The role of architecture in shaping Western Australia’s future
ACA WA was delighted to host Western Australian Premier Roger Cook as our keynote speaker at the 2025 Business of Design Lunch. The Premier was generous with his time, staying on to enjoy a glass of wine with our members, and confident in his vision for the state. Emma Brain, ACA National Advocacy Coordinator, recounts the event.
Premier Cook opened his address by recognising architects as the “guardians of built form” and the people who “mould the communities in which we live”. He emphasised that good design has never been more important as Western Australia faces unprecedented growth and prosperity.
Liveable Communities
He spoke about the need for communities that are well-connected, socially and economically viable, connecting people to work and educational opportunities. He candidly admitted his government’s disappointment with (some) current medium-density development, expressing a desire to see more amenity, trees, and liveable and sustainable outcomes for communities in future developments.
Planning and Regulatory Reform
Premier Cook described the government’s focus on improving the regulatory environment by modernising state planning processes and offering incentives to boost housing supply. A key initiative is the broader reform of the R Codes, with WAPC tasked to simplify these regulations and align WA with national planning reform.
The Premier stressed the need to unlock bottlenecks in the planning system and move beyond business as usual.
Climate Focus
Premier Cook confirmed his government’s commitment to supporting local government urban greening programs and developing “green communities” that address bushfire mitigation, coastal protection, and urban greening.
The Premier emphasised the importance of climate resistance in all planning decisions.
Regional Development Focus
A significant portion of the address focused on developing viable, liveable communities in regional WA. He highlighted Bunbury as a success story but acknowledged challenges in places like Kalgoorlie, where, despite record gold extraction, wealth is being transferred elsewhere, contributing to social and structural decay.
Infrastructure and Design Leadership
In response to a member’s question about engineer-dominated government departments, the Premier agreed that major projects should be guided by the vision of an architect, recognising the importance of design leadership in public infrastructure.
Looking Forward
Premier Cook concluded by emphasising the need to consider “lasting public value” and avoid creating a “legacy of regret” through poor design decisions. He committed to continuing the conversation with architects (don’t worry, we will follow up on this!).
His message was clear: Western Australia is “running full tilt” and he values the architecture profession as agile and innovative partners in shaping the state’s future.
Journalist Claire Tyrell from WA Business News attended the lunch and published her own overview of the Premier’s speech. While the article is behind a paywall, subscribers can access it here.
Photos: Dan MacBride