Balcatta Stirling Local Area Plan - City of Stirling
Balcatta Stirling Local Area Plan - City of Stirling
Balcatta Stirling Local Area Plan - City of Stirling
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Hi<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 1<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN<br />
Brooke
Foreword<br />
It is my pleasure to present the inaugural plan for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>. This <strong>Plan</strong> presents a community vision for<br />
the next ten to fifteen years <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>’s future, and outlines the priorities and outcomes required to realise this vision.<br />
Over 700 people were involved in the creation <strong>of</strong> this <strong>Plan</strong>, including residents, business owners, community groups, and<br />
State government agencies. Being a shared plan it reflects the priorities <strong>of</strong> these participants as well as those <strong>of</strong> Council,<br />
from which we propose to work together.<br />
Annual Implementation <strong>Plan</strong>s will be carried out over the next ten to fifteen years to work towards realising the outcomes<br />
written in this <strong>Plan</strong> while building upon the existing strengths <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> as we work towards the below vision:<br />
In the year 2020 the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> is a friendly, distinct and attractive place that provides opportunities for community needs and<br />
desires in a sustainable way. People <strong>of</strong> any age or culture will be encouraged to interact, make friends and enjoy their local area because they<br />
can travel around easily and access a great range <strong>of</strong> amenities in cluding social hubs, community facilities, workplaces and quality parks.<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> provides a healthy, happy lifestyle.<br />
Realising the vision <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> is a joint effort. Council has committed to doing what it can, and requests the full<br />
support <strong>of</strong> the community in playing its part. We welcome your ideas, comments and questions. More information about the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> and how you can be involved is available on the <strong>City</strong>’s website at http://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/<strong>Local</strong>+<strong>Area</strong>+<strong>Plan</strong>ning/ via email<br />
at localareaplanning@stirling.wa.gov.au, or by contacting the <strong>City</strong> on 9205 8555.<br />
Councillor David Boothman<br />
Mayor<br />
<strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
CITY OF STIRLING 2<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Contents<br />
FOREWORD............................................................................................................................................................................................................1<br />
CONTENTS .............................................................................................................................................................................................................3<br />
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .........................................................................................................................................................................................5<br />
BALCATTA – STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN OUTCOMES TABLE.................................................................................................................10<br />
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................................14<br />
2. PLANNING CONTEXT...................................................................................................................................................................................19<br />
3. COMMUNITY VISION AND VALUES ............................................................................................................................................................37<br />
4. BALCATTA-STIRLING COMMUNITY ...........................................................................................................................................................48<br />
5. BALCATTA-STIRLING NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ....................................................................................................................................54<br />
6. BALCATTA-STIRLING HOUSING & BUILT ENVIRONMENT......................................................................................................................58<br />
7. BALCATTA-STIRLING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................................................................65<br />
8. BALCATTA-STIRLING MOVEMENT NETWORK.........................................................................................................................................74<br />
9. BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA KEY OPPORTUNITIES ...................................................................................................................80<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 3<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
PART1:<br />
SUMMARY & OUTCOMES<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 4<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Executive Summary<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> is the first comprehensive,<br />
community based plan the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> has produced for this<br />
locality. The plan has been produced as part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>’s <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning programme, which provides a local focus by focusing<br />
on a defined locality. This allows for holistic consideration <strong>of</strong> social,<br />
economic and environmental issues and unique opportunities in a<br />
local area and integrates the outcomes <strong>of</strong> community engagement<br />
with the <strong>City</strong>’s broader strategic objectives. <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning<br />
also acknowledges that the <strong>City</strong> is not uniform in character and<br />
function and that community values and issues <strong>of</strong> concern vary<br />
from place to place.<br />
The plan presents a detailed pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> the local area and how it<br />
relates to the wider metropolitan area. This provides the context for<br />
analyzing potential future direction for the area. The pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
combines empirical planning research with the outcomes <strong>of</strong> the<br />
community engagement process and what the visions for the local<br />
area are within the community. The plan then instigates achievable<br />
actions to work towards the realization <strong>of</strong> the community’s vision.<br />
The plan also serves as a reference guide and decision making tool<br />
for the <strong>City</strong>’s business units, Council, landowners and the<br />
community; more generally.<br />
The <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> is a central precinct in the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Stirling</strong>, encompassing the suburbs <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> and <strong>Stirling</strong> but<br />
excluding those parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> that are covered by the <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre project. The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has a fairly diverse<br />
land use character due to its industrial and residential roles, as well<br />
as different periods <strong>of</strong> development. While the northern portion <strong>of</strong><br />
the area consists <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong>, the eastern portion<br />
consists <strong>of</strong> infill development and the southern area contains<br />
Roselea and Princeton Estates, which are both contemporary<br />
residential estates, built on former agricultural land. The remainder<br />
<strong>of</strong> the area consists mostly <strong>of</strong> low-density 1970’s development.<br />
There are various community facilities and commercial facilities<br />
including Northlands Shopping Centre and two other commercial<br />
centres, five schools, numerous reserves and clubs and sporting<br />
facilities/associations. The local area is located 10km from the Perth<br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre and is increasingly being seen as an inner suburb <strong>of</strong> the<br />
wider metropolitan region. Located adjacent to the local area is the<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Regional Centre, which is a major commercial area within<br />
the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>. <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> is in itself a major<br />
employment area, given the presence <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial<br />
<strong>Area</strong> within it.<br />
Community Consultation<br />
The local community’s input has been central to the development <strong>of</strong><br />
the plan. This follows the intentions <strong>of</strong> the state government’s<br />
Network <strong>City</strong> and recognizes that many residents and business<br />
operators have a keen interest in planning for the future <strong>of</strong> their<br />
neighbourhoods. Community input not only allows planning for the<br />
local area to be more responsive to local needs and opportunities,<br />
but also aims to build capacity in the local area and the sharing <strong>of</strong><br />
ideas and experiences.<br />
Community surveys, community forums, youth engagement and<br />
business engagement were used in the development <strong>of</strong> the plan, as<br />
to represent a diverse range <strong>of</strong> community interests in the process.<br />
People were also able to submit comments or petitions. The<br />
surveys sought to reliably measure the values, attitudes and<br />
priorities <strong>of</strong> community members and to initiate more in-depth<br />
deliberation at the community forums. 4,000 resident surveys were<br />
distributed, with some 586 being returned, thus providing a<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
statistically valid representation <strong>of</strong> views. Specially designed<br />
surveys were given to youth and businesses and while the<br />
response rates for these did not yield statistically valid results they<br />
provide anecdotal insight into various local interests. Two<br />
community forums were then held to bring representatives <strong>of</strong> the<br />
community together to discuss their ideas, concerns and aspirations<br />
for the area. Discussion then led to the identification <strong>of</strong> priorities and<br />
preferences and development <strong>of</strong> the following vision statement: -<br />
In the year 2020 the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> is a friendly,<br />
distinct and attractive place that provides opportunities for<br />
community needs and desires in a sustainable way. People <strong>of</strong> any<br />
age or culture will be encouraged to interact, make friends and<br />
enjoy their local area because they can travel around easily and<br />
access a great range <strong>of</strong> amenities including social hubs, community<br />
facilities, workplaces and quality parks. <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
provides a healthy, happy lifestyle.<br />
The Community<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> community is a growing population<br />
(at 2% per annum), with growth largely attributed to the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> new residential estates and infill development and<br />
population growth is expected to continue. It is also an aging<br />
population and relatively culturally diverse population with a distinct<br />
European representation. The area is largely family orientated<br />
though there is growing trend towards non-nuclear families, with an<br />
increasing number <strong>of</strong> first homebuyers and single elderly residents<br />
in the area.<br />
The community has been established for many decades and some<br />
strong social networks exist in the area. The community members<br />
are particularly happy with the culture and community <strong>of</strong> the area<br />
and opportunities that the area presents. The continued<br />
development <strong>of</strong> a community, which builds on its strengths and<br />
diversity is recognised as being <strong>of</strong> importance and could be an area<br />
where Council provides guidance and assistance to the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> community in further strengthening.<br />
The cultural heritage <strong>of</strong> the area’s past, as a market gardening area<br />
and the character that the European residents have given the area<br />
is similarly <strong>of</strong> value and it is important that the cultural associations<br />
are valued and celebrated in the community. It follows that the<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community generally wished to see only moderate<br />
levels <strong>of</strong> change over the next 20 years. There was however a need<br />
expressed for there to be community hubs, which would provide<br />
amenities for diverse communities needs and spaces for social<br />
interaction. Such an area could possibly be developed at <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
