Perth has recently been recognised as one of the World's Top 20 Most Liveable Cities. But what does ”liveability” actually mean, and what would it take for Perth to become one of the very best places in the world to live?

This episode explores the relationship between urban planning, transport, housing and community, examining how cities are designed for people to move, connect and thrive. Rather than simply celebrating a ranking, the conversation asks whether Perth should be chasing a #1 title or focusing on becoming the best possible city for the people who call it home.

Host: Ruth CallaghanGuests: Alix Oaks – RAC Manager Transport Planning & Policy / Cameron Lecky – Founder / Director at Rise Urban and State President of the Planning Institute of Australia (WA).

Chapters:

(0:00) Perth's liveability and what it takes to climb the rankings

(1:17) Perth ranked 20th on Monocle's 2026 Quality of Life Survey

(1:54) What the Monocle list actually measures

(4:00) Perth vs Copenhagen

(6:27) Policy priorities

(7:50) Connecting Perth to its waterways

(10:41) The Monocle criteria up close

(13:33) Perth's identity. Free beaches, and what makes the city unique

(16:23) Equity in liveability: well-served suburbs vs. newer areas left behind

(17:43) Public transport gaps: cross-city connections and the chicken-and-egg problem

(22:37) What's holding Perth back?

(26:36) Perth on the world stage. Selling the city, Fremantle's lessons, and the road to the top 10

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