Survey shows growing business confidence in Armadale and Kelmscott

29/9/06
More than half of all traders in the Armadale area have enjoyed growth in business activity during the past 12 months and more than 60 per cent expect further improvement in the year ahead.
Local MLA and Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today released key findings of the 2006 Community and Business Survey conducted by the Armadale Redevelopment Authority (ARA).
Ms MacTiernan said strong growth in confidence and community perceptions about the area over the past year was in part due to Government development initiatives that were now coming to fruition.
"The Armadale region can boast some of the most exciting and progressive business, residential and recreational projects in Western Australia," she said.
"For example, the Champion Lakes rowing course is progressing rapidly and proposals for a world-class white water park recreational facility are being considered right now.
"Both the Armadale and Kelmscott town centres are in the midst of significant upgrades and along with the retail shopping redevelopments, will provide residents with facilities second to none.
"It is an exciting time to live and work in the Armadale region."
Key findings from the survey revealed that:

• 70 per cent of people who live in the Armadale area are 'very proud of their local area', up from 68 per cent a year ago;

• 78 per cent of respondents agreed that 'Armadale has a strong identity that local people can identify with' - a three per cent increase on 2005 results;

• on the business front, 72 per cent of traders said that 'Armadale offers good opportunities for new businesses to start up or move into the area', a jump of six per cent since 2005 and 16 per cent since 2002; and

• 62 per cent of respondents identified positive jobs growth in the region - the highest recorded by the survey (56 per cent in 2005). In addition, 72 per cent of businesses said the level of private investment over the past 12 months had increased, compared with 64 per cent in 2005.