Perth 2050: A plan for our future | Media Release

Perth needs an ambitious and imaginative plan to set it up for success for future generations – and a genuine commitment to implement it, according to the Perth 2050 report launched today by Committee for Perth and Scitech.

The research was informed by the 1,421 responses to the Perth 2050 survey, conducted in September this year, with input from Perth school students and representatives from business, industry, community and cultural sectors. Report author, accredited futurist Dr Ben Hamer, analysed the results by applying foresight methodologies and futures thinking.

The report found Perth residents are cautiously optimistic about 2050 – with 68% excited about the future, but just 22% feel Perth is prepared for 2050, which is 25 years away, or just over 9,000 days from now.

The environment (90%), health care (89%), housing affordability and availability (86%), economic diversification (81%) and inclusive communities (78%) are the top five issues that Perth residents believe we must tackle over the next 25 years.

When it comes to new technology, the survey found biometric security (80%), personal AI assistants (72%), and driverless cars and other autonomous machines (64%) are the top technologies people in Perth think we will have adopted by 2050. Alongside an expanded ferry network and a completed METRONET, 59% of respondents think we will be flying supersonically and nearly half (49%) think flying cars will be a possibility.

The research was commissioned by the future-focussed organisations to gauge local sentiment about Perth’s preparedness for 2050, when the population is forecast to reach 3.5 million.

As Western Australians prepare to vote in both state and federal elections in 2025, the Perth 2050 report has identified an urgent need for an apolitical perspective on major issues that transcend electoral cycles and levels of government to deliver intergenerational impacts.

The Perth 2050 Report identified ten priorities for the future of Perth: decarbonisation & sustainability; urban density; reimagined infrastructure & transport; housing affordability & availability; adopting new technology; economic diversification; transforming work; education and training; aged care; and vibrant & inclusive communities.

This report provides an outlook for the future of Perth, alongside insights, ideas and perspectives for addressing the challenges and opportunities lying ahead. The launch of the Perth 2050 report is the start of a conversation which will continue with politicians and policy makers, business and the broader community.

Committee for Perth Chief Executive Officer Paula Rogers said the report presented priorities and ambitions to take Perth to 2050.

“With more than 1,400 responses to our Perth 2050 survey, it’s a comprehensive pulse check of Perth residents’ priorities as we head into the second quarter of this century,” said Ms Rogers.

“While two in three are optimistic about the future, it is concerning one in five think we are not  prepared for 2050.

“They are concerned our leaders – from politics to business, industry to community – don’t have the long term ambition to make the bold decisions for Perth to reach its full potential over the next 25 years.

“Economic diversification, housing density, environmental sustainability, and decarbonisation have been identified as essential if Perth is going to make the most of our position, at the gateway to the Indian Ocean, with enviable geographic and geological conditions, in close proximity to 60 percent of the world’s population.”

“Committee for Perth forecast in 2012 Perth’s population would get to 3.5 million by 2050.

“As we are well on track to reach that target, we must start thinking beyond the electoral cycles.

“This report highlights the need for an ambitious plan to lead the development of Perth for generations to come.

“This is our moment.”

Scitech Chief Executive Officer Dr John Chappell said the report painted a possible future for Perth that generated questions, and it was important we start talking about those questions and issues now.

“The keys to Perth’s future success are outlined in this report: economic diversification, green energy transition, and responsible technology adoption,” said Dr Chappell.

“A 10-year-old who visits Scitech today will be 36 and engaging in a vastly different world in 2050.

“We need to act now to ensure they are prepared by equipping our young people, and the rest of the community, with future-ready STEM skills, digital literacy, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

“Adaptability and flexibility are key to preparing the next generation for emerging careers, many which we can’t yet imagine.

“The Perth 2050 report captures our collective hopes and challenges for this region’s future and calls us to think beyond today’s limitations.

“It underscores the need for a human-centered approach to technology, where innovation fosters connection, respects privacy, and strengthens inclusivity.

“Likewise, it advocates for urgent action on climate change, urging a transition to green energy to preserve Perth’s unique natural beauty.”

Accredited Futurist Dr Ben Hamer said the Perth 2050 report captured an inflection point in Perth’s history.

“As a futurist, I’m in a privileged position where I look beyond what is right in front of us and gaze decades into the future,” said Dr Hamer.

“I had a clear brief: take a bold look into the future and imagine what is possible, articulate what Perth could look like and identify what it will take to get there.

“One thing was clear; while Perth residents love their city, the world is changing and they don’t want to sit still as it changes around them.

“We heard over two thirds of residents are excited about the future, but more than three quarter feel Perth isn’t prepared for 2050.

“People see so much opportunity for Perth though are unsure if the region and its decision makers have the vision and audacity to get there.

“This report is a critical piece of research, highlighting how the Perth region is at an inflection point, ready to write the next chapter in its story.

“Perth not only has the potential to ask “What do we want to be when we grow up?” but to make it happen and evolve into a globally competitive city.

“To get there, we will need a bold and imaginative vision back up by a decisive plan. The time is now.”

For interview opportunities, please contact the media team.

Read the full Perth 2050 report.