The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) has completed a Health Check of Perth and Peel@3.5 million, confirming it remains an appropriate long-term framework to guide growth and development towards a population of 3.5 million by around 2050.
The Health Check found the strategy’s vision, including its connected city growth scenario and planning principles, continue to provide a strong foundation for land use and infrastructure planning across the region.
It also acknowledges that since Perth and Peel@3.5 million was released in 2018, implementation conditions have changed. Strong population growth, housing affordability and supply pressures and cost-of-living challenges are influencing how the strategy is being implemented.
In this context, the Health Check highlights the need to focus on:
- supporting housing delivery across infill and greenfield locations
- planning for major infrastructure investment
- protecting the natural attributes that contribute to the liveability of Perth and Peel
- strengthening coordination between land use planning and infrastructure provision
A number of initiatives are already underway to support delivery of these priorities, including:
- review of the Residential Design Codes to streamline planning processes and boost housing supply
- advancement of Improvement Plans and Schemes across 10 Station Precincts to support well-planned growth around key transport hubs
- identifying a sub-regional investigation area, with a strategic study being undertaken in Metropolitan South and Peel to support Westport and AUKUS projects
To build on this work, the WAPC is also preparing an Action Plan to guide coordinated implementation of initiatives that continue to support delivery of the strategy, ensuring Perth and Peel@3.5million remains responsive to challenges and opportunities across the region. As this work progresses, the strategy will continue to guide how Perth and Peel grows over time and support long-term planning by government, industry and the community
Frequently Asked Questions
Show moreWhat is Perth and Peel@3.5million?
Perth and Peel@3.5million, together with its suite of strategic land use and infrastructure plans (Sub-regional Planning Frameworks), was released in 2018 to guide how the Perth and Peel regions will grow to accommodate a population of 3.5 million people by around 2050.
It sets out how land use, infrastructure, housing, employment and environmental assets will be coordinated to deliver a connected, liveable and sustainable city.
What is the purpose of the 2026 Health Check?
Maintaining a relevant and contemporary strategic plan to guide growth is a key function of the Western Australian Planning Commission. The Health Check was undertaken to assess whether Perth and Peel@3.5million remains fit for purpose to guide future growth in the region. It provides a comprehensive assessment of progress, along with the key issues, challenges and opportunities shaping Perth and Peel.
How is population growth tracking in the Perth and Peel regions?
The population of Perth and Peel has increased from around 2.08 million in 2018 to approximately 2.46 million in 2025. While growth has been stronger in recent years, the long-term outlook remains aligned with the Perth and Peel@3.5million growth scenario, which anticipates a population of 3.5 million people by around 2050.
What is the ‘connected city’ growth scenario and why is it important?
A connected city was identified in Directions 2031 and Beyond (2010) as the preferred, pragmatic future growth scenario as it promotes a consolidated urban form. This growth scenario has informed the key principles of Perth and Peel@3.5million, including minimum urban density and infill targets.
The connected city growth scenario is important as it support a strong central business district with a network of connected activity centres, and a balance of well-located infill development and master planned communities. This approach makes more efficient use of infrastructure, improves access to jobs and services, and helps protect environmental assets and natural resources.
What are the next steps to support implementation of Perth and Peel@3.5million?
Since 2018, the Western Australian Government has delivered strategic planning, infrastructure investment and planning reform programs to support the implementation of Perth and Peel@3.5million. An Action Plan is also being developed to guide the coordinated implementation of initiatives that continue to support the delivery of the strategy.
Where can I find out more information?
Queries can be directed to perth&peel@dplh.wa.gov.au.
Print this page
