Report provides snapshot of Peel region

26/3/03 The Peel is Western Australia's most accessible region and is seen by residents as a friendly place to live in.

26/3/03
The Peel is Western Australia's most accessible region and is seen by residents as a friendly place to live in.
This is one finding in a new report, the first of its type in Australia, which provides a snapshot of regional Western Australia.
The report was released today by Premier Geoff Gallop.
The 'Indicators of Regional Development for Western Australia' was commissioned by the State Government and compiled from existing information including ABS figures and data collected by State Government agencies.
The report compared and contrasted each of the nine regions and Perth.
Peel Minister Jim McGinty said the report was an important contribution to understanding and guiding the development of WA.
"It shows us where our efforts are most required in improving the social, economic and environmental outcomes in regional areas," Mr McGinty said.
"The information will influence the final Regional Policy Statement for WA, expected to be completed by the middle of the year."
The indicators for the Peel region give a comprehensive look at the positive lifestyle features and also the many challenges facing the region.
"As many people already know, living in the Peel has some major advantages," Mr McGinty said.
"Peel is WA's most accessible region and has our fastest growing population. With housing affordability, lifestyle and natural assets - fishing, estuaries, beaches and native forests - it has much to offer. It is a popular retirement destination and Mandurah is the most favourite day trip for Perth residents."
The region had a very high projected population increase of 122 per cent between 2001 and 2031, compared to a range of 29 to 72 per cent in other regions.
Examples of indicators, positive and negative, include:

  • lower crime rate per 1,000 people in Peel (133 reported offences) than Perth (180);
  • cost of housing on a par with the State average;
  • prices equate with Perth;
  • perception of living in a friendly place with community spirit and cohesiveness was average to above the regional average, though perception of safety in the area was below the regional average;
  • high investment in public transport facilities - extension of Kwinana Freeway and Perth-Mandurah rail system;
  • retail growth rate is very high;
  • capital works for new and continuing projects for 2001-2002 was lower than other regions;
  • unemployment rate has declined the last two years, but remains higher than the regional and Perth average;
  • number of 15 to 44-year-olds enrolled in TAFE is higher than regional average, but lower than Perth average;
  • male psychological stress is higher than other regions and Perth; and
  • higher proportion of the Peel population aged over 60 compared to the regional average and Perth.
"The data in the report serves to confirm many of the Government's priorities in tackling problem areas, such as health and education," Mr McGinty said.
"The Government is already taking action with its strong commitment through the provision of extra literacy and numeracy teachers, the 100 Schools IT Project and the recent formation of the new Department of Education and Training."
Many of the health issues raised are being addressed by a range of initiatives already under way including the Mental Health Promotion Strategy, the Country Health Services Review and the Tobacco Action Plan.
The development of the 'Peel Sustainable Development Plan 2020' - an inclusive, evolving plan for the region - was also an important step towards addressing many of the issues raised.
The 'Peel Region Scheme', now passed through Parliament, marked the first ever regional planning scheme outside the metropolitan region and reflected the Government's commitment to shaping the development of the region.
"The report provides an important research tool that will further help guide future planning for the region," the Minister said.
Copies of the report, prepared by URS Australia, will be distributed to regional stakeholders and are also available on request from the Department of Local Government and Regional Development. It is also available on the website http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au
Minister's office: 9220 5000