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Kalamunda shares innovative local government approach with Sarawak leaders

29 July 2026 5:09 PM

The City of Kalamunda recently welcomed 30 senior government leaders from Sarawak, Malaysia to share insights on managing growth while balancing environmental protection, economic development and community needs.

How does a growing City make room for new homes and infrastructure while protecting bushland, supporting local businesses and keeping its community involved? 

That was the question at the centre of a visit to the City of Kalamunda by 30 senior government leaders from Sarawak, Malaysia, this week. 

Rather than delivering a textbook presentation on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, the City shared the real challenges, successes and lessons behind its approach. 

City leaders and staff spoke about how placemaking, economic development, planning, infrastructure and major projects are being brought together to respond to growth and deliver better outcomes for the community. 

City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said the City had valuable experience to share because it was working through many of the same pressures facing regional governments around the world. 

“Growth arrives with many challenges,” Mayor Thomas said. 

“It brings new homes, infrastructure demands, environmental pressures, economic opportunities and changing community expectations, often all at once. 

“Our approach has been to stop looking at these issues separately and instead bring together the people responsible for planning, projects, placemaking, infrastructure and economic development. 

“That does not mean every answer comes easily, but it means we are asking better questions and making more informed decisions.” 

The delegation heard how the City is balancing development with environmental protection, delivering major community infrastructure, strengthening local centres and using community engagement to shape decisions. 

 

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