commencements set up by the State increased by 14.47%. Government to conduct a • There are currently 82 female comprehensive review of apprentices in training. Western Australia’s liquor Apprentice Over the past 10 years, the laws has been announced commencements 21 overall percentage of female as a winner at the 2015 apprentices in construction has Action on Alcohol Awards. • Following a peak in 2010 and risen from 0.86% to 1.90%. The judges commented decline in the following two • The number of female trainees that the report produced years, the trend has been an in training is currently 61 and by the review committee increase in commencements has risen overall from 3.31% achieved a ‘balanced view, in most individual trades to 6.79% of total trainees encompassing a wide range of since 2012. The increase of over the past decade, with a perspectives’. The committee commencements during this 134% increase in the actual received 149 submissions period will have a positive numbers over the past year. from a range of stakeholders, impact on the number of Although there is no definitive including industry groups and apprentices in training over the research into the reasons for the public. 22 next 36 months. the increase, one factor has • The first new project inPerth’s • Given the recent significant been increased promotion of Cathedral Square, formerly growth in industry activity, it ‘women in trades’ subsidies Cathedral and Treasury is important to maintain this and scholarships by the Precinct is set to open, after increase in commencements Construction Training Fund. the redevelopment of the in order to sustain the industry’s former Public Trustee Building, future skilled workforce needs. Employment of Aboriginal to accommodate the State • Construction apprentice and Torres Strait Islanders Administrative Tribunal (SAT). commencements, excluding 21 The $25 million SAT fit-out electrical, during the year includes 22 hearing rooms, • There are currently 194 May 2014 to April 2015, four special mediation rooms, Aboriginal and Torres Strait have improved by 19.92% a variety of public meeting Islander (ATSI) apprentices compared to the same twelve rooms and features the latest in training. Over the past 10 month period May 2013 to April audio-visual technology, years the overall percentage 2014. including video-conferencing. of ATSI apprentices has risen • Commencements, including 22 from 2.89% to 4.49% which is electricians, have increased • The State Government has indicative of the number of by 19.10% comparing the year announced a $6 million project ATSI people in the general May 2014 to April 2015 to the to support Western Australian population. same twelve month period agrifood businesses to pursue • Currently there are 81 May 2013 to April 2014. growing markets in Asia. The trainees in training with an • The electrical apprentice Asian Market Success project ATSI background, which commencement figures have would provide market and represents approximately 9% recovered well after a period trade intelligence along of all building and construction of decline. Figures indicate a with supply chain support to trainees. This increase appears growth of 17.74%. agrifood businesses seeking to coincide with a concerted • All trades have seen an export opportunities. The effort to recruit ATSI people by increase in apprentice project will fund agrifood the civil construction sector. commencements with trade officers in key markets bricklaying increasing by and provide $3 million worth 42.41% and wall and ceiling of grants to help agrifood fixing increasing by 41.67%. Traineeships in the industry businesses to capture market 21 opportunities. 22 Apprentices in training 21 • The State Government • There are currently 910 trainees has introduced a range of • There are currently 4,316 in training, primarily in the civil amendments to the Liquor Building and Construction construction sector. Since Control Act, in an effort to trade apprentices in training, 2009, there has been a 107% cut red-tape. One of the the highest number since 2010. increase of 439 trainees ‘in key changes would enable Together with electricians, training’. beer and wine producers to establish a second cellar door

