Property Council WA expresses its sincerest condolences, on the passing of Eric Lumsden, to his wife Gretchen, his family, friends and colleagues.
Eric Lumsden, who stepped down from his role as chief City of Perth Commissioner in August, made an enormous contribution to Western Australia’s property industry and he will be deeply missed, Property Council WA President Scott Nugent said.
Mr Lumsden was committed to cross-agency collaboration, was a passionate advocate for affordable, well-designed housing and was outspoken in encouraging wider public interest over the desire of individual residents and developers.
“Eric was a courageous, outspoken advocate for Perth and its economic development,” Mr Nugent said.
“He was integral to many of the improvements to WA’s planning system, including development assessment panels, establishing the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority and, more recently, in backing a co-ordinated approach to developing long-term solutions to homelessness and anti-social behaviour in Perth’s CBD.”
The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority has left a defining legacy for future generations of Perth residents with the Perth City Link uniting Northbridge with the CBD, the delivery of Yagan Square and the standout Elizabeth Quay initiative that has opened up the riverfront and the Swan River to those who live and work in the city.
Mr Lumsden’s long career, more than 45 years, included stints as chairman of the WA Planning Commission, from 2013 to 2018, six years as Director-General of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, and time as chief executive of the cities of Melville and Swan.
“We are thankful for the extraordinary contribution Eric made to our state over so many years,” Mr Nugent said.
