Life is good in the City of Canning, at least according to a survey of the people who live there.
The city invited residents to share their experiences in the area through the Living in Canning 2.0 survey from last November to December. Some 2882 responses were received — the second-highest response rate nationally.
Canning achieved a livability index score of 65.4 per cent — the smallest possible drop from 65.5 per cent in 2023, but still exceeding metro Perth (63.2 per cent) and Australian (59.5 per cent) benchmarks.
“This strong result reflects a high level of community pride and satisfaction, indicating that Canning is generally experienced as a highly liveable place despite increasing local pressures,” the city said.
The survey invited people to comment on public spaces, the environment, and how connected neighbourhoods felt, with the results to guide planning and improvements.
People’s happiness was not evenly spread, with the largest gains in the livability index compared with 2023 results in Queens Park & Welshpool (up 6.9 per cent) and East Cannington (up 4 per cent).
Prized suburbs maintained a higher than average livability score but saw some falls, including Shelley (down 3.8 per cent), Riverton (down 3.3 per cent) and Rossmoyne (down 3 per cent).
The cost of living remained the primary concern for residents, followed by the price of housing, and law and order, though the city noted perceptions of safety had improved slightly despite decreases nationally.
The natural environment was cited as the most important factor in livability, with suggested improvements including enhancing the quality and functionality of parks and green spaces, increased tree canopy and shade, native plantings to support wildlife and a wider range of amenities, such as seating, barbecue facilities, toilets, exercise equipment and off-lead dog areas.
Public transport was praised following the reopening of the Armadale train line and the introduction of a new bus network, as was the quality of the city’s shopping, dining and leisure activities.
With one in two Canning residents born overseas, social cohesion was also cited as a vital consideration.
The city said housing affordability and generational change would be two key factors in its planning for the future.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.perthnow.com.au ’