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operation or collective cellar on August 26. Prior to this water of a $5.2 billion Perth City Link door with other producers had slowly been filling the jigsaw connecting the CBD within the same region off quay through natural seepage with Northbridge. Ultimately site. Also under the changes, and a pump. 25 the area is intended to have hotels will be allowed to trade • The WA artist, Christian de 3000 residents and 13,500 until midnight on Sundays - an Vietri who is creating an office workers.25 extension of two hours - while eight-storey sculpture for • The State Government has nightclubs will be permitted to Perth’s Elizabeth Quay hopes launched a formal process trade through to 2am of the the giant artwork will serve as to investigate the options for following Monday morning. 22 a focal point and gateway moving Government offices • Expressions of Interest into for the development. Mr de to Fremantle. In early August, Market City closed in August Vietri won the commission the Government called for and it is on schedule to be to create the $1.3 million expressions of interest for the the first asset sold under the work after the Metropolitan provision of up to 20,000sqm in State Government’s asset Redevelopment Authority offices in central Fremantle.22 sales program. The State considered 36 submissions. • Rothschild and Deloitte have Government said bidders The 29-metre sculpture, titled been appointed as joint lead will be evaluated against Spanda, comprises a series of financial adviser for the sale their vision to continue the rings spilling skyward from just of Fremantle Port. The State wholesale fruit and vegetable above head height, signifying Government announced in the market in Canning Vale. 22 ripples on the water and the 2015-16 Budget the potential • Women are severely connection between the sky, divestment of Fremantle Port under-represented in Local land and river. 24 as part of the Government’s Government and the figures • The Metropolitan structured asset sales program. are even worse when the Redevelopment Authority, This announcement subsumes senior positions in Local Tourism WA and the the original decision to divest Government such as Mayors, Department of Culture and Kwinana Bulk Terminal as a CEO’s, General Managers and Arts have been involved in stand-alone asset and now Directors are examined. The consultation after Tourism incorporates it as part of the proportion of women elected Minister Kim Hames suggested wider sale of Fremantle Port. 22 to local councils across WA the idea of a permanent • In June the Committee for between 1999 and 2013 was “sound and light spectacular” Perth released its landmark 31.6%. There has been a slight at Elizabeth Quay. The Minister Filling the Pool report. The increase in the proportion wants the attraction — which report, which took two years of women working in local could include dancing of research, examined the government, increasing from fountains, laser lights and loud issue of gender equality in 29.2% in 1999 to 32.5% in 2013. music — to be incorporated in Perth, around equal pay, why 32 the continuing planning for the women are poorly represented • The first stage ofKwinana Quay. 25 at managerial and CEO levels Freeway upgrade opened in • A new city shuttle ferry service and on Boards. 22 August, ahead of time and could soon begin on Perth’s • Four companies have been under budget. The upgrade Swan River to coincide with shortlisted to prepare detailed is the first stage of the $77.5 the opening of the State proposals for the Tonkin million upgrade between Roe Government’s Elizabeth Highway upgrade as part of Highway and Russell Road. 22 Quay project. The Little Ferry the $1.12 billion NorthLink WA • The State Government Company plans to launch initiative. Construction would has called for Expressions two electric solar ferries in late start in early 2016 and deliver of Interest for a resort and October and hopes to shuttle new interchanges at the marina development at tourists and locals between intersections of Collier Road Rottnest Island. The resort and Claisebrook Cove in East Perth, and Morley Drive, a flyover marina project is expected South Perth, the Old Perth Port at Benara Road, and an to provide between 100-150 and Elizabeth Quay. 24 upgraded section of the Tonkin accommodation units and • Plans for another 3,000 Highway, north of Guildford a marina complex for about residents in central Perth are Road. 22 250 berths in the Thomson Bay closer following the approval • The finalMidland Master South precinct. 22 of one of the city’s tallest Plan that will guide the • More than 130 years after apartment buildings. area’s growth as a strategic the Swan River foreshore • The 43-storey and 49-storey metropolitan centre with more was reclaimed to form the towers estimated to cost $190 housing, jobs and community Esplanade Reserve, the million are the first approved spaces was released in May. Elizabeth Quay inlet was for the Kings Square precinct. The plan proposes almost connected to the Swan River Kings Square is the first piece 7,000 new dwellings, more

