Perth Urban Development: Geography, Transport, and Planning Strategies

What is the physical definition of 'site' in relation to Perth?

Site refers to the physical characteristics of the land where Perth is located, including its range of factors that promote and restrict urban development.

What are the geographical boundaries of the Perth metropolitan area?

Perth extends 150km from north to south and 30km inland from the ocean to the east, bounded by the Indian Ocean to the west and the Darling Escarpment to the east.

Why is development limited on the Darling Escarpment?

Development is limited due to its steep elevation of approximately 300m above sea level and the presence of fast-flowing streams.

What type of soils are predominant in the Perth metropolitan area?

The soils consist mainly of sandy coastal soils on the Swan Coastal Plain and alluvial soils adjacent to the Swan-Canning River system.

What is the elevation of the Swan Coastal Plain in Perth?

The Swan Coastal Plain is approximately 60m above sea level.

What is the significance of the Swan-Canning River in Perth's geography?

The Swan-Canning River bisects the city, dividing it in half and influencing urban development patterns.

What does 'situation' refer to in the context of Perth?

Situation refers to the location of Perth in relation to other significant features, both cultural and physical.

What are the coordinates of the CBD of Perth?

The CBD of Perth is situated at approximately 31°57'S, 115°51'E.

What is notable about Perth's isolation compared to other cities?

Perth is the most isolated city in the world, located 2,700km west of its nearest capital city, Adelaide.

How has Perth's external morphology changed over time?

Perth's external morphology has evolved from semi-stellate to rectangular due to urban infill and consolidation.

What is the area covered by the Perth metropolitan area?

Perth covers an area of approximately 1600km².

What are the major urban corridors extending from Perth?

Major corridors extend to Joondalup to the north, Midland to the east, Armadale to the southeast, and Rockingham to the south.

What is the layout of the internal morphology of Perth?

The internal morphology includes eight major land use zones centered around the CBD, which is a compact grid-shaped center of commerce.

What surrounds the CBD of Perth?

The CBD is encircled by the inner mixed zone (IMZ), which includes suburbs like East Perth, West Perth, Northbridge, and South Perth.

What characterizes the established residential zone (ERZ) in Perth?

The ERZ lies beyond the CBD and IMZ, dominated by residential functions with various types of housing, and includes light industry and special purpose areas.

What are special purpose areas (SPA) in Perth?

Special purpose areas are unique, space-extensive zones, such as Perth Airport and the Women's Prison.

What is the significance of the Swan River in Perth's internal layout?

The CBD is located 17km upstream on the northern banks of the Swan River, influencing the urban layout.

What types of uses are found in the inner mixed zone (IMZ) of Perth?

The IMZ includes mixed uses such as commercial, light industrial, high-density residential, and entertainment.

What is the role of the central business district (CBD) in Perth?

The CBD serves as the central hub for commerce and business activities in the city.

How does the topography of Perth influence urban development?

The flat to gently undulating landscape of the Swan Coastal Plain promotes urban development, while the Darling Escarpment restricts it.

What is the emerging corridor in Perth's urban development?

A fifth corridor is emerging to the northeast towards the satellite suburb of Ellenbrook.

What types of housing are found in the established residential zone (ERZ)?

The ERZ includes various types of housing, such as duplexes and detached homes.

What types of industries are generally closer to the city in Perth?

Lighter industries, such as panel beaters and printers.

What are OBDs in the context of Perth's urban layout?

OBDs are large shopping precincts, such as Garden City in Booragoon.

What is the new growth zone (NGZ) in Perth?

The NGZ includes recently developed residential areas established over the last ten years, such as Ashby and Butler.

Where is heavier industry located in relation to residential areas in Perth?

Heavier industry is located towards the periphery of the city and is segregated from residential areas to reduce land conflict, such as in Kwinana.

What is the rural-urban fringe (RUF) in Perth?

The RUF is a transitional zone on the outer edge of the city, containing a mixture of land uses like intensive agriculture, quarrying, and new housing, with areas such as Byford and Bedfordale.

What is the median age of Perth's population?

The median age is 37 years.

How does the median age differ between established residential zones (ERZ) and new growth zones (NGZ)?

In ERZs, the median age is higher (e.g., 47 in City Beach) compared to NGZs, where it is lower (e.g., 33 in Ellenbrook).

What demographic trend is observed in gender distribution in Perth's suburbs?

Some suburbs have higher levels of males (e.g., CBD and IMZ) due to professional work availability, while older suburbs (e.g., Mosman Park) have a greater percentage of women.

