Perth, Western Australia

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, despite its apparent remoteness, is now widely regarded as being one of the world's most attractive cities. Set between ocean and hills, its convivial Mediterranean climate, low-density development and casual, laid-back style, have proved appealing to successive waves of migrants and today attract increasing numbers of short term visitors and tourists. However, growing affluence, continued population growth and areal expansion, coupled with real and predicted climate change, have alerted planners and policy makers to the prospect of an uncertain future. Perth is now trying to reimage itself along more sustainable lines, conserving the best of the city while at the same time exorcising the demons of its earlier profligacy. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.