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than 155,000 square metres of investments such as Elizabeth in addition to raising funds, office and retail space, and Quay, the Perth City Link and pricing could also be used to about 200,000sqm of civic and Riverside. Several of Perth’s manipulate traffic and improve cultural spaces. 22 iconic landmarks, including traffic flow.25 • Western Australia’s first Kings Park, The University of • Virgin Australia chief executive Changing Places toilet and Western Australia, new Perth John Borghetti expects the change facility for people Children’s Hospital and Queen airline’s new terminal at Perth with disability will open at Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Airport to be ready by the end Elizabeth Quay from mid-2016. along with 1,158 residents from of November. The new Virgin Changing Places provide Subiaco and Nedlands, will terminal was due to open in secure and clean facilities come within the City of Perth’s June 2014. However, delays specifically designed for boundaries to create a bigger and building issues have people who need space and and stronger capital city. 22 forced Perth Airport to push assistance to manage their • In May, four organisations back Virgin’s move in date bathroom needs while in the were shortlisted for the role on several occasions. As a community. 22 of operator at the new Perth result, Virgin has continued to • The 1,993m2 property at Lot Stadium. They are: AEG operate from three separate 302 Iris Avenue, Dalkeith has Ogden, Nationwide Venue terminals while waiting for its been sold with the proceeds Management, Perth Stadium new facility to be completed. to go towards the upgrade of Management and Stadium 30 the Sunset Heritage Precinct. Australia Operations. The four The site of the former Sunset companies received Request Lifestyle Hospital matron’s house - sold for Proposals documentation for $8.5 million. The property so they could prepare their • The Swan and Canning Rivers was purchased by detailed proposals. The will benefit from almost $2 Ibrahim Ismail of . Sale successful operator will be million in funding for foreshore proceeds would be utilised to responsible for the day-to-day restoration projects in 2015- fund the Stage 1 works of the management of the stadium 16, to improve the health of Sunset Transformation Strategy and sports precinct, and will Perth’s rivers. The investment which would include: the play a leading role in delivering focused on protecting demolition of intrusive elements the ‘fans first’ experience and open space, foreshores, that includes some non- attracting high quality sporting infrastructure, improving water 22 heritage buildings, walkways and entertainment events. quality and the public amenity and verandah in-fills to enable • The State Government will of the Swan and Canning the heritage buildings to invest $72.1 over four years rivers. 22 be properly restored and in cycling to improve safety • Construction work has begun removal of asbestos, building and bike network connectivity on the train station at the new preservation works including for all West Australians. The Perth Stadium site at Burswood. roof maintenance, repainting, four-year plan to improve Stadium Station is expected to essential timber and masonry infrastructure for cycling be completed in 2017 in time repairs, upgrade of power, includes $34.4 million allocated for extensive commissioning water, sewerage, drainage to the following projects: and testing before it opens in and gas services into the site Gateway WA, Mitchell Freeway time for the start of the 2018 for connection to buildings as extension - Burns Beach Road AFL season. 22 required to enable them to be to Hester Avenue, Great • Perth Arena was named as the adapted and tenanted for art, Eastern Highway - Bilgoman number one Australian venue cultural and community uses, to Mundaring, Reid Highway by music industry publication, landscaping to the eastern dual carriageway and Malaga Pollstar. The magazine’s 22 parkland and Padbury view Drive interchange. mid-year global chart, which to enable public access and • Visiting British traffic consultant ranks venues according to enjoyment of the grounds, Dr Robert Bain, said its attendance at entertainment upgraded public toilets, a new inevitable toll roads would events, places Perth Arena playground, barbecue and come to Perth. He said road ahead of any other venue in picnic facilities and ongoing pricing was one of the obvious the Asia-Pacific region and 22 maintenance works. solutions to funding important 25th overall in the world. 22 • In May the State Government transport infrastructure and • The Argentinian and South announced the City of Perth that Perth could learn a lot African rugby teams will Act that recognises Perth as from other cities around the play against at nib Stadium the State’s capital city and world who were using the as part of a two-year deal acknowledges its central latest technology to ensure signed between the State role in tourism and economic road pricing was used cleverly Government and the development. These include strategically. Dr Bain said that Australian Rugby Union. The

