Eyes on the horizon for property boss

Paige Walker wants to see the property industry embraced as an economic powerhouse in Western Australia, following a surge in consumer confidence not seen in almost 10 years.

Speaking after her election to the President’s seat at the Property Council of WA earlier this year, Ms Walker said capitalising on the state’s recent market optimism was a priority under her leadership.

She said this buoyancy was the springboard for a range of policies that would establish property as an engine for the state’s economic stability and security, and she was excited to campaign for action during her term.

Currently, the Perth-born industry veteran has pledged to advocate for population growth, retirement living, a streamlined planning system and government reforms that prioritise urban infill targets.

She and Property Council WA will also champion the build-to-rent sector, support CBD revitalisation and encourage the ditching of any disproportionate or inefficient tax.

Arguably most pressing, however, was the substantial skills shortage facing the state, which Ms Walker said posed a credible threat to WA property.

“The prolonged challenges of COVID-19 and the international border restrictions have significantly reduced the number of skilled migrants entering Australia,” she said.

“Skilled labour shortages are increasingly becoming a concern for property businesses. Attracting and retaining skilled labour will be vital to WA’s ongoing success.

“The Property Council and its members are working with government on pathways to help address jobs challenges facing the state.”

Ms Walker’s advocacy will come with more than 15 years’ experience within the property sector across development, marketing and construction in both WA and over east.

Her relationship with the Property Council began in 2013 and she has since been a mentor for the Women in Leadership Program and participated in the residential and diversity committees, while also having served in numerous advisory committees and working groups within the industry and government.

Since 2015, Ms Walker has led Mirvac’s WA residential business and has been responsible for the property group’s $700 million development pipeline of apartments and masterplanned communities.

She said she was passionate about Perth’s growth as a city and was looking forward to building a legacy following her delivery of high-profile projects such as Claremont by Mirvac, Latitude Leighton Beach and Peninsula Burswood.

“Property is one of the most important industries in WA and Australia,” Ms Walker said.

“Not only is it one of the largest employers, providing careers and opportunities for Western Australians, property companies imagine and create the built environment experience we live in and enjoy.

“Property embraces history, culture and work, and creates an identity for our city.

“I am most excited about showcasing the incredible role the property industry has as a city shaper and the eclectic mix of people who ideate, design, create, maintain and bring life to the built environment that makes Perth unique.”

With property inherently a deeply important part of the WA economy, Ms Walker said the uplift in consumer confidence was the icing on the cake for a bright future.

According to the newly elected president, owner-occupiers were active, investor interest was starting to germinate and Perth was exuberant about property again.

“We are living through an exciting and somewhat challenging time in the Perth property market and we’re seeing a real opportunity to grow our city, innovate and do things differently in this new environment,” Ms Walker said.

“As the market continues to change and grow, Perth has the opportunity to become a more sophisticated city, and right now is a really critical time for us to consider our shared vision for the future and to create a city that’s liveable, prosperous, connected, sustainable and collaborative.”