Western Australia has been trying to establish and grow a sustainable network of population centres throughout the state since European settlement*. Despite this, the state has one of the most centralised populations in Australia, with roughly four-fifths of residents living in one metropolitan area.

Perth versus regional population, 1901–2011

In recent days political debate has again focussed on growth in regional centres, with Premier Colin Barnett (Liberals) and Mark McGowan (Labor) both putting forward alternative arguments, ambitions and solutions. The Planning Institute of Australia has also waded in, arguing that an interventionist approach to regional centre development is unlikely to succeed—at least without a very significant investment.

Having been immersed in a number of public and private projects with a focus on the development of major regional centres, I have had the opportunity to research and consider the challenges and solutions being offered in this space**. Through many conversations and much digging about in analysis and case studies (including some great recent insights from Ifor Ffowcs-Williams from Cluster Navigators), it has become clear to me that three precursors are required for sustainable, resilient and vibrant regional growth centres. These are:

Livability — a place that is appealing to a wide range of residents to invest in, and live within throughout their lives.
Be “bloody” good at something that other people want (thanks, Ifor) — demonstrably play a role in the creation and/or transfer of goods and services that are of value to external markets.
Local champions — advocates of change that actively invest time, resources, networks and political capital in driving change (extending beyond government employees paid to advocate for change).

These elements are the foundations upon which sustained centre growth can occur. They are not the be all and end all. Instead they create an environment around which interventions can be developed, either by strengthening or building upon these foundations.

Likewise, these precursors are a useful basis for assessment of political policies and promises in the lead-up to the election....e.g.

Are promises and policies focussed on centres where these factors exist, or are likely to exist into the future?
Do the State agencies to be relocated build on what a regional centre is already ‘blood good at'?

*For a great historic perspective on water’s influence on the development of regional centres, I highly recommend Dr Ruth Morgan’s Running Out.

**It is important to differentiate regional centre growth from regional economic development. There are many examples of successful economic development within regional areas that have not required sustained population growth of regional centres.

The Triumvirate of Regional Growth Centres