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Kaya,
Welcome to Issue 22 of Urban Scrawl. Did you know oysters were once found in the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River)? You can spot them in Moorditj Koort (Strong Heart), a mural by Ballardong Noongar artist Jodie Riley, which is featured at Point Fraser and in this month’s Urban Scrawl. “This mural design takes inspiration from the old stories that are told about Matagarup (Heirisson Island), and those who left the New Norcia Mission to walk to Boorloo (Perth), finding family when they reached the island." The beautiful artwork, rich with symbolism of the fresh water of the Derbarl Yerrigan and the once abundant oysters, is well worth a visit to the Boorloo Bridge!
This month, we spotlight the choices cities make to protect liveability and identity in Benchmarking Cities. In Research Bites, we unpack why public transport is not just efficient, but also far safer than driving. We also look at the hidden cost of light pollution — and how dark sky strategies could safeguard our environment while opening new opportunities for tourism. On the Ground Intel features Lorna MacGregor, CEO of Lifeline WA, reflecting on her love for the city and her hopes for Perth in 2050. In International Inspiration we share lessons from bold city-making projects — Seoul and Utrecht transforming highways into waterways, and London’s Victoria and Albert Museum reimagining how we connect with culture.
These stories share a common thread: when we choose to act decisively, we can reshape our cities, our communities, and even our collective future. That is the driving force behind our 2050 Summit, on 22 October at Crown Perth.
Perth is on the cusp of a golden moment, and we are excited to welcome Ludo Campbell-Reid, Global Urban Design & City Strategy Expert, to our speaker lineup. Ludo has led transformative city-shaping projects across the globe — from London and Cape Town to Auckland and Melbourne, and now, he’s bringing his visionary thinking to Perth. Will you join us?
As a member of Committee for Perth you’re entitled to member rates – which means a $200 discount per ticket, simply use code MEMBER25 to access member pricing. With only a hanful of tickets remaining, book your tickets today.
We look forward to seeing you there, Committee for Perth Team |
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In August this year, China unveiled an ambitious new blueprint to reshape its cities by 2035, shifting the focus from rapid expansion to "people-oriented" cities. With more than 900 million people living in urban areas, the plan recognises that liveability is now as critical as growth.
The framework sets out goals to be achieved by 2030, with full realisation by 2035. Central to the vision are “green, smart, resilient and inclusive” cities designed to support the needs of people across all life stages. Key priorities include the development of green and "smart" houses, more elderly and child-friendly care services, and high-quality medical resources. There will also be a focus on "shared green spaces, and controlling emerging pollutants such as microplastics, as well as urban disaster prevention and response plans", reports Reuters.
The plan is part of a wider shift away from “growth at any cost” towards sustainable urbanisation. It acknowledges that cities are not only economic engines but also central to delivering social equity and environmental sustainability for the world’s most populous nation. |
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11.2% of Parisians now travel by bike in the centre of Paris as opposed to a car (only 4.3%) — a clear increase from 2010 when just 3% pedalled their way into the city. Walking is still the most popular form of transport, making up 53.3% of all journeys, followed by public transport at 30%. What would it take for Perth to embrace active transport à la Paris?
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Some of the most valuable insights come from those who live and breathe the city every day. Since 2016, Lorna MacGregor has led Lifeline WA with humility and purpose, making a difference to thousands of lives. Having spent much of her adult life in Perth, her love for the city runs deep. She finds peace in the crisp, clear light of Perth, the gentle sunrise over the Derbarl Yerrigan, and the quiet charm of Maylands Peninsula, her hidden gem and home. Her hope for Perth in 2050? A city that grows with heart, where real progress means making sure no one is left behind by its success.
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How long have you lived in Perth, and what is it about the city you enjoy the most?
Apart from a couple of stints overseas and in our North West, I’ve spent all my adult life in Perth. I love the space and the crisp, clear light. I love catching up with friends and sharing a meal outdoors on a warm summer evening. I find peace watching the sunrise over the Swan River, and I never tire of the view from Kings Park. I also love our love affair with outdoor cinema. Where is your favourite place in Perth to go for a run?
Perth is a very beach-focused city—and fair enough, the beaches are brilliant. But I think we sometimes undervalue the Swan River. I love its tranquillity: the birdlife, the swoosh of early morning rowers, the soft reflections of light on the water. Sunrise is my favourite time of day, and when it begins with a jog along the river or a paddle in my kayak, with a pink sky slowly giving way to daylight—it’s the best start to a day I can imagine.
How do you like to spend a quiet afternoon in Perth when you want to recharge or clear your mind?
