Presidents Welcome

It is my great pleasure to announce that the Australian Property Institute (WA Division) 2007 State Conference will be held in the City of Perth. Topics that will be presented to the Conference this year include some that are specific to the city of Perth, but also the big picture, exploring issues that affect the future of property.

Blueprinting our future – What is our Role in Implementing the Vision for Perth?

The City of Perth had the fastest population growth of all Local Government Area cities during 2005-2006 with an increase of over 12%. Perth’s population of 1,507,900 showed an increase of 2%. (ABS stats, Feb 2007).

The State of Western Australia currently has over $48 billion of production value in minerals and energy with a further $80 billion worth of projects in the pipeline. There appears little likelihood that the pattern of huge growth that Western Australia has been experiencing is about to ease.

What are the challenges for property professionals?

The opening keynote address by The Hon. Fred Chaney AO titled “The Best of Both Worlds – Layers of meaning and possibilities across landscapes” will provide a thought provoking insight in to the differing perceptions of the meaning of “value”.

The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor, Peter Nattrass, City of Perth’s longest serving Lord Mayor brings his vision for the City to the Conference.

Sustainability, green buildings and the changing need for office space will be considered, as will the planning vision which saw the development of the William Street precinct – with all the inherent acquisition and heritage challenges.

A property conference in today’s environment must have a focus on the issue of water…. State Government proposals, the scientific perspective, water rights and the flow on affect of water management to the developer and end user.

We are pleased to present The Hon. John C Kobelke to present the State Government’s blueprint for the future provision of water. Professor Jorg Imberger will discuss the processes responsible for global climate change and its implications for the hydrologic cycle.

The 2007 State Conference will also present Mr. Wendell Cox, a foremost speaker on International Public Policy, Demographics, Economics and Transport, whose presentation is themed, “HOUSING AFFORDABILILTY AND THE FUTURE: WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND THE NATION”

The final plenary session for the Conference will bring together speakers from rugby, soccer, Australian rules football and cricket in a panel discussion titled, “Conduct of the Codes – common goals; points of difference”.

Please join us on Friday 3rd August when the Institute will host a welcome cocktail party for its Members, sponsors, politicians and media.

Saturday 4th August provides a full conference programme, followed by the Conference Banquet. Delegates and guests will enjoy fine wine, dining and time to relax and socialise with colleagues.

I commend this programme to you and look forward to welcoming you and your partner to the Division’s premier event for 2007.

JOHN GARMONY FAPI

President, Western Australian Division

Australian Property Institute