http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/977694/perth-to-hold-2011-chogm

West Australia Premier Colin Barnett says the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be the biggest event to hit Perth since the America's Cup 22 years ago.

And the city's lord mayor, Lisa Scaffidi, says it will be a "dream opportunity" for Perth to show off its "elegance" and "many natural assets".

Australia won the right to host the event ahead of the two other bidding countries, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

Foreign Minister and Perth resident Stephen Smith said once Australia had been chosen, "the very significant Indian Ocean, South Asian and African emphasis" meant Perth was the obvious host city.

WA Police said on Monday they would immediately begin planning for a major security operation.

"We will be working with the Australian Federal Police and other state and commonwealth agencies to ensure the security of the CHOGM delegates and the wider community," Deputy Commissioner Chris Dawson said in a statement.

Mr Barnett said with the Queen and the leaders of 54 Commonwealth nations set to participate, along with 5,000 delegates and visitors, the event would put WA and Perth at the centre of world affairs in two years' time.

"There may not be as many people ... but in terms of international significance, Perth's hosting of CHOGM will be of the scale of the America's Cup and the Commonwealth Games," Mr Barnett said in Perth.

"This is going to be very important for our position as the major Australian city on the Indian Ocean.

"CHOGM is, however, more than simply a meeting of Commonwealth nation world leaders. It includes business, youth and community forums surrounding the main meeting.

"I hope the WA community will get right behind this and we can put on a fantastic show and sell all that WA has to offer to the world."

He said the state government would start working with the Commonwealth on venues and timing.

"There are a host of logistical issues to be dealt with in a short time frame, but WA can do this and do it superbly," he said.

Ms Scaffidi said the people of Perth should be very excited and proud their "elegant" city had been chosen to host the event.

"Australia is an increasingly important player on the international stage and Perth epitomises the nation's achievements," Ms Scaffidi said.

"Hosting the 2011 CHOGM meeting will provide a unique opportunity to showcase business and investment opportunities and to highlight our other key strengths such as education, science, our many natural assets and, of course, our friendly welcoming people." end of article

or should the last word read sheeple