Village, Northlands or in the <strong>Stirling</strong> Civic Precinct.<br />
The development <strong>of</strong> recreation and leisure facilities, that allows for<br />
the enhancement <strong>of</strong> social connections and provides for diverse<br />
recreational needs in the community, was also identified as being <strong>of</strong><br />
high priority in the local community. There is high demand for<br />
facilities in parks such as barbeques, as well as recreation facilities<br />
such as gymnasiums and aquatic centres, the latter <strong>of</strong> which was<br />
identified as the one thing most missing from the local area. The<br />
<strong>City</strong> can plan to ensure recreational opportunities are provided for a<br />
changing and growing population.<br />
Natural Environment<br />
The natural environment was also seen to be <strong>of</strong> value in the<br />
community and contribute to the local sense <strong>of</strong> place. The <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
Civic Gardens and various other community parks were identified<br />
as favourite places, for their environmental value and provision for<br />
social interaction. The development <strong>of</strong> parks and reserves, which<br />
provide high-quality public open space and are ecologically sound,<br />
was established as the highest priority in the local area.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 6<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Yet the ecological integrity <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> local area is<br />
under threat. Cedric Grebe and Spoonbill-Shearwater Wetlands, as<br />
well as various other wetlands in the local area, are subject to<br />
growing attention for their declining quality caused by acid sulfate<br />
soils. Bioremediation projects and further study are underway to<br />
protect these areas and the <strong>City</strong> will be setting targets for<br />
improvements in water management.<br />
Housing and Built Environment<br />
The development <strong>of</strong> further dwellings and greater housing diversity<br />
is another important consideration for the community and presents<br />
much opportunity for the future development <strong>of</strong> the local area. While<br />
the area does have a range <strong>of</strong> housing types, there is still a need to<br />
increase housing diversity with two-thirds <strong>of</strong> housing consisting <strong>of</strong><br />
single detached dwellings located on green-title lots. All the while,<br />
there are many residents living in one-two occupant households,<br />
suggesting that older children or existing residents and elderly<br />
residents could face difficulty in finding suitable housing in the local<br />
area. There is also a need to provide more housing, particularly<br />
affordable housing. The community recognises the need for smaller<br />
and appropriately designed housing to meet such needs.<br />
Meanwhile, many landowners are seeking opportunities to<br />
capitalise on the development potential <strong>of</strong> large lots or R40 zoned<br />
properties or are interested in seeing some lower density areas<br />
rezoned to accommodate greater housing density. However,<br />
support for higher density varies across the local area, with greater<br />
support for increased density around <strong>Stirling</strong> Train Station/Civic<br />
Precinct, north <strong>of</strong> Amelia Street and directly adjacent to <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
Village. The <strong>City</strong> has an opportunity to rezone some R20 areas and<br />
provide more housing around the <strong>Stirling</strong> Train Station.<br />
There has been increased interest in developing underdeveloped<br />
sites over the local area into residential areas, with calls to develop<br />
East Roselea and the <strong>City</strong> initiating discussion with landowners<br />
over the area’s future and with the Department <strong>of</strong> Environment<br />
regarding the environmental issues and constraints relating to the<br />
site. Meanwhile, the Education Department has successfully<br />
applied to have part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong> Senior High School site rezoned<br />
under the Metropolitan Region Scheme to ‘urban’, to allow for<br />
residential development. As there is more development, there is a<br />
need to provide infrastructure and the <strong>City</strong> is currently investigating<br />
the feasibility and support for undergrounding power in the northern<br />
part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> and is working with the community to provide<br />
comment on whether a substation should be developed at Orr<br />
Place. There is also value attached to the design <strong>of</strong> the built form,<br />
with the need to ensure high-quality built forms to distinguish the<br />
area and sustainable building design.<br />
Business Environment<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> contains the <strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial<br />
area and many small commercial centres, which provide local retail<br />
functions. Over 730 establishments provide approximately 6800<br />
jobs in the <strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong>, whilst several commercial<br />
centres throughout the local area provide a further 204 employment<br />
opportunities. Meanwhile, only 10% <strong>of</strong> the local resident 5400<br />
strong workforce, in fact work in the local area. The business<br />
community is however largely dissatisfied with the business<br />
opportunities provided in the local area.<br />
There is much transition however occurring in the economic pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> area. An increasing number <strong>of</strong> showrooms<br />
and mixed business is being developed in the industrial area. In<br />
recognition <strong>of</strong> this new trend, the <strong>City</strong> has prepared and adopted<br />
the Industrial <strong>Area</strong>s in Transition Strategy to guide the future<br />
development <strong>of</strong> this area. Amendment 492 to District <strong>Plan</strong>ning<br />
Scheme No.2 and two new policies are being proposed to<br />
accommodate the emergence <strong>of</strong> showroom development and retain<br />
a sufficient amount <strong>of</strong> industrial land, whilst maintaining the<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 7<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
aesthetic character <strong>of</strong> the industrial area’s built form, the latter <strong>of</strong><br />
which is also seen to be <strong>of</strong> value in the community.<br />
The <strong>Stirling</strong> Centre Structure <strong>Plan</strong> Review also has bearing on the<br />
development and opportunities in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> local area,<br />
despite its location outside <strong>of</strong> the local area. This plan is being<br />
developed to see the <strong>Stirling</strong> Regional Centre reach its full potential,<br />
with issues such as appropriate activity mix, transport and intensity<br />
<strong>of</strong> development being addressed. There are also opportunities to<br />
develop the Northlands area as a connected community hub, which<br />
delivers a variety <strong>of</strong> district level commercial functions, a mix <strong>of</strong> land<br />
uses and diverse local employment opportunities. The community’s<br />
demands for more cafes/restaurants could also be met by such redevelopment.<br />
The survival <strong>of</strong> smaller commercial centres is also<br />
important and there are opportunities for the <strong>City</strong> to investigate<br />
urban upgrades <strong>of</strong> centres, in recognition <strong>of</strong> the value <strong>of</strong> the built<br />
form <strong>of</strong> such centres.<br />
Movement Network<br />
In relation to movement networks, there are high levels <strong>of</strong> car<br />
dependency in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> area. While public<br />
transport is provided, it is limited and infrequent. The community<br />
has called for the development <strong>of</strong> a connective, integrated and<br />
sustainable transport network and the train services and bus<br />
integration could serve a major role in this area. The <strong>City</strong> would be<br />
required to collaborate with the Public Transport Authority to<br />
provide public transport and could also work with developers to<br />
provide pedestrian and cyclist facilities, which link with major<br />
destinations. <strong>Local</strong> traffic issues particularly along Karrinyup Road,<br />
parking shortages at <strong>Stirling</strong> Train Station, inadequate pedestrian<br />
and traffic safety and poorly maintained streetscapes were also<br />
identified as points <strong>of</strong> contention in the local community and is<br />
something the <strong>City</strong> would need to investigate further. The<br />
introduction <strong>of</strong> the ‘Travelsmart’ project to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers a<br />
great opportunity to work with the State government and local<br />
communities to promote and increase walking, cycling and public<br />
transport use also.<br />
Key Opportunities<br />
The key opportunities, which have been identified from the process,<br />
include: -<br />
• Further establishing <strong>Stirling</strong> Village precinct as a Community<br />
hub which provides a range <strong>of</strong> commercial, recreational and<br />
social facilities;<br />
• Developing Northlands into a true activity centre;<br />
• Developing Wanneroo Road into an Activity Corridor with<br />
mixed use and higher density housing;<br />
• Developing well-designed mixed use corridors along<br />
Erindale and <strong>Balcatta</strong> Roads;<br />
• Increasing residential density in locations near the <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
Train Station and major activity centres;<br />
• Protecting wetlands across the local area.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 8<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Community Vision<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong> - <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has always been a place <strong>of</strong> social interaction, where communities develop. It began when ‘bal katta’ was a<br />
meeting place for Aboriginal people, providing daily needs and spiritual connection. It became a place where new cultural communities could<br />
flourish, first Chinese, then Macedonian and Italian. It has grown to become a diverse community that in the future will continue to be<br />
connected and caring. The <strong>Balcatta</strong>- <strong>Stirling</strong> community will work hard to be a ‘real community’ that makes time for family, friends and<br />
neighbours and respects and supports different needs and cultures. The <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> will have the places, spaces, events and infrastructure to<br />
support social interaction and community building.<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has always been a place <strong>of</strong> opportunity, where newcomers can come and have the home they need, or earn a<br />
living through means that suits the local community’s changing capabilities - from market gardens, to Italian delicatessens to large-scale<br />
manufacturing. The area will continue to be a place <strong>of</strong> opportunity – with housing choice for changing needs and new residents, great places<br />
to run a business and opportunity and choice in transport, leisure and lifestyle.<br />
In the year 2020 the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> is a friendly, distinct and attractive place that provides opportunities for community<br />
needs and desires in a sustainable way. People <strong>of</strong> any age or culture will be encouraged to interact, make friends and enjoy their<br />
local area because they can travel around easily and access a great range <strong>of</strong> amenities including social hubs, community facilities,<br />
workplaces and quality parks. <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> provides a healthy, happy lifestyle.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 9<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
<strong>Balcatta</strong> – <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> Outcomes Table<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Community Outcomes to Achieve<br />
Outcome 1<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Village Shopping Centre precinct is the centre <strong>of</strong> the village <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> – a community hub with commercial and health services and<br />
community activities and interaction.<br />
Outcome 2<br />
Recreation spaces that provide for a diverse set <strong>of</strong> leisure needs within the local community, including active and informal recreation for<br />
different users and age groups.<br />
Outcome 3<br />
Remembering and celebrating history and culture <strong>of</strong> the local area<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Natural Environment Outcomes to Achieve<br />
Outcome 1<br />
Ecologically sound natural areas and sustainable open space<br />
Outcome 2<br />
Key parks across the local area become community social hubs – community parks – with facilities, landscaping and activities that encourage<br />
social events and community building.<br />
Outcome 3<br />
The local community, local business and local government working together towards a healthy environment and<br />
sustainable future.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Built Environment Outcomes to Achieve<br />
