Promoting & enabling change ANNUAL REVIEW2013 REFORMING | RESHAPING | REVITALISING We make a difference to Perth Through our thinking Through our advocacy Through the change we initiate Through the knowledge we generate Through our future focus Economic boosts such as in the arts is welcome in a year that has proven somewhat uncertain, with major changes and From the forecasts in the resources and energy sector having a roll out impact on many other corporates throughout WA. Chair While our gross state product totalled $239 billion in 2011- 12, growing 6.7%, above its annual average growth of 4.6% The impact of over the past five years, the West Australian Treasury has change in 2013 predicted that this will slow again to around 4.5% over the next 3-4 years. In the face of this much change, the role of the Committee for Perth is more important than ever. It is vital that we 2013 has brought much change for Perth - physically, ensure Perth both plans for and adapts to change in the best culturally, economically - and it is pleasing that this change is way possible so we can realise the best possible iteration in line with the vision of the Committee for Perth and brings of our region as articulated in last year’s Towards a Bright to realisation much of our long term advocacy. Future publication. For example, the newly elected State Government’s plans to This blue print for what Perth could be when we are a region reduce the number of local governments in the metropolitan of 3.5 million people - which on a conservative estimate is area from 30 to 14 is in line with our commitment to the only 30-40 years away - portrays the best city and region need for local government reform and is something that we that could emerge from this change and it’s one in which I have been advocating for since 2007. want to live and invest. Similarly, we welcomed the State’s announcement As we look forward to 2014, I believe the research confirming the first stage of the MAX light rail project. Our produced by the Committee for Perth, the debates we Reshaping Working Group identified that the establishment catalyse and inform and the outcomes we seek to influence of a light rail network in the Perth metropolitan region will realise even further benefit for all. should be a priority advocacy area in 2009. I thank our membership for their continued support In July, the first trains travelled through the new Fremantle and commitment to investing in and contributing to a rail tunnel. This marks an historic milestone in the Perth City bright future for Perth. Without our members’ shared Link project which we have supported since inception. passion for realising an integrated and dynamic city and their commitment to underwriting our sustainability, the We also welcomed continued construction on Elizabeth conversations about the strategic direction of our region Quay and the commencement of site works on the new would be less informed and more fractious. multi-purpose sports stadium which we believe are both vital projects in making Perth a more globally competitive region. Our goal is for the Committee to continue to grow and now we are almost 100 members strong. This provides us with When combined with urban development projects that a revenue base of $1.6m through which to run a small and we have celebrated through our newsletter such as the nimble executive and invest in a significant research agenda. pioneering Brookfield Place, the City of Perth’s new Whilst we are very effective at leveraging our resources, we affordable rental housing in East Perth, the revitalised Perth need to continue to grow our capacity to influence. Cultural Centre, the development of King’s Square, and the revitalisation of suburban areas such as Cockburn Place, the We depend on membership to be influential. We have physical face of Perth has definitely changed this year. been fortunate to have had the support of many of Perth’s stewardship brands who have done the heavy lifting during But our cultural make up has also changed. Our population our early years both in terms of financial commitment and has continued to grow and, as 60% of this growth is as a supporting the work we have done. Our focus is to retain result of overseas migration, Perth is continuing to evolve our members and welcome others who want Perth to be a into a modern and cosmopolitan capital city. Our FACTBase great place to live and invest. data revealed that 35% of the population of Perth and Peel were born overseas, 10% higher than the national average Through my first year as Chair of the Committee I have of almost 25%. enjoyed the interaction I have had with our members, particularly through the newly established Chairman’s 20 Hand in hand with this increasing diversity, a change Advisory Group and I value the ideas these forums generate. has also been identified in our cultural expectations and engagement. Our Examining Perth’s Performing Arts It is also important to acknowledge the energy and Infrastructure research released in June revealed that not dedication of our executive team and our extended team only is Perth’s cultural sector thriving - it is growing year on of researchers and consultants who together produce year. an outstanding and significant body of work. Under the leadership of CEO Marion Fulker, the Committee’s output, These cultural participation rates have definitely been influence and reputation grows year on year and we are boosted by the first full FRINGE WORLD festival that was realising tangible and measurable outcomes that are held at the start of the year. An enormous success, following changing the face of our region. on from the 2012 trial, FRINGE WORLD was attended by more than 215,000 people and resulted in an economic As we look forward to 2014, our activities and advocacy impact of just over $27.7 million. agenda will be guided by a new strategic plan and informed through consultation with our members so that all of our With this growth comes the need for well planned, new efforts are directed towards making Perth the best it possibly infrastructure such as the need for a new lyric theatre in can be. the city. Committee for Perth Annual Review, Published November 2013 1 From the CEO A catalysing force for positive change Advocating for projects and issues that the Committee been through a period of fierce competition for investment believes will increase Perth’s liveability and advance its global and talented people and is positive about the changes reputation is a busy and rewarding role. No two days are the this period will bring. Perth’s transformation will be just same as we seek to influence the policies and projects that as dramatic and the Committee’s role is to be the ringing will positively impact on Perth’s future. endorsement for positive change that will cement our position as Australia’s western gateway and major trading Our advocacy work is focused on reforming the regulatory partner with Asia. environment; reshaping the physical environment; and revitalising the cultural environment. We have had a number The Committee’s goal is for Perth to be a highly liveable of wins this year with local government reform progressing, and globally competitive region. Our members, who are major projects such as Elizabeth Quay underway and a from diverse sectors, come together under our brand to commitment by government to look at the future needs of be a unified voice on how this can be achieved. As major infrstructure for the arts and cultural sector. employers and investors in Perth’s future it is so rewarding to work with the region’s stewardship brands as a continuing It is our extensive knowledge base which provides a robust catalysing force for positive change. platform from which we can advocate for change and so we direct all non-operational funds towards research, be It I thank each and every one of our members and particularly academic, desktop or on the ground. those who have supported our work for five or more years and these are highlighted in our member listing on page Late last year we released Towards a Bright Future, which is 6. It is a privilege and pleasure to work with our entire a blue print for Perth at 3.5 million people. In line with our membership and I value the hours that are contributed to our role to catalyse thinking and action, our work in this area has working groups and steering committees. had strong resonance inside and outside of government with many of the 20 recommendations we made being actioned. I would also like to thank the board for their support and the way that we work together in achieving our strategic goals as Mid-year we released a substantial report that examined well as my team who work tirelessly to support me in these Perth’s major performing arts infrastructure. Despite it being endeavours. a piece of work that had been required for some time, there seemed no single party that could advance it so we A personal highlight this year was being appointed as commissioned an audit of existing infrastructure and then Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the School of Earth and benchmarked these facilities against other relevant cities Environment at the University of Western Australia. This to see how Perth compared. In the process we found that provides further opportunities for me to explore the findings Perth’s audiences were growing which is in stark contrast to of previous study tours and the learnings they bring for Perth.