Perth’s magnificent waterfront will be reimagined thanks to a Riverfront Masterplan aimed at unlocking the potential of the Swan River.
The Riverfront Masterplan is just one of several forward-focused projects the City will embark on in 2024-25 to ensure it remains one of the most liveable, sustainable and prosperous cities in the world.
Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas unveiled concepts behind the Masterplan at as part of a budget breakfast briefing held this morning. City of Perth Council voted in favour of the $299.5 million budget at a Special Council Meeting last night.
Other projects highlighted included:
“One of Perth’s greatest assets is its natural environment, and we want the stunning Swan River to be a magnificent river park destination for locals and visitors alike. The Masterplan will build on Elizabeth Quay and see the river’s potential come to life by setting a vision for a world-class city park,” Mr Zempilas said.
“It is an opportunity for the Commonwealth and State governments to work with us to make the most of how our city connects with our beautiful river. We will undertake community engagement on the Masterplan as one of the next key steps in this long-term project.”
The Lord Mayor said the budget would fund Towards 2036 - a follow up study to urban design work done by Danish architect Jan Gehl in 1994 and 2009. The 2024 study will make new recommendations to drive further improvements in our public spaces, with a focus on central Perth.
Money is also going towards enhancements to Perth’s major entertainment zones in Northbridge and Supreme Court Gardens.
“James Street and the adjacent Russell Square are at the heart of our Northbridge entertainment district but are in need of some upgrades. We’re planning for future improvements to the streetscape along James Street, as well as enhancing Russell Square for further use by the community and outdoor festival-style events,” Mr Zempilas said.
“We’re also upgrading Supreme Court Gardens to ensure this prime location can be used for events all year round. Improvements we’re planning will benefit the local community and visitors to our city at all times, not only when the gardens are being used for events.”
The 2024-25 budget lays the groundwork to secure Perth’s future as a world-class city while guaranteeing ratepayers and visitors can continue to enjoy the exceptional services they have grown to expect from the City of Perth.
It includes a $57 million capital works program to help maintain the assets that make city one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit. Another $184.5 million has been allocated to core services such as running and sponsoring events, community safety, cleaning, waste management, the library, planning and development approvals, economic development, public health and maintaining the City’s beautiful open spaces.
“Perth is booming and people flocked to the city in record numbers this year. This has delivered spend records, month after month, stretching back to December 2022, and this budget will ensure that momentum continues,” Mr Zempilas said.
“We’re investing $21.1 million to give everyone a chance to shine bright in the City of Light through a diverse events calendar that’s either free or affordable, a business-boosting grants and sponsorship program, and a marketing focus that will keep our malls and streets filled with visitors all year round.
“We’re committing almost $37 million to clean and green streets, and pristine parks, including proactively protecting our precious trees from threats such as Polyphagous shot-hole borer and tree vandals.
The Lord Mayor said Council was mindful of the economic conditions and has ensured the City delivered a strong Budget balanced by one of lowest rate rises in the Perth metropolitan area.
“We know that times are tough, with households and businesses feeling the pinch of rising costs across the board. We’ve kept ratepayers front of mind while developing this budget to ensure we’re spending wisely and keeping our rates as low as we possibly can – at 2.95 per cent,” Mr Zempilas said.
For all the 2024/24 Budget details visit – perth.wa.gov.au
For more information on the Riverfront Masterplan click here
Issued by: media@cityofperth.wa.gov.au
Image credit: WAX Architectural Visualizations
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