The future of Western Australia's south-west to include 3D-printed houses and driverless cars, experts say

A population explosion over the next 30 years will see residents in Western Australia’s South West rewrite the book on how they live and work.

WA futurist Gihan Perera says new technology, including driverless cars, shopping drones and 3D-printed houses will transform the lives of those living in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.

Remote working and virtual reality will bring the world to our homes, Mr Perera is expected to tell an audience at the upcoming Housing in the 21st Century Seminar in Bunbury on Friday.

The seminar, part of the acclaimed Critical Horizons program, will explore the challenges facing a region with a population expected to soar from about 160,000 now to 500,000 by 2050.

“For a long time, we have been separated by the tyranny of distance,” Mr Perera said.

“But now we’re reaching the end of distance, and it will transform the region.

“If I have to go to Esperance (an eight-hour drive from the South West), I will sleep overnight in my driverless car, and wake up at my destination in the morning.”

Mr Perera said the advent of 3D printing will see houses of the future printed on site at a fraction of the cost and time.

3D printed homes are already a reality in China. Last year Chinese developer Zhuoda Group built a 3D home in three hours in Xi’an.

According to An Yongliang, a developing engineer of Zhuoda Group, the method significantly reduced the typical timeframe to build a traditional villa from half a year to a mere 10 days from production to installation.

Mr Perera said our ageing population would see a greater use of technology in our homes to keep us safe. Smart homes with a range of sensors and monitors will keep an eye on elderly occupants, performing the role of an “electronic nurse”.

“We won’t have to be hooked up and wired up,” he said. “It will give our seniors freedom, independence and flexibility.”

Cohesive planning is key

While technology will play an increasing role in the way we live and work, our rapidly growing population will place significant pressure on the South West region, according to one of WA’s most recognised builders.

Dale Alcock, ABN Group Managing Director, said the region’s rich diversity and natural beauty was what drew so many to holiday and eventually retire to the South West. But increasing popularity placed demands on the region and challenges to preserve its unique lifestyle.

“How then do we balance the demand from an ever increasing population, whilst at the same time protecting the very things that make the South West such a richly diverse region that we find so attractive?” Mr Alcock asked.

“There needs to be a balanced approach that can deliver the requirement for population growth, whilst at the same time planning for certain areas to remain as high value agriculture, recreation or reserve for future generations.

“Within existing urban areas in the region, this will mean that careful planning will be required to provide for increased density, in order accommodate future population growth without careless expansion of towns and cities in the region.”

Mr Alcock said vision and cohesive planning would be a key to ensuring the region grew in a strategic way. Without a guiding vision, the region would be reacting to change rather than embracing it, he said.

Future thinkers

A number of future thinkers will explore housing options at the Critical Horizons seminar.

Dr Tony Gilmour, CEO of the Housing Action Network, will explore community housing challenges, while Churchill Fellow Damian Sammon will talk about manufactured park homes as an innovative option for the South West region.

The seminar, on Friday April 1 at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, will be launched by WA Housing Minister Colin Holt. Tickets are still available and can be purchased through the BREC box office.

More information is available via the Critical Horizons website.