A quiet, restorative afternoon, will be spent relaxed on my balcony reading a book. Likely a wine will be within easy reach. What is your go-to order from your favourite local spot? My go to order at my favourite local is baked ricotta gnocchi at Threecoins & Sons Trattoria in Mt Lawley; their pastas are all made in-house and excellent. What is your favourite hidden gem in Perth?
Maylands Peninsula is my favourite hidden gem and the place I call home. It’s so close to the city but has the atmosphere of a peaceful holiday town. And the gem within the gem is Peninsula Farm Café.
What are your hopes for Perth in 2050?
Whatever the future holds for Perth—whether in terms of economic growth, infrastructure, or industry—it must be a future where everyone benefits. And I mean everyone. A city that creates opportunity and wealth for some, while leaving others behind, ultimately fails. That kind of failure creates inequality, social fragmentation, and a loss of trust in institutions. It leads to communities feeling disconnected, people falling through the cracks, and a city that loses its heart. Real progress means making sure no one is left behind by the success. I hope that Perth in 2050 is a city that has consciously maintained its heart.
One last question. If you could do one thing to improve Perth, what would it be?
As a community, I think we undervalue our arts sector. Our venues are too often dark. I wish we were stronger champions of quality leading performing arts, and that our support helped cultivate a flourishing local scene while also attracting more national and international acts. |
INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATION |
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The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has unveiled a new approach to experiencing culture, bringing history closer to visitors than ever before, through their new 'Order an Object' service. Instead of standing back from glass cases, audiences are now encouraged to explore over 250,000 artefacts through immersive displays, interactive storytelling, and intimate exhibition design.
As Bloomberg reports, the museum is transforming the way people engage with history — making encounters more personal, tangible, and memorable. This shift reflects a wider trend in global cultural institutions, where static displays are giving way to experiences that prioritise connection, learning, and a sense of shared heritage. For Perth, these kinds of innovations show how art and artefacts can become more accessible. By adopting immersive and interactive approaches, our cultural institutions could bring global stories closer to home — ensuring that distance doesn’t limit the richness of cultural experiences available to our community.
This theme will also be explored closer to home at REMIX Summit Perth 2025, held at WA Museum Boola Bardip in November, where global and local innovators discuss the future of immersive cultural experiences and what they mean for our city |
FROM ASPHALT TO WATERWAYS |
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In the 1970s, Utrecht in the Netherlands filled in part of its historic 'Catharijnesingel' canal to build a motorway. For decades, residents campaigned to bring the water back. Their persistence paid off: the road was eventually removed and the canal restored in 2010. Today, boats once again glide through the city centre, and locals embrace the waterway as a crown jewel — a vibrant public space that has boosted pride and tourism alike.
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Seoul, South Korea, made a similar leap with the Cheonggyecheon stream. Once buried under concrete and an elevated highway, it was uncovered in the early 2000s after strong public support for a greener, healthier city. What began as a controversial project is now one of Seoul’s most beloved spaces. The restored stream cools the city centre, attracts wildlife, and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every day.
Both Utrecht and Seoul show how bold urban design choices — and the voices of citizens demanding change — can breathe life back into cities. By prioritising waterways, culture, and people over traffic, they’ve not only restored natural landscapes but also created places that communities feel deeply connected to. The lesson is clear: sometimes the most powerful innovation is returning to what was there all along.
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WHY PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS SAFER THAN DRIVING |
It might come as a surprise but new research shows public transport is much safer than driving. Scientific American reports that in the United States, taking the bus is about 60 times safer than driving the same distance by car, with rail travel also many times safer. The difference isn’t just about individual risk. Communities with strong transit systems see fewer traffic deaths overall. Fewer cars on the road means fewer crashes, less congestion, and cleaner air. Public transport doesn’t just move people efficiently — it makes cities safer and healthier.
This kind of research invites us to reflect on how the Perth region can evolve. According to RAC WA, "three in ten Perth metropolitan (RAC) members never use (public transport) and a further three in ten use it less than once a month". As our population grows, the case for investing in a safe, accessible and reliable public transport network becomes even stronger.
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Image Credit: Unsplashed / Harry Cunningham |
READ: Sydney’s Wild New Airport Experience. (Bloomberg)
Sydney’s forthcoming Western Sydney International Nancy-Bird Walton Airport is more than just a transport hub—it’s a cultural and urban anchor for the region. Located on Dharug country, it is designed with soaring, landscape-inspired architecture, with the terminal blending striking visuals with panoramic views of the Blue Mountains and Western Sydney's natural scenery. |
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Committee for Perth conducts its work on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. We recognise their peoples' ongoing connection to land, culture and community and in doing so, pay our respects to Elders past and present. |
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