What is the median weekly household income in Dalkeith compared to Ellenbrook?

Dalkeith has a median weekly household income of $4672, while Ellenbrook has $1844.

Why do families in established residential zones (ERZ) tend to have higher incomes?

Families in ERZs are generally older, have had more time to accumulate wealth, and often hold higher-paying jobs.

What percentage of houses are owned outright in Dalkeith compared to Ellenbrook?

Dalkeith has 52.6% of houses owned outright, compared to 13.3% in Ellenbrook.

What is the cultural diversity like in Perth?

Perth is very multicultural, with the highest number of residents born overseas among Australian capital cities.

Which countries are most common among residents born overseas in Perth?

The most common countries are England, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and Malaysia.

What is notable about the IMZ in Perth?

It contains people from 50 different nations.

Which suburbs in Perth have large clusters of Asian students?

Suburbs surrounding universities, such as Crawley, Joondalup, and Wanneroo.

What demographic characteristic is observed in NGZs like Mirrabooka and Koondoola?

They have high proportions of Vietnamese people.

How does the age of residents in the ERZ affect housing affordability?

Older residents in the ERZ can afford more expensive housing due to their longer time to accumulate wealth.

What is the significance of the transitional nature of the rural-urban fringe (RUF)?

It serves as a buffer between the built-up urban area and the rural countryside.

What factors contribute to the higher percentage of women in older suburbs of Perth?

Higher life expectancy for women, safety concerns, and proximity to shopping and schools.

How does the demographic profile of suburbs in the NGZ attract younger families?

Newer suburbs in the NGZ offer more affordable housing, making them attractive to younger families.

What is the impact of socioeconomic status on home ownership in Perth's ERZ and NGZ?

Higher socioeconomic status in ERZ leads to greater home ownership compared to lower status in NGZ.

What is the relationship between age and housing in the established residential zone (ERZ)?

Older residents tend to have higher home ownership rates due to longer mortgage repayment periods.

How does the availability of professional work influence gender distribution in Perth's suburbs?

Higher availability of professional work in areas like the CBD attracts more males, while safer suburbs attract more females.

What suburbs in Perth have a high Greek population?

Northbridge, North Perth, Balcatta, and Stirling.

What are the first two Greek Orthodox Churches in Perth?

They are located in Northbridge and North Perth.

What is the main cause of traffic congestion in Perth?

Traffic congestion occurs when road networks cannot cope with vehicle volumes, particularly on major arterial roads.

What are some major arterial roads contributing to traffic congestion in Perth?

Kwinana Freeway, Mitchell Freeway, Graham Farmer Freeway, Stirling Highway, Canning Highway, Wanneroo Road, and Scarborough Beach Road.

When are the peak traffic periods in Perth?

From 6:30-9:00 am and 3:30-6:30 pm.

What is the projected population of Perth by 2050?

3.5 million.

What percentage of people in Perth drive to work?

80%.

What percentage of households in Perth own two or more vehicles?

60%.

What are the environmental impacts of traffic congestion in Perth?

Increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to smog and haze.

What are the economic impacts of traffic congestion in Perth?

Productivity losses exceeding $2 billion annually, predicted to rise to $3.6 billion by 2031.

What social impacts are associated with traffic congestion in Perth?

Stress, frustration, and road rage, with higher accident rates during peak travel periods.

What is the role of Main Roads WA (MRWA) in addressing traffic congestion?

MRWA is responsible for managing around 19,000 kilometres of roads and aims to reduce congestion through a reliable and efficient road-based transport network.

What projects has MRWA proposed to improve traffic flow?

Mitchell freeway extension to Romeo Road and widening of Tonkin Highway.

What is the 'Road Towards Zero' strategy by MRWA?

A safety strategy aimed at minimizing fatalities and serious injuries by improving the interaction between road users and infrastructure.

How does MRWA incorporate sustainability into its projects?

By using recycled materials, such as 46,000 tonnes of recycled concrete, and installing LED tunnel lighting.

What is the perspective of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) on traffic congestion?

RAC advocates for improved road infrastructure and substantial investment in public transport to address congestion.

What is the significance of urban sprawl in Perth's traffic congestion?

Urban sprawl forces outer suburb residents to rely on private vehicles due to poor public transport access.

What is the projected rank of Perth in terms of congestion in Australia by 2031?

Perth is projected to become Australia's most congested city.

What is the impact of freeway widening on traffic congestion?

Freeway widening provides only short-term relief as induced demand quickly restores congestion levels.

How many daily commuters does the CBD of Perth accommodate?

160,000 daily commuters.