Outcome 1<br />
Ongoing opportunities for increasing housing in suitable locations and increased housing diversity to provide for changing community needs.<br />
Outcome 2<br />
Attractive and distinctive building design that contributes to local character and strives to be sustainable<br />
Outcome 3<br />
Making the best use <strong>of</strong> existing resources and facilities and the opportunities that the local area has to <strong>of</strong>fer, in a sustainable manner<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Economic Outcomes to Achieve<br />
Outcome 1<br />
The <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has a thriving and sustainable business and economic environment with a variety <strong>of</strong> successful small and large commercial<br />
centres, activity corridors, major employment centres and home business.<br />
Outcome 2<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong> is a successful, innovative and inviting place to work and do business.<br />
Outcome 3<br />
Northlands Shopping Centre is a successful mixed-use activity centre with high quality retail, dining, entertainment and housing in an<br />
attractive, vibrant setting.<br />
Outcome 4<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre is a true ‘<strong>City</strong> Centre’ <strong>of</strong>fering excellent commercial, entertainment, employment, transport and community facilities to the<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> – <strong>Stirling</strong> community.<br />
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<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Movement Network Outcomes to Achieve<br />
Outcome 1:<br />
Residents are choosing more environmentally friendly, healthy and sustainable transport options.<br />
Outcome 2:<br />
A Safe and attractive movement network that equitably provides for all different transport users and modes <strong>of</strong> transport.<br />
Outcome 3:<br />
A high quality bicycle and footpath network throughout the local area that links residents to key hubs and facilities – shops, parks, schools,<br />
work and the train station.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Part 2:<br />
Background Study<br />
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1. Introduction<br />
Introduction<br />
This <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> is the first comprehensive,<br />
community based plan the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> has produced for this<br />
unique locality. The plan has been produced as part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>’s<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning programme, which provides a local focus and<br />
encourages integrated planning and management at the community<br />
level.<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> brings together the outcomes<br />
<strong>of</strong> a specifically designed community engagement programme with<br />
the broader strategic objectives <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> to build a<br />
vision for the future <strong>of</strong> the local area. The plan aims to instigate<br />
actions and guide decisions that will work towards the realisation <strong>of</strong><br />
this vision.<br />
The analysis <strong>of</strong> the local area and the community consultation<br />
findings are brought together in the final section <strong>of</strong> each chapter,<br />
which presents the key ‘desired outcomes’ to be achieved over the<br />
lifespan <strong>of</strong> this plan. The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> will<br />
progressively implemented over the coming 10-15 years through an<br />
annual implementation programme that instigates actions to<br />
achieve these desired outcomes. Periodic monitoring and review <strong>of</strong><br />
the plan and its implementation will take place and the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> community will be kept up to date on progress and be<br />
encouraged to get involved.<br />
This document presents a detailed pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> the local area - its<br />
people, its character and its environment; as well as current<br />
projects and its likely future direction. This pr<strong>of</strong>ile provides a context<br />
for analysing what makes this area special, what its future needs<br />
will be, and how it relates to the wider metropolitan region.<br />
The community’s input has been central to pr<strong>of</strong>iling and analysing<br />
the area, through the examination <strong>of</strong> local issues and opportunities<br />
and the sharing <strong>of</strong> aspirations for the area. Community involvement<br />
has also been central to the development <strong>of</strong> the vision for the future<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> and in the identification <strong>of</strong><br />
priorities issues and actions to bring this vision to fruition.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Background<br />
The notion <strong>of</strong> introducing <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning into the planning<br />
system <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> was first raised in discussion during<br />
2004, as an example <strong>of</strong> a process for reviewing residential density.<br />
The concept <strong>of</strong> using the system for more holistic local planning,<br />
rather than purely for density review, was then explored, and it was<br />
subsequently included on the list <strong>of</strong> key strategic planning initiatives<br />
to be considered as part <strong>of</strong> a review <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>’s Strategic <strong>Plan</strong><br />
during 2005. Considerable research and analysis on the concepts<br />
and practice <strong>of</strong> local-area style planning was subsequently<br />
undertaken by Council planning staff, to identify options for the <strong>City</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>. Discussions and briefing sessions with Council,<br />
executive staff and affected business units were also undertaken to<br />
examine how such a system would operate within the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
In October 2005 a <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning project proposal was<br />
presented to Council and Council subsequently resolved that the<br />
objectives <strong>of</strong> the project and the proposed local area planning<br />
boundaries be endorsed, and that a Pilot <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Study<br />
be initiated. A pilot project was proposed so that the principles and<br />
methodology <strong>of</strong> the process could be tested, before application <strong>City</strong><br />
wide. The Dianella <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> was chosen as the pilot area, with<br />
the project conducted in 2006.<br />
The pilot project in Dianella proved successful, with an effective<br />
community engagement programme taking place and the <strong>City</strong>’s first<br />
local area plan being adopted. This led to Council adopting a roll<br />
out <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning programme across the <strong>City</strong>, in<br />
October 2006, with 2-3 projects to be commenced each year. The<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> was subsequently chosen as the first<br />
project <strong>of</strong> 2007.<br />
The community consultation phase with the <strong>Balcatta</strong>–<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
community was conducted between February and April 2007 and<br />
used a number <strong>of</strong> techniques to inform, motivate and engage the<br />
community in the project. The major components <strong>of</strong> the consultation<br />
phase included:<br />
‣ Community Surveys – a postal survey was sent to a random<br />
selection <strong>of</strong> 4,000 residents and 200 businesses in the local<br />
area.<br />
‣ Community Forums – two large forums were held to bring<br />
together discussion among residents, business & property<br />
owners, community groups and other stakeholders.<br />
‣ Youth Engagement – local youth were consulted through<br />
surveys and discussions via the Youth Advisory Committee.<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Senior High School declined invitations to be<br />
involved.<br />
The information gathered from these events was then collated and<br />
analysed for incorporation into this plan (the key results are<br />
presented in Chapter 3). In addition to the information gathered<br />
from community input, considerable research on the local area was<br />
also conducted to provide information both to the community and to<br />
this plan. The preparation <strong>of</strong> this local area plan has also involved<br />
analysis <strong>of</strong> a wide variety <strong>of</strong> documents, plans and policies that<br />
affect the area, the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> and the Perth region. The<br />
resulting plan thus provides a synthesis <strong>of</strong> strategic planning<br />
documents and community aspirations. Another integral aspect <strong>of</strong><br />
preparing this plan was working with the <strong>City</strong>’s business units and<br />
other relevant stakeholders to discuss local issues, opportunities<br />
and community priorities to develop widely supported and<br />
achievable outcomes for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 15<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
What is <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning?<br />
<strong>Local</strong> area planning is a contemporary approach to planning that<br />
concentrates on planning for a defined area, rather than broad<br />
plans that cover the entire <strong>City</strong>, or strategies based on individual<br />
issues. This approach allows a comprehensive range <strong>of</strong> issues to<br />
be considered at both the local and regional level and addresses<br />
these issues through integrated planning strategies. It requires a<br />
holistic approach to planning which seeks to incorporate<br />
stakeholders and community members into the planning process in<br />
a collaborative approach to community building. <strong>Local</strong> area<br />
planning is a proactive, rather than reactive, process that enables<br />
the integration <strong>of</strong> social, environmental and economic initiatives into<br />
one plan that guides both the short and longer term direction <strong>of</strong> a<br />
local area.<br />
This method <strong>of</strong> planning is used extensively in Australia and<br />
internationally and is increasing in prominence in Western Australia,<br />
both within local governments and State planning agencies. <strong>Local</strong><br />
area planning is similar to ‘precinct planning’ or ‘place planning’ in<br />
that it involves preparing a plan for an identified geographical area<br />
in order to facilitate development, change or better management<br />
within that area. The size <strong>of</strong> the subject area can vary – boundaries<br />
can be defined by a number <strong>of</strong> criteria, such as land use, character,<br />
population and identified boundaries. However the size <strong>of</strong> the area<br />
selected is based more so on management systems and the<br />
objectives <strong>of</strong> the project.<br />
The local area planning system acknowledges that the <strong>City</strong> is not<br />
uniform in character and function and that community values and<br />
issues <strong>of</strong> concern can vary from place to place. A focus on smaller<br />
areas allows local issues and the uniqueness <strong>of</strong> the area to be<br />
explored in greater depth, whilst still considering the impact <strong>of</strong> the<br />
area’s regional context. The process also enables closer, more<br />
comprehensive consultation with the local community at the start <strong>of</strong><br />
the planning process, rather than just presenting plans to the<br />
community and asking them to accept them. More community<br />
involvement also creates a better exchange <strong>of</strong> knowledge and<br />
experiences between the <strong>City</strong> and its residents and among the<br />
community itself, thus building better understanding and stronger<br />
ties.<br />
Another major objective <strong>of</strong> local area planning is that it facilitates<br />
integrated planning - different disciplines and stakeholders working<br />
together on one plan that addresses many issues or topics. This<br />
requires stakeholders to share information and their objectives or<br />
aspirations for the area and enables them to work together to<br />
develop common goals for the future direction <strong>of</strong> the area.<br />
Integrated planning can avoid the conflicts and contradictions which<br />
can <strong>of</strong>ten arise when issues are addressed in isolation to one<br />
another. The <strong>City</strong>’s local area plans are not just planning<br />
department documents, they are strategies, reference documents<br />
and decision making guides for all the <strong>City</strong>’s business units, for<br />
Council, developers, land owners and the community.<br />
<strong>Local</strong> area planning in the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> divides the large<br />
municipality into smaller localities to enable more fine-grained<br />
planning, community consultation and management. Twelve<br />
individual local areas have been identified within the <strong>City</strong> (shown<br />
overleaf). Each local area is an area <strong>of</strong> a manageable size with a<br />
