DIANELLA LOCAL AREA PLAN - City of Stirling

A key matter for improvement is strengthening the local area’s
identity. Currently Dianella does not have an identifiable character
or image that makes it unique and distinct from other suburbs and
most residents feel the character of the area could be improved.
Physical changes due to urban infill, combined with rising
environmental awareness, have led to more community concern for
protecting and improving the natural character of the local area. The
most important and commonly held community priority is to both
protect existing bushland, vegetation, trees and spaces, and to
improve landscaping, plantings and open spaces. This will protect
what is special about the area and build on the desired green leafy
character to develop a more distinctive locality.
Local identity can also be enhanced by developing streetscape or
street tree themes for specific precincts and landscaping verges,
reserves and private gardens with locally native plants. Widespread
planting of the Dianella plant could also create a unique and
meaningful landscape character. The City and residents can both
be involved in improving landscaping and protecting the natural
character of the area. The City should also continue to investigate
the possibilities for protecting important trees and bushland on land
not owned or managed by the City.
Another key area for desired improvement is community cohesion
and activity. A clear lack of a sense of community has been
identified and building ‘a vibrant suburb with community spirit’ is
central to the vision for future. Community bonds can be built
through local events and activities, improving places where people
can meet and socialise, and more physical activity that brings
people out onto the street or taking part in activities were they can
meet and interact. A stronger community can also come through
residents becoming more involved in planning and decision making
that affects their local area and their daily lives. The local area
planning process is improving the way in which the City and its
communities work together.
Vibrancy and community spirit can also be enhanced by developing
focal points for community interaction. It is clear that Dianella lacks
a central community heart, where people can meet, interact and
socialise and it is also evident that the community facilities the City
provides are not attracting a broad cross section of the community.
The redevelopment and consolidation of the City’s social and
cultural facilities at a central location within the local area could
provide a strong community hub. The activities and people drawn to
this centre can generate the vibrancy and appeal to create a
‘community heart’, particularly when connected to other amenities
such as commercial or recreational centres.
The Dianella Plaza Precinct is centrally located in the local area yet
lacks vitality and community appeal. Improving the appearance and
function of this area, especially redevelopment of derelict buildings,
is a top priority to the community. The Plaza Precinct offers a great
location for the development of a community social hub. Residents
have also identified that dining and evening entertainment are the
main things missing in the local area that they would like to access
locally. Such development is also possible within the Plaza Precinct
and the community would like to see more variety of activities there.
This may include commercial, social, community or residential
development, and there is community support for increased
residential densities in this area to provide the critical mass to
support and enjoy such facilities.
Improvements in other key locations will also further enhance other
important community focal points in the local area. The ongoing
CITY OF STIRLING
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DIANELLA LOCAL AREA PLAN