Every Person Counts: Planning for WA’s Future Population

Read the report, Every Person Counts: Planning for WA’s Future Population, here.

Registrations for this event are now closed. For any questions, please email bcec@curtin.edu.au or ring the team on +61 8 9266 1744.

The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre invites you to a special lunch event for the release of our latest report, Every Person Counts: Planning for WA’s Future Population.

Western Australia has reached a major milestone with a population of 3 million people in 2025, with Greater Perth growing far faster than many regional centres. But what does this mean for how we live, work and grow as a state, and how ready are we for the next phase of expansion as WA’s economy strengthens and diversifies?

This new Focus on WA report examines how population growth is reshaping the state. It highlights the economic opportunities created by a larger and more diverse population across defence, critical minerals, education, tourism and technology, while also exploring the growing pressures on housing, infrastructure, public services and community wellbeing.

Using new data and insights, the research considers whether WA is investing enough in essential infrastructure to keep pace with rising demand for homes, transport, water, power, schools and healthcare. It looks at the key drivers of growth, including skilled migration and international education, and assesses their influence on the housing market and rental demand. The report asks whether WA has a genuine plan for balanced regional development and how the state can make better use of its regional strengths in agriculture, tourism, defence capability and emerging industries, supporting smarter planning, better coordinated infrastructure and a more sustainable housing system.

Join us for this special lunch event and hear insights from our panel, featuring  Deb Hamblin, Chair of the Governing Council for South Metropolitan TAFE; Nicole Lockwood, Chairperson of Infrastructure WA; and Kitty Prodonovich, Chief Executive Officer of Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry WA in an engaging conversation with Di Darmody from ABC Radio.

Deb Hamblin, Nicole Lockwood, Kitty Prodonovich and Di Darmody

Hear the latest research findings from report author Professor Alan Duncan, Director of the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre. Tamika Mache, Executive Manager Home Lending at Bankwest, will deliver welcoming remarks, and Professor Vanessa Chang, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Business and Law at Curtin University, will close this event.

Alan Duncan, Tamika Mache and Vanessa Chang

A perfect session for business leaders, policymakers, infrastructure planners and researchers shaping WA’s future.

Date: Wednesday 25 February 2026

Timing: 11.30am (for a 12.00pm start) to 2.00pm

Location: Ballroom 2, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Boorloo (Perth), WA

Cost: General Admission $89, Table of 8 $712, Student Admission $59

Registrations for this event are now closed. For any questions please email bcec@curtin.edu.au or ring the team on +61 8 9266 1744.