Perth Voice Interactive

THE New York Times’ thumbs up to Perth and mention of Mt Lawley is being read as further evidence of the need to merge Vincent with Perth.

The NYT entry for “52 places to go in 2014” describes “up-and-coming neighbourhoods like Mt Lawley and Northbridge, chockablock with cafes and vintage shops”.

Liberal Perth MP Eleni Evangel, a supporter of Vincent’s ‘one-in, all-in’ campaign, says the mention of the suburbs in the same breath shows Vincent is viewed as inner-city on the world stage.

“It validates exactly what we’re arguing in terms of the amalgamation with Vincent and Perth. It demonstrates the synergy between the two.

“Drawing that comparison between Northbridge and Mt Lawley, you only have to look around to see there’s so many similarities.”

Vincent mayor John Carey says “it highlights the strength of our argument that Perth is not just a CBD”.

“People come to Perth and… want to get to know these suburban villages.

“Like the Brunswick Streets and the Surry Hills; Mt Lawley, Leederville, North Perth, Mt Hawthorn, our town centres add to the appeal of Perth.”

Ms Evangel, who formerly sat on Perth city council, says the endorsement of Northbridge is a good pat on the back for the council, which has tried hard to shed the entertainment suburb’s former reputation as a trouble hot spot.

by DAVID BELL