somewhat similar character that is generally defined by physical<br />
and identifiable boundaries, such as suburb boundaries, major<br />
roads, and where appropriate, changes in land use character or<br />
density.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 16<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
The 12 <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
CITY OF STIRLING 17<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Principles Objectives<br />
A set <strong>of</strong> guiding principles have been established to guide the<br />
operation <strong>of</strong> the local area planning project and the preparation <strong>of</strong><br />
each local area plan. These principles are:<br />
The objectives <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning programme for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> are:<br />
Sustainability<br />
Sustainability requires balancing the current and future needs <strong>of</strong> the<br />
community, the environment and the economy to provide quality <strong>of</strong><br />
life for today and tomorrow’s communities.<br />
Integration<br />
<strong>Local</strong> area planning requires an integrated approach to planning<br />
and management. The process <strong>of</strong> planning must bring together<br />
many stakeholders and the product must bring together a<br />
comprehensive range <strong>of</strong> issues. Integrated planning enables better<br />
coordination and more efficient management.<br />
Communication<br />
<strong>Local</strong> area planning is an effective tool for improving the <strong>City</strong>’s<br />
communication with the public. Integration and implementation <strong>of</strong><br />
plans will also require strong communication with stakeholders.<br />
Public Participation<br />
Public involvement in local area planning is crucial to its success.<br />
All those with a stake in a local area’s future must be actively<br />
encouraged to be involved, through collaborative planning.<br />
Prioritisation<br />
<strong>Local</strong> area planning acknowledges that different communities have<br />
different priorities. <strong>Local</strong> area plans will recognise, emphasise and<br />
respond to the key issues identified as community priorities.<br />
‣ To review key planning issues, policies and forces acting on<br />
local areas within the <strong>City</strong> and develop a coordinated<br />
response to these;<br />
‣ To identify specific ‘opportunities’ and 'constraints' within<br />
each local area and develop strategies to address these;<br />
‣ To develop a commonly embraced 'vision' for each local<br />
area which recognises areas <strong>of</strong> local significance and key<br />
attributes contributing to each area's sense <strong>of</strong> place;<br />
‣ To identify issues <strong>of</strong> priority to the local community and work<br />
with them to developing practical solutions to these, within<br />
the context <strong>of</strong> a regional framework;<br />
‣ To foster open lines <strong>of</strong> communication between the <strong>City</strong> and<br />
the community;<br />
‣ To create a sound and comprehensible statutory and<br />
strategic planning framework for each local area to allow<br />
delivery <strong>of</strong> the vision and plan; and<br />
‣ To help ensure that each local area operates in a<br />
sustainable way and in balance with surrounding precincts<br />
and other areas <strong>of</strong> influence.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
2. <strong>Plan</strong>ning Context<br />
Study <strong>Area</strong><br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> is a central precinct in the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Stirling</strong>, encompassing the suburb <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> and most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
suburb <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>. The precinct is bound by Mitchell Freeway, Reid<br />
Highway, Wanneroo Road, Morley Drive and Hamilton Street. A<br />
small south-west portion <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>, between Karrinyup Road and<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Train Station has been excluded from the study area, as this<br />
area is part <strong>of</strong> the designated <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre – which is subject<br />
to a separate study. The local area covers approximately 1,080<br />
hectares and is 10km from Perth city centre.<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has a fairly diverse land use<br />
character due to its industry and residential roles, as well as<br />
different periods <strong>of</strong> residential development. The northern portion <strong>of</strong><br />
the area is covered by a large industrial precinct, the eastern side is<br />
an infill development area with many medium density units, the<br />
southern area contains two new waterfront residential estates,<br />
whilst the core <strong>of</strong> the area maintains its original 1970s low density<br />
suburban character. The area also includes a variety <strong>of</strong> commercial<br />
and community amenities, including three shopping centres, five<br />
schools, numerous reserves and a number <strong>of</strong> recreation and<br />
cultural facilities. Remnants <strong>of</strong> the areas agricultural past also<br />
remain in the area.<br />
Significant local landmarks include the limestone pinnacles on the<br />
grounds <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> Senior High School and the redeveloped<br />
wetland system between Roselea and Princeton estates.<br />
Key amenities in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> include:<br />
Shopping Centres<br />
Northlands Plaza<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Village Centre<br />
Amelia Heights Centre<br />
Major Parks and Reserves<br />
Richard Guelfi Reserve<br />
Rickman Delawney Reserve<br />
Jones Paskin Reserve<br />
Grindleford Reserve<br />
Sanderling/Spoonbill Reserve<br />
Schools<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Senior High School<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Primary School<br />
St Lawrence Primary School<br />
Takari Primary School<br />
West <strong>Balcatta</strong> Primary School<br />
Community Facilities / Clubs<br />
Community Recreation Centre at <strong>Balcatta</strong> High School<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Adriatic Centre<br />
Chung-Wah Association<br />
Siciliani Club<br />
Macedonian Cultural Centre<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 19<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
CITY OF STIRLING 20<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Historical Overview<br />
Aboriginal use and stewardship <strong>of</strong> land within the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
prior to European occupation is acknowledged by the <strong>City</strong>. Oral<br />
and written histories identify that Aboriginal people occupied much<br />
<strong>of</strong> the area, and there are numerous registered heritage sites<br />
across the <strong>City</strong> that indicate past occupation or that are <strong>of</strong> cultural<br />
significance. The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has Aboriginal cultural<br />
and mythological significance as it was a meeting place, hunting<br />
place and water source. The ‘<strong>Stirling</strong> Wetlands’ and ‘Waterway’<br />
registered sites which run from Roselea and Princeton, through<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> to Herdsman Lake are recognised mythological sites. Other<br />
registered Aboriginal sites in the local area include Nugent Street,<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Sand Quarry (near Rickman Delawney Reserve), Amelia<br />
Street (near Canning Street) and at Nightjar Street in <strong>Stirling</strong>.<br />
These places are registered with the Department <strong>of</strong> Indigenous<br />
Affairs as Aboriginal artefacts have been discovered there.<br />
The adjoining suburb <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> (much which is also part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>) was originally part <strong>of</strong> Osborne Park, which was<br />
established as a market gardening area in the late 19 th century, with<br />
the fertile swampy land being well suited for agriculture. <strong>Stirling</strong> did<br />
not become a separate suburb until nearly a century later.<br />
Agricultural activity in the local area flourished throughout the early<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the 20 th Century. Initially the local Chinese population were<br />
involved in market gardening, yet over time the number <strong>of</strong> Italian<br />
immigrants in the area increased and a greater range <strong>of</strong> rural<br />
activities, such as poultry farms and piggeries were introduced into<br />
the local area. The area’s development was also aided by the<br />
opening <strong>of</strong> a tramline along Main Street and establishment <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Osborne Park townsite as a focal point <strong>of</strong> activity for the district.<br />
European occupation <strong>of</strong> the area was established during the early<br />
stages <strong>of</strong> colonisation, with ‘subdivision’ in the 1840s. Two <strong>of</strong> the<br />
first land allocations were Perthshire Location AU, which was<br />
granted to Thomas Walters in 1840 and Swan Location 92 which<br />
was a grant <strong>of</strong> 780 acres allocated to Samuel Moore in 1844 then<br />
sold to John Charles Mews in 1875. The use <strong>of</strong> the name <strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
was first recorded in the 1870s with Alexander Forrest using the<br />
name in 1877 and John Mews using the name in 1888. The name<br />
derived from the local Aboriginal name for the area north <strong>of</strong><br />
Careniup Swamp, “bal katta” meaning ”his hill”. A landowner in the<br />
area, James Arbuckle, named his house <strong>Balcatta</strong> as it overlooked<br />
Careniup Swamp, and a subsequent subdivision in the area was<br />
named <strong>Balcatta</strong> Estate. The name was also spelt as ‘Balkatta” and<br />
‘Balgatta’. The name <strong>Balcatta</strong> is an important link to the area’s<br />
indigenous history.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
As Perth’s northern suburbs grew after World War II, agricultural<br />
activity began to relocate further north as residential development<br />
progressed rapidly. In the mid 1960s much <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> was rezoned<br />
from rural to residential and blue-collar workers began to establish<br />
homes in the area. The establishment <strong>of</strong> Town <strong>Plan</strong>ning Scheme<br />
No.31 in 1972 facilitated conversion <strong>of</strong> much <strong>of</strong> the lower lying rural<br />
lands into a residential estate <strong>of</strong> over 1,000 lots. The 1970s also<br />
saw the establishment <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong> industrial area, following it’s<br />
rezoning in the Metropolitan Region Scheme. The area is now a<br />
significant regional industry and employment hub.<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>’s growing residential population created the need for<br />
supporting amenities. A number <strong>of</strong> schools were established in the<br />
1960s and 70s, including <strong>Balcatta</strong> High School in 1967. <strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
High School is today recognised on the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>’s Municipal<br />
Inventory <strong>of</strong> Heritage Places. A large community and recreation<br />
centre (Moir Community Hall) opened at <strong>Balcatta</strong> High School in<br />
1980 as the result <strong>of</strong> a joint project <strong>of</strong> State and local government.<br />
Several other sporting and cultural facilities have also been<br />
established in the area by community organisations.<br />
Redevelopment in the region also led to the establishment <strong>of</strong> the<br />
new suburb <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> which was <strong>of</strong>ficially gazetted as a suburb in<br />
1976 to be the home for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>’s new administrative<br />
headquarters and to provide new residential land. <strong>Stirling</strong> was<br />
named after Admiral Sir James <strong>Stirling</strong>, who colonised the Swan<br />
River and was the first Governor <strong>of</strong> Western Australia. Subdivision<br />
<strong>of</strong> the suburb commenced in the late 1970s and continued<br />
throughout the 1980s and 90s with small pockets <strong>of</strong> land still being<br />
developed today, including Princeton and Roselea Estates.<br />
Roselea estate was named after the landmark Roselea Nursery<br />
which was a local landmark for much <strong>of</strong> the 20 th century.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 22<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Regional Context<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> is in a fortunate position within the<br />
Perth metropolitan region, being located approximately 10km from<br />
Perth city centre and 5km from the coast. The majority <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> has traditionally been considered to be part <strong>of</strong> Perth’s<br />
middle suburbs, however given the vast outward growth <strong>of</strong> Perth<br />
and the location and accessibility <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> and <strong>Stirling</strong>, they are<br />