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Wallabies will play Argentina’s Foundation Systems, whose • Small-to-medium enterprises Pumas in 2016 and South Africa’s advice has been incorporated can apply for up to $20,000 as Springboks in 2017. 22 into the design of platform part of the State Government’s • A $2.3 million investment by the and pipeline infrastructure Innovation Vouchers Program State Government has secured currently being constructed (IVP). The vouchers would help Denmark as the location to film off the coast of WA. Other businesses access professional the movie adaptation of Tim 2015 award recipients were: skills, services or knowledge to Winton’s best-selling and award- Woodside Early Career Scientist advance their innovation or winning novel, Breath. The of the Year - Dr Hannah Moore, commercialise activity in the majority of the key production a Senior Research Fellow State. 22 creative and 100 crew will be at the Wesfarmers Centre • Professor Peter Klinken has West Australian. In addition, 150 of Vaccines & Infectious been reappointed as Western Great Southern locals will be Diseases in the Telethon Kids Australia’s Chief Scientist until employed as actors, extras and Institute. ExxonMobil Student June 2017. Professor Klinken surfing doubles. The film will be Scientist of the Year - Thomas will guide the development Hollywood actor, Simon Baker’s Russell, a PhD candidate from of strategies in the State’s directorial debut. 22 the International Centre for priorities for scientific research. • Hotel owner and proprietor Radio Astronomy Research, 22 of Sandalford Wines, Peter for his research into black • The $48.4 million National Prendiville will continue as holes. Chevron Science Geosequestration Laboratory Tourism WA’s Chairman of the Engagement Initiative of the (NGL) opened in Perth in July. Board for another three years. Year - Earth Science Western The NGL is a collaboration Mr Prendiville joined the board in Australia in recognition of between CSIRO, Curtin 2011 as its Deputy Chairman and their contribution to the University and The University took over as Chairman on July 1, development of earth science of Western Australia, bringing 2012. 22 education resources for both together world-leading • The $22 million 2015 Perth students and teachers across technology and equipment to International Arts Festival the State. Professor Cheryl research, assess and develop attracted the biggest ever Praeger was recognised for sites for the long-term storage audience, with 1.65 million her life-long contribution to of carbon. 22 attendances and a gross box science and inducted into the • Environmental scientist and office of about $6.1 million, with Western Australian Science Hall researcher Dr Tom Hatton five weeks of Lotterywest Festival of Fame. 22 has been appointed as Films still to run. 27 • Perth’s 32 CAT bus fleetwill Chairman of the Environmental • The Perth International Arts be replaced with Euro6 Volvo Protection Authority for Festival won nine trophies standard buses, the world’s five years from November at the Helpmann Awards – cleanest diesel buses at a 5, 2015. Deputy Chairman including four for The Rabbits. cost of $18.2 million. The move Robert Harvey had also been The Incredible and Phenomenal comes after Transperth trialled reappointed from November Journey of the Giants to the a diesel-electric hybrid bus 18, 2015. 22 Streets of Perth, which attracted and found the technology was • The Forum of Australian Chief 1.4 million people, won a not yet ready for wider use on Scientists was held in Perth Helpmann for Best Special Event. the local network. 22 in June for the first time. The 27 • iiNet has launched a new meetings brought together • The Perth Fringe World Festival permanent installation at the Chief Scientists from each saw 660,000 people head into Perth Arena. The iiNet Social State and Territory and Northbridge over the four-week Post is an interactive column Australia’s Chief Scientist festival and engage in arts equipped with 8 x 55 inch Professor Ian Chubb, to experiences. 26 LCD displays as well as 2 x 32 discuss and develop strategic inch LCD touch screens. The directions for science and Knowledge and column features 3D animations technology issues of national and a tailored social media importance. 22 innovation feed with artist and fan • Founding Director of the posts powered by Australian Committee for Perth, John • Professor Mark Cassidy was technology company, Stackla. Atkins has been named as announced at the Premier’s The Stackla feed will allow fans Agent General for Western Science Awards as 2015 Scientist to engage with the column Australia, based in London. Mr of the Year. Professor Cassidy via their mobile phones, Atkins is currently the Chairman is a highly distinguished civil watching as their own Twitter of the Lotterywest board and engineer from The University of and Instagram posts upload to holds directorships in several Western Australia and Director the column using the hashtag commercial and not-for-profit of the Centre for Offshore #iiNetSuperFan. boards. Prior to this, Mr Atkins

