Are We Building A Sustainable Future For Western Australia?

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) have issued a plea that urges people to consider the long-term plan for Western Australia's sustainable future before heading to the polls on March 11.

“While WA has some of the fastest growing areas in Australia, there is an urgent need for a clear long-term plan to manage this growth,” GBCA Senior Manager of Government & Industry Jonathan Cartledge said.

“Perth’s population is expected to double in size over the next 15 years, but without a fully-funded plan, people can expect the same traffic gridlock and diminishing quality of life already experienced by citizens in cities along the east coast.

“The cost of housing continues to be a challenge in WA, in spite of recent price falls," he said.

“The latest Demographia Housing Affordability, which surveyed 406 global housing markets, found Perth has the dubious distinction of being in the top 20 least affordable major housing markets in the world. The average house in Perth now costs 6.1 times the average annual salary.

“WA is changing – and it is undeniably experiencing some growing pains. Perth’s CBD currently has its highest office vacancy rate since 1992, for example.

“We are working with all political parties to encourage policies that support long-term integrated planning and sustainable development across WA,” Mr Cartledge said.

The GBCA has five policy priorities for government action:

• Achieving more productive, liveable, sustainable and healthy cities

• Securing more resilient communities

• Delivering a low-carbon, high-performing built environment

• Raising minimum standards through the National Construction Code and

• Facilitating sustainable utility infrastructure.