now beginning to be viewed more as ‘inner suburbs’.<br />
The local area also benefits from its close proximity to the ‘<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre’, which is directly south <strong>of</strong> the precinct. Land within<br />
approximately 1km <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Stirling</strong> Train Station is designated as a<br />
Strategic Regional Centre by the Western Australian <strong>Plan</strong>ning<br />
Commission’s Metropolitan Centres Policy. These are significant<br />
centres across Perth which should provide for a large range <strong>of</strong><br />
retail, <strong>of</strong>fice, entertainment, recreation and community facilities and<br />
associated employment. <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre contains key regional<br />
facilities such as Osborne Park Hospital, the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
Administration Centre, <strong>Stirling</strong> Civic Gardens, the train/bus<br />
interchange, Innaloo Shopping Centre, cinemas and other<br />
commercial, industrial and employment activity.<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> itself is also a significant regional<br />
employment hub due to the industrial precinct, which employs<br />
approximately 5,000 people and includes regional facilities such as<br />
the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> works depot and Western Power and Water<br />
Corporation <strong>of</strong>fices. The large Osborne Park industrial area is also<br />
in close proximity, abutting the southern end <strong>of</strong> the local area.<br />
Osborne Park is a major business, industrial, commercial and<br />
employment hub for the north metropolitan region. Osborne Park<br />
also contains a ‘community hub’, along Main Street, containing<br />
shopping, dining, entertainment and <strong>of</strong>fice development and a<br />
nearby community centre. This hub also services residents <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
The eastern edge <strong>of</strong> the local area is bounded by Wanneroo Road<br />
which, under the State’s Network <strong>City</strong> planning strategy, has<br />
potential to develop into an ‘activity corridor’ - which is a major road<br />
with good public transport where activity clusters. The diversity and<br />
intensity <strong>of</strong> development along Wanneroo Road is therefore likely to<br />
increase in the future, possibly with higher density development and<br />
a greater mix <strong>of</strong> commercial activities such as <strong>of</strong>fices, dining and<br />
retail.<br />
The Karrinyup regional centre is also in proximity to the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>. This regional centre is based around Karrinyup<br />
Shopping Centre, which provides commercial and employment<br />
opportunities to surrounding suburbs. The centre also provides<br />
community facilities such as Karrinyup Library and a community<br />
recreation centre. The suburb <strong>of</strong> Karrinyup also contains a large<br />
sports centre, which is accessible to residents <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>. Other major recreation facilities within close<br />
proximity include Lake Gwelup Reserve and Karrinyup Country<br />
Club.<br />
The other areas surrounding the local area are a variety <strong>of</strong><br />
residential suburbs. To the north is the suburb <strong>of</strong> Hamersley, a<br />
1980s low-density residential suburb. To the east are Westminster<br />
and Nollamara, two suburbs previously <strong>of</strong>ten considered<br />
“Homeswest suburbs”, that are now being redeveloped into<br />
contemporary medium density suburbs. Tuart Hill, to the south is<br />
also experiencing some redevelopment with infill housing.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>’s<br />
Regional Context<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
State <strong>Plan</strong>ning Framework<br />
The following review <strong>of</strong> the principal State government planning<br />
documents provides an overview <strong>of</strong> the statutory and strategic<br />
planning framework that operates within the Perth metropolitan<br />
region. The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> sits within this metropolitan<br />
context and the plan for the locality and any future development<br />
must be consistent with the objectives and requirements <strong>of</strong> these<br />
documents.<br />
State Sustainability Strategy<br />
The State Sustainability Strategy, released by the Department <strong>of</strong><br />
Premier and Cabinet in 2003, is designed as a whole <strong>of</strong> government<br />
strategy to promote sustainability in government, private sector and<br />
community activities. It establishes a framework <strong>of</strong> sustainability<br />
principles, visions and goals across key issues such as urban<br />
settlements and natural resource protection. This is followed by<br />
examples and actions for governments, business and community<br />
members to follow, stressing the need for a triple bottom line<br />
approach to development which encompasses environmental,<br />
social and economic sustainability. The local area planning<br />
programme is a major initiative by the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> to work<br />
towards its own mission <strong>of</strong> ‘creating quality lifestyle and sustainable<br />
development’. <strong>Local</strong> area planning encompasses the triple bottom<br />
line approach and aims to balance community, environmental and<br />
economic needs.<br />
contribute to the sustainability and regeneration <strong>of</strong> existing<br />
centres and suburbs.<br />
Create a quality built environment in Western Australia<br />
through the conservation <strong>of</strong> cultural heritage, the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> quality urban design, creating a ‘sense <strong>of</strong><br />
place’ in new and revitalised areas, and the active<br />
development <strong>of</strong> quality public spaces.<br />
Communities develop through close participation in solving<br />
their own sustainability issues…to facilitate community<br />
development ‘bottom-up’.<br />
State and local governments are acting in unison to realise a<br />
sustainable future for the Western Australian community.<br />
Other partnerships with universities, civil society and<br />
industry are able to creatively resolve sustainability issues.<br />
Key aims and objectives <strong>of</strong> the State Sustainability Strategy that<br />
local area planning can facilitate include:<br />
The development and application, in consultation with the<br />
community, <strong>of</strong> a range <strong>of</strong> techniques and initiatives that will<br />
The three interrelated pillars <strong>of</strong> sustainability<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
State <strong>Plan</strong>ning Strategy<br />
The State <strong>Plan</strong>ning Strategy (1997) is prepared and administered<br />
by the Western Australian <strong>Plan</strong>ning Commission and the<br />
Department for <strong>Plan</strong>ning and Infrastructure to guide planning,<br />
development, resource protection and conservation across the<br />
State. The strategy examines major issues and trends influencing<br />
the state and sets out a vision for future development. The strategy<br />
contains five guiding principles – environmental, community,<br />
economic, infrastructure and regional principles, and details<br />
strategies and actions under each principle for the State<br />
government, local government and other agencies to follow. The<br />
strategy includes numerous criteria that plans should include to<br />
address these principles and strategies. Some <strong>of</strong> the criteria that<br />
are relevant to local area planning include:<br />
Encourage mixed use development.<br />
Encourage a range <strong>of</strong> housing densities.<br />
Maximise the potential for development near public transport<br />
routes.<br />
<br />
<br />
Provide a central community focus.<br />
Ensure that consultation occurs at appropriate stages in the<br />
planning process.<br />
Ensure environmental issues are considered in the<br />
preparation <strong>of</strong> plans.<br />
Metropolitan Region Scheme<br />
The Metropolitan Region Scheme (1963) is the overarching<br />
statutory planning scheme for the Perth metropolitan region. It<br />
classifies all land in the region into general zones, such as Urban,<br />
Industrial or Rural, or into reserves, such as for Parks and<br />
Recreation or High Schools. The scheme text that accompanies the<br />
map establishes provisions for development control across the<br />
region, such as requiring local government schemes to be<br />
consistent with the broad zonings <strong>of</strong> the MRS map.<br />
The Metropolitan Region Scheme map delineates land in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> with zonings including ‘Urban’ (brown) and ‘Industrial’ (purple)<br />
and reserves land for <strong>Balcatta</strong> High School (HS). The <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre is<br />
zoned as a ‘Central <strong>City</strong> <strong>Area</strong>’ (blue).<br />
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Network <strong>City</strong><br />
In 2004 the Western Australian <strong>Plan</strong>ning Commission released<br />
Network <strong>City</strong>: community planning strategy for Perth and Peel as<br />
the new strategic plan for the region, to guide development for the<br />
next 30 years. The strategy was developed in response to<br />
anticipated population growth, changing community expectations <strong>of</strong><br />
the planning system, and the need for a more sustainable Perth<br />
region. The strategy emphasises a need not only for changes in<br />
development patterns but also in how planning is conducted,<br />
stressing that ‘the key will be to plan through participative decisionmaking<br />
at a local and regional level’. The development <strong>of</strong> the<br />
strategy was based on an extensive and innovative public<br />
consultation program, which saw more people than ever actively<br />
involved in planning for the metropolitan region.<br />
Accommodate urban growth primarily within a network city<br />
pattern, incorporating communities.<br />
Align transport systems and land use to optimise accessibility<br />
and amenity.<br />
Protect and enhance the natural environment, open spaces<br />
and heritage.<br />
Deliver for all a better quality <strong>of</strong> life, building on our existing<br />
strengths.<br />
<strong>Plan</strong> with the communities.<br />
Network <strong>City</strong> guides metropolitan land use patterns, planning<br />
activity and decision making. The premise <strong>of</strong> a ‘network city’ is<br />
based on reinforcement or development <strong>of</strong> ‘activity corridors’ (major<br />
roads with good public transport where activity clusters) and ‘activity<br />
centres’ (key commercial and employment centres), with land use,<br />
housing and transport systems developed to support this network.<br />
Within the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>, Karrinyup Road is identified<br />
as a ‘secondary activity corridor’ (not <strong>of</strong> primary importance) and<br />
the <strong>Balcatta</strong> industrial area as an ‘other activity centre’ (for industrial<br />
activity not mixed uses). Nearby activity centres include the <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
city centre, surrounding <strong>Stirling</strong> train station, and <strong>Stirling</strong> Central<br />
Shopping Centre on Wanneroo Road. The plan is however<br />
conceptual, not prescriptive, and the concept <strong>of</strong> activity centres or<br />
corridors could be applied to other suitable centres or roads in the<br />
local area.<br />
Other objectives <strong>of</strong> Network <strong>City</strong> that are relevant to local area<br />
planning include:<br />
The Network <strong>City</strong> Concept <strong>of</strong> Activity Corridors and Activity Centres<br />
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Metropolitan Centres Policy<br />
This Metropolitan Centres Policy is a statutory State <strong>Plan</strong>ning Policy<br />
and provides the regional planning framework to co-ordinate the<br />
location and development <strong>of</strong> retail and commercial activities across<br />
Perth. The policy establishes a hierarchy <strong>of</strong> different size centres<br />
across the region and controls the number, location and floor size <strong>of</strong><br />
major retail and commercial centres, including city centre, regional<br />
and district centres. The policy aims to define and reinforce the<br />
roles <strong>of</strong> different types <strong>of</strong> centres, whether it be major employment<br />
provision, recreation, entertainment, or daily convenience shopping.<br />
The policy also guides the development <strong>of</strong> local commercial<br />
strategies by local governments. The most recent version <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Centres policy was gazetted in 2000, however it is likely that the<br />
provisions <strong>of</strong> the policy will be reviewed and modified so that it is a<br />
more effective tool for implementing the more recent Network <strong>City</strong><br />
strategy.<br />
State <strong>Plan</strong>ning Policy 3.5 Historic Heritage<br />
Conservations<br />
State <strong>Plan</strong>ning Policy 3.5 Historic Heritage Conservations sets out<br />
the principles <strong>of</strong> planning for the conservation and protection <strong>of</strong><br />