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was the Chairman of ANZ in • A power plant which will — compared to the human variety Western Australia and had a convert waste wood into who can put in anywhere from four highly successful legal career. electricity has received to six weeks of backbreaking work 22 conditional approval for a typical home. Laying 1000 • West Australians can now from WA’s environmental bricks per hour, Hadrian the robot access current weather watchdog. The Environmental can work day and night, with the information with a new app Protection Authority gave potential to erect 150 homes a year. that draws on live data from conditional approval for It works by creating a 3D Computer- more than 130 weather the plant despite opposition Aided Design (CAD) laying program stations from the Kimberley to from Hazelmere residents of a house or structure, then the South Coast, including five concerned about the calculates the location of every in the metropolitan area. The potential for toxic emissions. brick and creates a program that DAFWA Weather Stations app The plant will convert about is used to cut and lay the bricks is free but requires first-time 13,000 tonnes of waste wood in sequence from a single, fixed users to register. 22 such as timber offcuts and location. 23 • An Edith Cowan University shipping pallets into about 3.5 • The Perth-based ResApp can School of Computer and megawatts of electricity each diagnose a range of respiratory Security Science PhD year. 23 problems, including pneumonia, candidate has developed a • A world-first, robotic, fully- bronchitis, pulmonary disease computer program that can automated machine is being and asthma, after users cough identify plant species, using developed in Perth, that into their smartphone from less just a digital photograph of could build the brick shell of than two metres away. The app’s a single leaf. The technology a new home within two days. algorithm then analyses the sound allows users to identify up Local inventor Mark Pivac, an and compares it with signatures of to 30 different plant species aeronautic and mechanical respiratory diseases to determine using image recognition engineer, said his interest in the the user’s illness. The product has software. Hezekiah idea of developing the robot already been tested extensively, Babatunde, created the was sparked during Perth’s and is being trialled at Joondalup program using mathematical bricklaying crisis of 2005. It Hospital in Western Australia, where algorithms and artificial can work 24 hours, 365 days it’s been 96% accurate. intelligence technology. 29

References:

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 5220.0 State Accounts and 5204.0 National Accounts; Western Australia 2015-16 State Budget; and Australian Government 2015-16 Budget. 2 ABS 5220.0 State Accounts, 5206.0 National Accounts and 6302.0 Balance of Payments; and Western Australia 2015-16 State Budget. 3 ABS 5220.0 State Accounts 4 ABS 3101.0 Australian Demographic Statistics 5 ABS 6202.0 Monthly Labour Force 6 ABS 6291.0.55.003 Quarterly Labour Force 7 ABS 5206.0 National Accounts, 5220.0 State Accounts and 5625.0 Private New Capital Expenditure. 8 ABS 5206.0 National Accounts, 8762.0 Engineering Construction and 5625.0 Private New Capital Expenditure. 9 World Bank, Commodity Price Data, monthly prices in nominal US dollars. 10 Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum, Minerals and Petroleum Summary Tables. 11 Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum, Minerals and Petroleum Summary Tables; Western Australia 2015-16 State Budget; and Western Australia Department of State Development. 12 ABS 5220.0 State Accounts, 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services, 7501.0 Value of Principal Agricultural Commodities Produced, 7111.0 Principal Agricultural Commodities. 13 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services, 5206.0 National Accounts and 5220.0 State Accounts. 14 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services. 15 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services; and Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum, Resource Data Files. Iron ore 16 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services; and Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum, Resource Data Files. 17 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services. 18 Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum, Resource Data Files. 19 ABS 5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services. 20 ABS 5368.0.55.003(004) International Trade in Services by Country, State and Detailed Services Category. 21 Construction Industry Snapshot, Western Australia, July 2015. 22 Ministerial media statement 23 Perth Now 24 ABC News Online 25 The West Australian 26 WA Today 27 Perth International Arts Festival media release 28 cmo.com.au 29 ABC Rural online 30 Australian Aviation 31 Startup Smart 32 FACTBase report

FACTSheet #7 September 2015 | 9 FACTSheet #7, September 2015 Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the assistance of the Department of State Development in compiling this FACTSheet. Copyright

This paper is the copyright of The University of Western Australia and the Committee for Perth. While we encourage its use, it should be referenced as: 2015 Key Facts About Perth & Western Australia, FACTSheet 7, The University of Western Australia and Committee for Perth, Perth. Contacts

For further information on the FACTBase project of our FACTSheets, contact: Marion Fulker, CEO, Committee for Perth, 0419 048 665 or [email protected]

The Committee for Perth is a member funded organisation and we acknowledge our Foundation partners:

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

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