What is the impact of traffic congestion on commuting time in Perth?

It adds nearly 100 hours annually to commuting time.

What is the relationship between traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in Perth?

Emissions are 2-3 times higher than in European cities due to congestion.

How does MRWA collaborate with Traditional Owners?

They work to protect Aboriginal heritage during road development.

What is the primary focus of the RAC in relation to transport solutions?

The RAC supports integrated transport solutions, including increasing population density and implementing transport-oriented developments (TODs) to make public transport more viable and reduce car dependence.

What trend did the RAC identify regarding traffic growth in Perth?

Traffic in Perth is growing up to 12 times faster than forecast.

What is the METRONET program?

METRONET is a planning strategy developed by the WA state government aimed at expanding and improving the public rail network to provide more transport options and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

How much new passenger rail is included in the METRONET program?

Approximately 72 km of new passenger rail.

What is one key feature of the METRONET program that improves connectivity?

The construction of 23 new stations, including the Forrestfield-Airport Link and the Morley-Ellenbrook Line.

How does the Forrestfield-Airport Link benefit commuters?

It provides a 20-minute rail journey from the eastern suburbs to the city, reducing the need for car travel to the airport.

What type of developments does METRONET promote around its stations?

Higher density mixed-use developments within 1-2 km of new and existing stations.

What is the goal of the Western Australian Bicycle Network (WABN) Plan?

To improve active transport in metropolitan Perth by making cycling a safe, convenient, and widely accepted mode of travel.

How much has been invested in cycling and walking infrastructure since 2017 under the WABN Plan?

Over $300 million has been invested to deliver 240 km of walking and cycling infrastructure.

What is the additional investment committed to the WABN Plan by 2028?

An additional $310 million is committed to build 220 km more cycling and walking paths.

How does the WABN Plan contribute to traffic congestion management?

By reducing reliance on private vehicles, it helps ease traffic congestion and promotes healthier, more sustainable travel.

What are the three pillars of sustainability used to evaluate METRONET?

Environmental, economic, and social.

How does METRONET promote environmental sustainability?

It encourages a shift from private car use to public transport, reducing car dependency and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

What percentage of commuters in Perth currently use private vehicles?

Over 70% of commuters use private vehicles.

How much less CO2 emissions does public transport produce compared to cars?

Public transport produces 55% less CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre compared to cars.

What role does the RAC play in addressing congestion trends in Perth?

The RAC publishes data, reports, and media releases highlighting congestion trends and recommends targeted strategies to address them.

What intelligent transport system upgrade did the RAC support in 2020?

The 'Smart Freeway' upgrade on Kwinana Freeway.

What is the main goal of integrating land use with transport infrastructure in the context of METRONET?

To offer reliable alternatives to car travel and lower traffic volumes on major roads.

What is the significance of creating station precincts in the METRONET strategy?

Station precincts encourage people to live, work, and access services close to public transport.

What is the long-term vision of the RAC regarding urban design and transport?

To reduce car reliance by encouraging sustainable urban design and expanding public transport networks.

How does the METRONET program support social sustainability?

By improving accessibility to public transport, it enhances mobility and quality of life for residents.

What is the expected outcome of combining METRONET and WABN initiatives?

Together, they improve accessibility to public transport and support integrated long-term transport solutions for Perth.

What are Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) designed to achieve?

TODs limit urban sprawl and preserve green spaces by encouraging higher-density housing.

What short-term sustainability challenges are associated with TODs?

Environmental disruption during construction, including land clearing and carbon emissions.

How does METRONET contribute to economic sustainability?

It supports long-term productivity and regional development, expected to cost over $11 billion and create over 21,000 jobs during construction.

What is the expected impact of the Morley-Ellenbrook Line?

It will serve around 100,000 residents, improving access to public transport for those who previously lacked it.

How does METRONET address traffic congestion economically?

It reduces congestion costs, which amount to around $1.5 billion annually in Perth.

What social benefits does METRONET provide?

It improves accessibility and equity by connecting outer suburbs to the Perth CBD, helping low-income and car-less residents access jobs, education, and health services.

What is the expected growth of the suburb served by the Byford Extension by 2036?

The suburb is expected to grow to 35,000 people.

What features of METRONET stations enhance universal access?

Features like ramps and lifts are included in the design.

What are the short-term social disruptions associated with METRONET construction?

Road closures and noise, which are generally temporary and managed through community consultation.

What is the overarching conclusion about METRONET's sustainability?

It is a mostly sustainable response to traffic congestion, promoting environmental sustainability, economic development, and social equity.