Western Australia’s historic heritage. It ensures that places and<br />
areas <strong>of</strong> heritage significance are conserved; that development<br />
does not adversely impact places with significant heritage value and<br />
that landowners and developers are aware <strong>of</strong> heritage processes.<br />
The policy applies in most part to heritage areas, buildings,<br />
structures and other man made and natural landscapes, which are<br />
<strong>of</strong> heritage significance at a State and local level. Heritage<br />
protection is important for Western Australia’s social, environmental<br />
and economic prosperity and enhances connection to place and the<br />
quality <strong>of</strong> the built environment.<br />
Metropolitan Transport Strategy<br />
The State’s Transport Strategy was released in 1995 and aims to<br />
facilitate an efficient and accessible transport system for the Perth<br />
region through better co-ordination, integration and efficiency in<br />
transport and land use planning and management. The strategy<br />
acknowledges that the dominance <strong>of</strong> private vehicles in Perth’s<br />
transport system is likely to continue over coming decades yet<br />
identifies that changes need to be made to address the high levels<br />
<strong>of</strong> pollution, congestion, accidents and costs associated with the<br />
system. Goals to address these issues include improving and<br />
promoting walking, cycling and public transport; better land use mix<br />
and higher densities at strategic locations; and development <strong>of</strong><br />
accessible commercial and employment centres. Since the release<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Transport Strategy several more specific plans and policies<br />
have been developed to implement its goals, such as Bike Ahead,<br />
Travelsmart 2010 and the Freight Transport Strategy.<br />
Bush Forever 2000<br />
Bush Forever is a State Government strategy for the conservation<br />
<strong>of</strong> bushland and natural environments across Perth. The strategy<br />
aims to protect ten percent <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> the 26 different types <strong>of</strong><br />
vegetation complexes originally found on the Swan Coastal Plain,<br />
and to conserve threatened ecological communities. The strategy<br />
identifies valued sites across the region that should be reserved,<br />
maintained or rehabilitated for conservation and/or recreation<br />
purposes. These sites may be in public or private ownership. The<br />
Western Australian <strong>Plan</strong>ning Commission has also prepared a draft<br />
State <strong>Plan</strong>ning Policy to provide statutory support to Bush Forever.<br />
There are nine Bush Forever sites within the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>,<br />
however none are located in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
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Residential Design Codes<br />
The State’s Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) is a statutory<br />
State <strong>Plan</strong>ning Policy that provides the base standards for local<br />
governments to control residential development. The Codes<br />
prescribe measures for requirements such as lot size, parking,<br />
setbacks, open space and building heights, to guide housing<br />
developers and local governments on what can be approved as<br />
acceptable development. Some degree <strong>of</strong> flexibility on these<br />
measures is however provided through the ‘performance criteria’<br />
assessment method, which allows developments to be assessed<br />
against performance or objectives based statements. State<br />
legislation requires all local governments to adopt the Residential<br />
Design Codes and they are adopted through <strong>Stirling</strong>’s District<br />
<strong>Plan</strong>ning Scheme. The <strong>City</strong> has also adopted a number <strong>of</strong><br />
residential development policies to strengthen or clarify the<br />
requirements <strong>of</strong> the codes, including policies on streetscapes,<br />
building height and parking.<br />
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<strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Framework<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> sits within a broader planning<br />
framework that operates within the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>. A range <strong>of</strong> plans,<br />
strategies and policies are developed by the <strong>City</strong> to guide the<br />
management and development <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> and its inhabitants. Key<br />
documents include:<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>’s Strategic <strong>Plan</strong> 2004/-2008<br />
The Strategic <strong>Plan</strong> 2004/2008 is the blueprint for what Council<br />
hopes to achieve and how this will be done over a five-year period.<br />
The plan incorporates Council’s vision, mission and values and<br />
guides operational activities through the Key Result <strong>Area</strong>s <strong>of</strong>:<br />
‘Our Community’ – to provide services that meet changing<br />
community needs.<br />
‘Our Built and Natural Environment’ – to encourage<br />
sustainability and enhance choice in the built environment, while<br />
preserving and enhancing the natural environment.<br />
‘Our Economic Opportunity’ – to enhance opportunity, choice,<br />
and prosperity for the community by encouraging sustainable<br />
economic development <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
Through its Strategic <strong>Plan</strong> 2004/2008, the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> also<br />
ensures that resources are managed effectively and good<br />
governance is provided for the benefit <strong>of</strong> the community.<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Strategy<br />
The <strong>City</strong>’s draft <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Strategy was prepared in 2004 to<br />
facilitate the review <strong>of</strong> the current District <strong>Plan</strong>ning Scheme and to<br />
articulate the future direction <strong>of</strong> development across the <strong>City</strong> over<br />
the coming 20–30 years. The strategy covers a comprehensive<br />
range <strong>of</strong> topics, such as Population & Housing, Commercial<br />
Centres, and Community & Recreation Facilities, identifying the<br />
current situation, key issues, and future trends in each topic. This<br />
information provides the basis from which to build the <strong>Plan</strong>ning<br />
Scheme and to develop more specific planning strategies.<br />
District <strong>Plan</strong>ning Scheme No. 2<br />
The District <strong>Plan</strong>ning Scheme, which was gazetted in 1985, is the<br />
current planning scheme controlling development across the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
The scheme and the scheme map establish zoning <strong>of</strong> land, uses<br />
and development permitted on that land, and development<br />
standards such as parking and setback requirements for industrial<br />
or commercial development, and also includes provisions for<br />
heritage protection and detailed requirements for special precincts,<br />
including Roselea and Princeton estates. A wide range <strong>of</strong> policies<br />
to control development has also been adopted under the scheme.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> is undertaking a review <strong>of</strong> Scheme No.2 and is anticipating<br />
advertising a new draft <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Scheme No. 3 in late 2007.<br />
Commercial Strategy<br />
The draft <strong>Local</strong> Commercial Strategy covers all commercial centres<br />
in the <strong>City</strong> from the large regional centres, to the district, local and<br />
neighbourhood centres. The strategy identifies objectives for each<br />
type <strong>of</strong> commercial centre and guides the planning <strong>of</strong> these activity<br />
nodes, including the limitations on expansion, centres that require<br />
specific action or improvement, and supporting services and<br />
facilities. The strategy relates to the provisions <strong>of</strong> the State<br />
Government’s Metropolitan Centres Policy and also provides<br />
Council with a basis for decision making for each centre.<br />
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Industrial <strong>Area</strong>s in Transition Management Strategy<br />
In response to emerging trends affecting the <strong>City</strong>'s industrial areas<br />
including increase in retailing from established industrial premises,<br />
large showrooms seeking to locate in industrial areas, and<br />
associated traffic and amenity issues, the <strong>City</strong> has recently adopted<br />
a strategy to manage and control development within its industrial<br />
areas. The strategy, covering the <strong>City</strong>’s industrial areas in <strong>Balcatta</strong>,<br />
Osborne Park and Dianella, proposes a containment <strong>of</strong> showroom<br />
activity to major roads, an amendment to the <strong>City</strong>’s <strong>Plan</strong>ning<br />
Scheme to better control development, and design guidelines.<br />
Housing Strategy<br />
The <strong>City</strong> is currently preparing a <strong>Local</strong> Housing Strategy to guide<br />
the future development <strong>of</strong> housing and residential lots across the<br />
<strong>City</strong>. The strategy will provide a general overview <strong>of</strong> housingrelated<br />
issues and the housing pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> and establish what<br />
changes or improvements are needed in planning schemes and<br />
policies to provide more housing choice and a more sustainable<br />
built environment. The housing strategy will also inform any plans<br />
or decisions for changing residential densities within the <strong>City</strong>, and it<br />
will guide consultation and decision making in the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Plan</strong>ning project.<br />
Public Open Space Strategy<br />
A strategy is currently being prepared to guide the provision and<br />
management <strong>of</strong> parks and reserves across the <strong>City</strong>. The<br />
development <strong>of</strong> this strategy involves establishing objectives for the<br />
amount and location <strong>of</strong> public open space across the <strong>City</strong>, an<br />
inventory and assessment <strong>of</strong> existing spaces, and guidelines for<br />
future provision and maintenance. Standards will be established for<br />
the facilities required, the target size, and catchment areas <strong>of</strong><br />
different categories <strong>of</strong> open spaces, such as local, district and<br />
regional reserves. The strategy will seek to balance the objectives<br />
<strong>of</strong> efficient management, conservation and quality recreation in a<br />
sustainable manner.<br />
Integrated Transport Strategy<br />
An Integrated Transport Strategy is currently being developed to<br />
facilitate increased accessibility for all members <strong>of</strong> the community,<br />
through resource efficient and sustainable approaches to transport<br />
planning. Key principles underlying the strategy are reducing car<br />
dependency, increasing public transport use and increasing<br />
pedestrian and cyclist amenity. The strategy examines the<br />
relationship between land use and travel and establishes ways to<br />
improve access and transport options between homes, workplaces,<br />
commercial centres and other activity nodes.<br />
Seniors and Youth Strategies<br />
The <strong>City</strong> recognises that different sectors <strong>of</strong> the community have<br />
different needs and that specific strategies are needed to<br />
adequately plan for different groups. The <strong>City</strong> has adopted a<br />
Children’s and Youth Strategy and is anticipating finalising its<br />
Seniors Strategy in late 2007. These strategies will direct the<br />
provision <strong>of</strong> specific services and facilities for different age groups,<br />
as well as look at measures for enhancing quality <strong>of</strong> life and<br />
community interaction for these groups.<br />
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<strong>Plan</strong>s and Projects for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong>ity<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Structure <strong>Plan</strong> Review<br />
The Western Australian <strong>Plan</strong>ning Commission’s Metropolitan<br />
Centres Policy designates a number <strong>of</strong> key centres across the<br />
Perth metropolitan region as ‘Strategic Regional Centres’. These<br />
centres, such as <strong>Stirling</strong>, Joondalup, Morley and Fremantle, are<br />
intended to provide for a large mix <strong>of</strong> retail, <strong>of</strong>fice, entertainment,<br />
recreation and community facilities. The <strong>Stirling</strong> city centre has also<br />
been identified in the Commission’s Network <strong>City</strong> planning strategy<br />
as a ‘major Activity Centre’ on an ‘Activity Corridor’, which<br />
reinforces its role as an important centre in the metropolitan region.<br />
identity for the regional centre. Design options for the area will be<br />
discussed with landowners and the local community in late 2007.<br />
The <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre includes the <strong>Stirling</strong> Civic Centre precinct,<br />
Osborne Park Hospital, the Innaloo Shopping Centre, the Greater<br />
Union Theatre complex, part <strong>of</strong> the Osborne Park industrial area<br />
