Perth continues to grow while residential occupancy rates decline

“If we say no to good development out of fear of change or personal interests, we have to think about what we expect in return.

“Too often, objections are based on myths and fundamental misconceptions about what diversity means for a local community.”

Young said encouraging housing diversity in established suburbs was crucial to stopping unsustainable urban sprawl.

“The proximity of homes to existing community infrastructure is a winning formula in cities around the world for Perth to see these benefits. We need to change the conversation about where and how we deliver housing,” she said.

“It is understandable that people want to live in suburbs with infrastructure, amenities and public transport, so it is crucial to ensure that we can intensify the population in these suburbs.

“We have seen transformative revitalization stories in suburbs following apartment projects.”

Sean Morrison, managing director Advisory WA at APP Group, said analyzing YIMBY movements around the world showed there was greater community awareness that more housing options in existing suburbs would alleviate the housing crisis.

“While our newly reformed planning system delivers efficient decision-making overall, the underlying frameworks that determine the scale of housing supply are working and are achievable,” he said.

Greater Perth’s population increased by more than 80,000 in the 12 months to June 2023, according to ABS data.