New research shows the majority of Western Australians either support or are open to the idea of medium density development in their neighbourhoods.
The Close to Home report, commissioned by the Property Council WA released today, reveals 74% of Western Australians do not oppose medium density development that are well designed and add to local amenity.
Close to Home is the first report to quantify Western Australians sentiment about increasing density in established suburbs.
The report surveyed 1,200 residents across Perth and found that attitudes towards density were broadly consistent across political preferences.
In the lead-up to the WA state election, the Close to Home report sets out a clear opportunity for all sides of politics to investigate ways to support and encourage well designed density to deliver more housing choice for a growing Perth.
Property Council WA Executive Director, Sandra Brewer, said the survey debunked some of the conventional wisdom about attitudes towards density, including which level of government residents believed was best placed to plan and deliver medium density
“This first of its kind data has debunked the narrative about who opposes density the most.
“There has always been a prevailing attitude that it’s older, more conservative residents in leafy suburbs who are opposed to greater density and development.
“This report shows that people from all age groups, backgrounds, and political preferences are open to the idea of greater density, including older residents.
“Even in the group most often considered to be the most resistant to density, people in the 65-74 age bracket more people favoured, or were open to, medium density than the number opposed.
“The Close to Home data shows that what really matters to Western Australians – safety, improved transport, community, cultural vibrancy, sanctuary and affordability – can be delivered through density,” Ms Brewer said.