and some residences. Although adjacent to the <strong>Balcatta</strong> <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong>, the centre will be addressed through a separate project, The<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Structure <strong>Plan</strong> Review. A Structure <strong>Plan</strong> is an<br />
integrated land use plan for large urban areas that set out the broad<br />
environmental, land use, infrastructure and development concepts<br />
to guide detailed site planning. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> has formed a<br />
partnership agreement with the <strong>Plan</strong>ning Commission to conduct a<br />
detailed review <strong>of</strong> the last structure plan that was adopted for city<br />
centre.<br />
The review provides an opportunity to establish a current,<br />
comprehensive and robust guiding document to ensure that the<br />
Centre achieves its full potential, by addressing issues such as<br />
appropriate mix and intensity <strong>of</strong> development around the train<br />
station, the Stephenson Highway road reserve, improving the<br />
pedestrian and cyclist environment and creating a strong heart and<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre area<br />
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East Roselea<br />
The Roselea estate, north <strong>of</strong> Karrinyup Road between Jones Street<br />
and Grindleford Drive has developed over the past decade from an<br />
undeveloped rural and wetland area into a contemporary waterfront<br />
residential precinct. The development <strong>of</strong> Roselea and Princeton has<br />
transformed the character <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> and established it as a high<br />
value residential area. This has led to increasing interest in<br />
redeveloping the vacant and rural sites adjacent to Roselea for<br />
residential use.<br />
The area is zoned ‘Urban’ under the Metropolitan Region<br />
Scheme, which makes a ‘Rural’ zoning under the <strong>City</strong>’s<br />
<strong>Plan</strong>ning Scheme inappropriate.<br />
<br />
Vesting the whole area as a public reserve would be costly for<br />
the <strong>City</strong>, including compensating landowners, rehabilitating<br />
environmental values, and improving aesthetic qualities.<br />
A need to ensure any development is well designed and<br />
coordinated.<br />
The precinct known as ‘East Roselea’ comprises approximately 35<br />
hectares bounded by Karrinyup Road, Albert Street, the northern<br />
perimeter <strong>of</strong> Grindleford Reserve and the Grindleford drain which<br />
adjoins the eastern side <strong>of</strong> the developed Roselea area. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> has freehold title to approximately 13 hectares in East<br />
Roselea. The <strong>City</strong> has held preliminary discussions with<br />
landowners in the precinct to discuss preferences for the future <strong>of</strong><br />
the area and most landowners have indicated a desire to move<br />
forward with residential rezoning and development <strong>of</strong> the area.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> has also held discussions with the Department <strong>of</strong><br />
Environment regarding the environmental issues and constraints<br />
associated with the area, particularly issues associated with the<br />
removal <strong>of</strong> peat, acid sulphate soils and a receding water table.<br />
Council has resolved to initiate a study into the area to provide an<br />
indication <strong>of</strong> the likely risks associated with either leaving the land<br />
undeveloped, or redeveloping the site to a more intensive use, and<br />
to assess how any environmental risks would be managed if<br />
redevelopment were to proceed.<br />
The other issues that need to be addressed before determining the<br />
future <strong>of</strong> the East Roselea precinct include:<br />
<br />
It is important to identify the community’s vision for the area.<br />
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Industrial Strategy & Amendment 492 Part Rezoning <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> High School<br />
The industrial areas <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> have for several years<br />
been the subject <strong>of</strong> increasing commercial interest, resulting in the<br />
emergence <strong>of</strong> new large business enterprises <strong>of</strong> a showroom / retail<br />
nature and stand-alone <strong>of</strong>fices, as opposed to the more traditional<br />
manufacturing, processing and warehousing type <strong>of</strong> industrial<br />
development. In recognition <strong>of</strong> this trend the <strong>City</strong> has prepared and<br />
adopted the Industrial <strong>Area</strong>s in Transition Strategy to guide the<br />
future direction <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>’s industrial areas, principally <strong>Balcatta</strong>,<br />
Osborne Park and Dianella.<br />
To implement this strategy the <strong>City</strong> is proposing an Amendment to<br />
District <strong>Plan</strong>ning Scheme No. 2 and two new policies for industrial<br />
areas. Should the proposal be approved by the Minster for <strong>Plan</strong>ning<br />
and Infrastructure, Amendment 492 will introduce a new ‘Mixed<br />
Business’ zone into the industrial areas <strong>of</strong> Osborne Park and<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>. This zone is intended to accommodate the emergence <strong>of</strong><br />
higher intensity showroom type activities seeking to establish on<br />
major traffic routes. In the <strong>Balcatta</strong> area, properties along Erindale<br />
Road and most <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> Road will be rezoned to ‘Mixed<br />
Business’. New provisions in the <strong>Plan</strong>ning Scheme and the Mixed<br />
Business Design Guidelines will control the type <strong>of</strong> businesses in<br />
these areas as well as the aesthetic character <strong>of</strong> new development.<br />
It is not however intended that these streets will become shopping<br />
areas – as retail activity is more appropriate in commercial areas.<br />
The Education Department has successfully applied to the Western<br />
Australian <strong>Plan</strong>ning Commission to rezone a portion <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
Senior High School from ‘Reserve: Public Purpose’ to ‘Urban’,<br />
under the Metropolitan Region Scheme. This rezoning will facilitate<br />
the rationalisation (disposal) <strong>of</strong> land considered to be surplus to the<br />
school’s needs and the redevelopment <strong>of</strong> the southwest corner <strong>of</strong><br />
the school site for residential use. The total size <strong>of</strong> the school site<br />
is 11.2 hectares, the rezoning covers approximately 7,000m 2 ,<br />
bringing the site down to 10.5 hectares (the standard public high<br />
school site size is 10 hectares). The Minister for <strong>Plan</strong>ning and<br />
Infrastructure approved the amendment, subject to requirements<br />
regarding a certain number <strong>of</strong> trees being retained or transplanted.<br />
The <strong>City</strong>’s District <strong>Plan</strong>ning Scheme Map must now be amended to<br />
apply a residential zoning and R-Coding (e.g. R20, R30) to this<br />
portion <strong>of</strong> the site, then subdivision may take place.<br />
The other parts <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong> industrial area will change in zoning<br />
from ‘Special Garden Industrial’ to ‘General Industrial’ and<br />
development will be restricted to industrial type activities. New<br />
industrial development will be required to follow the General<br />
Industrial Design Guidelines, which seek to improve the aesthetic<br />
quality <strong>of</strong> industrial development. The ‘Mixed Business’ and<br />
‘General Industrial’ zonings will thus provide for different types <strong>of</strong><br />
businesses, and more effectively separate incompatible land uses.<br />
Approximate rezoning area <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> Senior High School grounds<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Underground Power Project Western Power Substation<br />
The Underground Power Programme is a State Government<br />
initiative to convert existing residential areas in Perth to<br />
underground power. Under the programme 50% <strong>of</strong> project costs are<br />
subsidised by the State Government with the remaining 50% to be<br />
provided by the relevant local government. In keeping with the user<br />
pays principle, Council has resolved that the <strong>City</strong>’s 50% contribution<br />
will be fully recovered from the owners <strong>of</strong> properties that benefit<br />
from the underground power works.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> has put forward proposals in each round <strong>of</strong> projects<br />
undertaken by the State and has recently received preliminary<br />
approval by the Office <strong>of</strong> Energy for the proposed <strong>Balcatta</strong> project<br />
area as a round four project. The project area encompasses the<br />
majority <strong>of</strong> the northern portion <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> between Amelia Street<br />
and Delawney Street and is scheduled to commence in late 2008.<br />
Prior to formal adoption <strong>of</strong> the project the owners <strong>of</strong> all affected<br />
properties will be surveyed to determine the level <strong>of</strong> community<br />
support and the willingness <strong>of</strong> owners to contribute the required<br />
50% funding payment.<br />
Western Power has purchased lot 51 (HN 7) Orr Place, <strong>Stirling</strong> for<br />
the future development <strong>of</strong> a substation to service the electricity<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> the immediate locality. The <strong>City</strong> has been advised that<br />
because <strong>of</strong> increasing electricity demand and population increases,<br />
Western Power anticipates that a number <strong>of</strong> additional substations<br />
will be required across the Perth Metropolitan Region in the coming<br />
years. Western Power states that due to increasing residential<br />
power use, for things such as air conditioning, heating and home<br />
entertainment the service area <strong>of</strong> a substation has dropped to<br />
around 4km, thus creating a need for more substations within<br />
developed areas. Western Power stated “to ensure a reliable power<br />
supply in the local area, the substation must be located in the Odin<br />
Drive vicinity”. Western Power’s alternative to additional substations<br />
is increasing the voltage capacity <strong>of</strong> transmission lines to existing<br />
substations or turning power <strong>of</strong>f to an area for a period.<br />
A large number <strong>of</strong> residents in the locality are strongly opposed to<br />
the substation development and a Special Electors Meeting <strong>of</strong><br />
Council was held in December 2006 for residents, Council and<br />
Western Power to discuss the proposal. Residents made it clear to<br />
Council that they are very concerned about the amenity <strong>of</strong> the area<br />
in terms <strong>of</strong> the potential health hazards and the appearance <strong>of</strong> the<br />
proposed substation and they asked for Councils assistance in<br />
dealing with Western Power and investigating alternatives.<br />
Proposed <strong>Balcatta</strong> project area for the State underground power project<br />
Council and <strong>City</strong> staff have advised Western Power they would like<br />
to further discuss the proposal and look at more suitable sites in the<br />
locality for the substation. It is anticipated that the substation will be<br />
required by 2015, and communication will continue in the<br />
meantime. However the <strong>City</strong> is not the approving authority for such<br />
development, it can only make a recommendation to the Western<br />
Australian <strong>Plan</strong>ning Commission, if/when a development application<br />
is made.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Spoonbill Lakes Bio-remediation Model<br />
A large portion <strong>of</strong> the chain <strong>of</strong> wetlands that cover the metropolitan<br />
region is located within the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>, particularly in the<br />
suburbs <strong>of</strong> Gwelup, <strong>Stirling</strong> and Herdsman. Over the last decade<br />
there have been increasing concerns over the impact acid sulphate<br />
soils have had on wetlands and water quality and the <strong>City</strong> has<br />
undertaken significant research into comprehending the nature <strong>of</strong><br />
acid sulphate soils, the extent <strong>of</strong> their occurrence, their impact on<br />
waterways, and methods for remediating acidified or contaminated<br />
soils and water. Wetlands in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> have<br />
been affected by such problems and the <strong>City</strong> is developing a bioremediation<br />
model in collaboration with Edith Cowan and Curtin<br />
Universities for Spoonbill Lake. The bio-remediation model will<br />
seek to establish an effective method for rehabilitating the lake,<br />
which may then be used for other wetlands experiencing similar<br />
problems.<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> Public Open Space <strong>Plan</strong><br />
Development <strong>of</strong> parks and reserves in the locality will be guided in<br />
the future by the <strong>City</strong>’s forthcoming Public Open Space Strategy.<br />
This strategy will be used to guide an inventory, assessment, and<br />
