In their September meeting, the council carried unanimously a motion to endorse the draft Perth Structure Plan for public exhibition, after discussions with affected landowners.

Cr Downie said the draft plan would define the boundaries of Perth, and make the land available for future development.

"The majority of it is for residential development, the road going up the north-western side and around to the north, it will confine the area of Perth that's available for growth," he said.

According to the structure plan's project overview, some of the aims of the project were to define a historic focal point in Perth's existing town centre, and analyse how residential, commercial and industrial land can be used for growth.

Cr Downie said he was encouraged by the fact that Perth Primary School had seen an increase in numbers, with younger families choosing to purchase homes in the area.

He said Perth had potential to grow its population substantially.

"The council will identify opportunities for commercial development.

“The extent of that development will be developed by free enterprise, the business sector, what we want to do is identify those targeted areas," he said.

Perth Local District Committee chair Jan Davis said when the main road gets diverted as part of the Perth bypass there will be more opportunities for expansion.

"It will give us a chance to become a bit more Evandale-like if you will, in that we become a weekend or day trip destination.

“And that would mean the opportunities for businesses would revolve around somewhere nice to sit and have a coffee and to eat," she said.

Longford and Perth farmer Hugh Mackinnon said he supported the change from rural to urban residential.

Are you an affected landowner? Email: toli.papadopoulos@fairfaxmedia.com.au