Returning Australian expat tells of anger at city’s ‘deterioration’

A former Perth woman has spoken of her disappointment at finding an “air of neglect” on a trip to her home city.

“I recently spent five weeks in Perth after being away for about 14 years and I could not believe the difference I saw in what was once a beautiful country town,” said Moira Bruce of Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia, in a letter to the council.

“I was amazed at the air of neglect – empty shops, boarded up buildings, peeling paintwork, signs hanging off – all very depressing.” She also claimed that it was “a nightmare” getting around the city due to the one-way system and that parking places were at a “premium and expensive”.

Ms Bruce was unimpressed with other changes during her absence including the revamp of the exhibits at Perth Museum and Art Gallery and the construction of Perth Concert Hall.

“Don’t get me wrong – Perth has wonderful memories for me and will forever be my home town but I won’t be in a hurry to make a return visit,” she concluded in her letter.

The council replied: “City centres nationally are different places than they were 14 years ago. The retail vacancy rate in Perth High Street continues to be below the national average, but we recognise that changing shopping patterns mean that visitors now view city centres as social, rather than solely retail spaces.

“That is why we, and partners in Perth Traders Association, Perth City Development Board, and everyone involved in delivering the Perth City Plan is committed to looking at new and innovative ways to encourage people to come into the city, to make it a more appealing place to live, visit, work and invest.”