Thursday, 08 December 2022
MEDIA
RELEASE
PERTH CBD THE PLACE TO BE AS OFFICE
OCCUPANCY HITS 80 PER CENT
The CBD has
surged into summer, with office occupancy levels reaching 80 per cent compared
to pre-COVID levels – the highest recording in the country.
The Property
Council’s survey for November 2022 found workers have returned to the CBD in
droves, with the data showing peak day office attendance at 88 per cent.
Property
Council WA Executive Director Sandra Brewer said Perth’s nation-leading
occupancy rate in our CBD is a resounding victory.
“If the
past two years have taught us anything, it’s that flexible work is here to
stay. But an 80 per cent occupancy rate in our CBD highlights not only there
are far more workers in the CBD than at home, but the Perth CBD is a place that
workers want to be,” Ms Brewer said.
“Walking around the CBD, you get a real sense of positivity and drive,
the city is bustling with plenty of exciting new activations, fabulous retail
and food and beverage options, so of course, more people are coming back into
the City.
“This
victory can be chalked up to the leadership shown by the property sector, the
Premier’s encouragement for public sector workers to continue to work from
their offices, and the Lord Mayor’s passionate support for the Perth City.
“The
shared belief in the value of the CBD and joint leadership has led Perth to
lead the country in recovery from the pandemic.”
For two years,
the Property Council, alongside the state government and the City of Perth, advocated
for workers to return to the CBD through collaborative programs like the CBD
VIP campaign. This initiative, amongst other policies, has allowed workers to
maintain their connection to the heart of commerce – the CBD.
“Throughout
the pandemic, we’ve seen strong public sector leadership – from the Premier
down,” Ms Brewer said.
“What we’re
seeing in Western Australia is that public servants across all departments and
agencies are in their workplaces, collaborating and working hard to make the WA
community better. Other capital city public sector leaders should take note.”
Beyond the
positive economic outcomes for businesses that rely on office workers, WA
stands to win the race for talent and productivity-engaged workforces which will
position us well to drive economic growth.
“The
fact that WA’s economic outlook is so strong is due to the sense of
collaboration and commitment to a thriving economy across both private and
public sector workforces.
“Western
Australians understand the significance of their economic contribution, which
accounts for around half of Australia’s exports of goods.
The feeling on the ground is optimistic, driven and enterprising.
“The only thing that will hold back WA’s
prosperity is the lack of workers. Our affordable cost of living and high
median incomes are enticing benefits and long with a strong economy and lower
housing costs, a great reason for workers to move to WA,” Ms Brewer
concluded.
