FACTBase Bulletin 63 - Perth's Evolving External Reputation as Presented in Published Indices Literature and Media

The latest FACTBase Bulletin by the Committee for Perth reports on the external reputation of Perth in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century. It investigates what characterises a reputation of a city, identifies the influencing factors and looks at how Perth's reputation has evolved. It is the first research output in the Committee for Perth's next major project, Hashtag Perth.

Key Findings

• City reputation is important to sustainable economic performance, and can be defined as the aggregated views of single stakeholders on the ability of the city to meet the expectations of many, including residents, prospective residents, business and investors, tourists, visitors and purchasers and consumers of goods produced.
• Perceptions of Greater Perth have evolved over time in non-fiction literature and external media coverage of arts, culture and travel from ‘Dullsville’ in 2000 to a ‘revitalised/transformed city’ today.
• Reputation of Greater Perth has been positively influenced through the hosting of major international events, as well as phases of investment and revitalisation. Conversely, periods of relative underinvestment have been harshly judged, which can have lingering impacts for the city.
• Perth is perceived to lag behind other Australian cities in the key areas of liveability, innovation, smart technology, attractiveness to international students and the strength of the city’s brand. Comparatively, it is perceived as affordable.
• Looking forward, Greater Perth must take control of, and actively shape, its future narrative and reputation through ongoing, strategic action and outward communication.