classification <strong>of</strong> all reserves in each local area, with a subsequent<br />
plan for the future management and development <strong>of</strong> the reserves<br />
being prepared. A review <strong>of</strong> public open space in the <strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> will commence following the adoption <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>-wide<br />
strategy. This review will facilitate the development <strong>of</strong> a public open<br />
space plan to guide the development <strong>of</strong> facilities in parks and<br />
reserves in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>. The plan will also<br />
identify specific parks which are considered appropriate locations<br />
for developing ‘Community Parks’ – these are medium sized parks<br />
in accessible locations which will be developed with facilities and<br />
landscaping to encourage social activities and community<br />
interaction – such as BBQ’s, toilets and shade shelters. The<br />
proposed plan will be advertised for community input.<br />
TravelSmart<br />
An innovative travel behaviour programme has recently been<br />
introduced to the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>. TravelSmart is a WA communitybased<br />
program that helps individuals, schools and workplaces<br />
make smarter choices about the way they travel. The programme<br />
uses a range <strong>of</strong> different projects to promote alternatives to car use<br />
and encourages people to swap one or two <strong>of</strong> their weekly car<br />
journeys to a smarter, more sustainable form <strong>of</strong> transport, such as<br />
walking, cycling, public transport or car-pooling. Being TravelSmart<br />
has a number <strong>of</strong> benefits, including increased physical activity and<br />
fitness, more activity in local communities, less traffic, saving petrol,<br />
decreased pollution and less greenhouse gas emissions.<br />
A range <strong>of</strong> different TravelSmart programmes, with residents,<br />
workplaces and schools are currently being initiated across the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
Schools in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> can be assisted by the<br />
<strong>City</strong>’s TravelSmart <strong>of</strong>ficer to set up a ‘Walking School Bus’ or<br />
develop their own school-specific plan, whilst companies and other<br />
workplaces can also be assisted to develop a Green Transport <strong>Plan</strong><br />
for their workplace.<br />
Follow My Lead<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> launched the ‘Follow My Lead’ walking group<br />
project in 2006. This community-based programme is designed to<br />
increase the physical activity levels <strong>of</strong> residents whilst also<br />
encouraging responsible dog ownership in the local community.<br />
‘Follow My Lead’ aims to get <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> residents <strong>of</strong> all ages<br />
walking both for exercise and social interaction, where local<br />
residents meet up for regular walks at a nearby reserve. The<br />
programme also encourages people to bring their dogs along as<br />
well, although dog ownership is not necessary to join a group.<br />
‘Follow my lead’ walking groups are set up at various parks and<br />
reserves around the <strong>City</strong> and there are currently two walking groups<br />
operating in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> locality.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
3. Community Vision and Values<br />
Community Engagement Process<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the key objectives <strong>of</strong> the state government’s Network <strong>City</strong><br />
planning strategy is to ‘<strong>Plan</strong> with communities’. Network <strong>City</strong><br />
recognises the importance <strong>of</strong> involving local communities in<br />
planning for the future <strong>of</strong> their locality. This is emphasised in Priority<br />
Strategy No.8, which aims to:<br />
<strong>Plan</strong> for local places to develop identity and pride, and to<br />
increase social and cultural capital, by engaging the<br />
community in decision making.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> also values the importance <strong>of</strong> ‘planning with<br />
communities’. The <strong>City</strong> recognises that many residents and<br />
business operators have a keen interest in planning for the future <strong>of</strong><br />
their neighbourhoods, and that fair and balanced planning is best<br />
delivered through the active involvement <strong>of</strong> those it affects. The<br />
local area planning programme was therefore introduced to provide<br />
the <strong>City</strong> with an effective method for working together with local<br />
communities to create clear and achievable visions for each locality.<br />
The programme also aims to improve communication and<br />
information sharing between the <strong>City</strong> and the public, thus producing<br />
plans that will be widely supported by the public and also improving<br />
community bonds.<br />
The community engagement phase is a major element <strong>of</strong> each<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning project. It is conducted at the start <strong>of</strong> the<br />
project for each local area, prior to the local area plan being<br />
prepared, so that community priorities and values will form an<br />
integral part <strong>of</strong> the plan. In this way the <strong>City</strong> seeks to move away<br />
from the traditional model <strong>of</strong> community consultation, which<br />
involves merely advising people <strong>of</strong> planning proposals, to<br />
encouraging participatory and collaborative planning.<br />
The community engagement process for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning project was carefully designed to encourage the<br />
community to take part in planning for the future <strong>of</strong> their area. A<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> methods were used to design, promote and conduct<br />
consultation which provides a number <strong>of</strong> opportunities for a broad<br />
range <strong>of</strong> community members and stakeholders to take part. This<br />
included surveys specifically for residents, business owners and<br />
youth, and two community forums. People were also able to submit<br />
written or email comments, suggestions or petitions.<br />
Community Surveys<br />
The community engagement programme for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> commenced with surveys <strong>of</strong> different elements <strong>of</strong> the<br />
local community, including residents, businesses and youth. The<br />
surveys sought to reliably measure the values, attitudes and<br />
priorities <strong>of</strong> community members across a range <strong>of</strong> topics and<br />
issues relevant to the development <strong>of</strong> a local area plan. As the<br />
surveys are the first stage in the consultation process, they were<br />
also used to raise awareness <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>ning Project<br />
across the community and engage people in the project. The results<br />
<strong>of</strong> the surveys are also used as a starting point for more in-depth<br />
deliberation, through community forums.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
The resident survey was the largest <strong>of</strong> the three surveys<br />
undertaken, with 4,000 questionnaires being posted out to a<br />
random selection <strong>of</strong> residents within the local area. This random<br />
selection ensures that sufficient volume and diversity <strong>of</strong> residents is<br />
contacted, in order for the results to adequately represent the views<br />
and values <strong>of</strong> the community. A total <strong>of</strong> 586 resident surveys were<br />
returned which provides a reliability <strong>of</strong> +/-5 at 95%, meaning that we<br />
can be 95% confident that the results are no more than 5% different<br />
to the results that would have been received if the entire population<br />
<strong>of</strong> 15,000 was surveyed. The demographic information recorded in<br />
the responses indicated a good representation <strong>of</strong> the wider<br />
community was achieved.<br />
Specifically designed surveys were also given to a selection <strong>of</strong><br />
businesses and ‘under 18’s’ within the local area to gauge the<br />
values and priorities <strong>of</strong> the sectors <strong>of</strong> the community. Whilst the<br />
response rates to these surveys were not high enough to be<br />
considered ‘statistically valid’ in terms <strong>of</strong> the number <strong>of</strong> people<br />
contributing, the responses are still valid and have provided an<br />
insight into the priorities <strong>of</strong> these groups.<br />
Community Forums<br />
Two community planning forums were held to bring representatives<br />
<strong>of</strong> the community together to discuss their ideas, concerns and<br />
aspirations for the local area. The forums were open to all members<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community including residents, property<br />
owners, business proprietors, resident groups and community<br />
organisations, as well as other stakeholders such as state<br />
agencies. The forums were promoted though the community<br />
surveys, direct mail and public advertising to attract a diversity <strong>of</strong><br />
interests and demographics that represented the wider community.<br />
Two identical forums were held on Saturday morning 10 th March<br />
and Thursday evening 15 th March, with a total <strong>of</strong> 120 people taking<br />
part.<br />
Community consultation experts, Estill and Associates, were<br />
engaged to assist in designing and conducting the forums. Each<br />
forum included presentations by the <strong>City</strong>, four themed sessions lead<br />
by Estill, facilitated discussions in small tables, feedback between<br />
the tables, and a reflection session. Participant’s comments and<br />
ideas were recorded individually and also in a ‘table worksheet’ that<br />
recorded the key themes and priorities that participants at each<br />
table agreed upon. The four sessions <strong>of</strong> each forum were based on:<br />
1. Community Vision:<br />
My/our group’s vision <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> in 20<br />
years time.<br />
2. Priorities and Preferences:<br />
What’s most important in planning for movement and<br />
transport; buildings and land uses; activity centres and<br />
community hubs; and recreation and public open space.<br />
3. Community Building:<br />
How community members could be involved in achieving their<br />
vision for the future <strong>of</strong> the area.<br />
4. Reflections:<br />
Reviewing your vision, my/our group’s top three priorities for<br />
the local area, and rating <strong>of</strong> satisfaction with the forum.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Community Engagement Findings<br />
Analysis <strong>of</strong> each public submission and each consultation process<br />
was undertaken to identify the key themes, issues and values <strong>of</strong> the<br />
local area community overall, including majority held opinions,<br />
issues or concerns for a particular group or area, and individual<br />
ideas and aspirations. A comprehensive summary <strong>of</strong> the community<br />
consultation findings are presented under the following five<br />
headings, with emphasis placed on themes or issues that were<br />
most commonly supported.<br />
Community Values<br />
Community engagement was used to identify the core values <strong>of</strong><br />
local residents and stakeholders - how they feel about the area,<br />
what’s important to them for the future and are there commonly<br />
shared values that can be considered ‘community values’?<br />
The survey demonstrated that residents <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> are quite happy with the area overall. When asked to<br />
rank their satisfaction with the area as a place to live on a scale <strong>of</strong> 1<br />
to 9, 79% <strong>of</strong> respondents gave a score <strong>of</strong> 6 or more, with only 6%<br />
giving a ‘dissatisfied’ rating (3 or less). Analysis <strong>of</strong> all consultation<br />
indicates that the most pleasing aspects <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> were its community and culture and the lifestyle and<br />
opportunities that the place <strong>of</strong>fers. Satisfaction also comes from<br />
education facilities, transport facilities and safety and security <strong>of</strong> the<br />
locality, although various comments were received for improvement<br />
in these areas.<br />
The area’s great location, with close proximity to workplaces, a train<br />
station, shopping facilities and the coast, also contribute strongly to<br />
people’s satisfaction with living in the area. However business<br />
operators only reported reasonable levels <strong>of</strong> satisfaction with the<br />
local area as a place to run a business. Youth however were<br />
generally satisfied and think they would probably like to stay living<br />
in the area in the future.<br />
Overall, how satisfied are you with the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> as a place to live?<br />
1% 1%<br />
3%<br />
7%<br />
13%<br />
20%<br />
27%<br />
14% 13%<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9<br />
Very dissatisfied Reasonably satisfied Very satisfied<br />
How distinctive do you think the character <strong>of</strong> the area is at the moment?<br />
2%<br />
3%<br />
6%<br />
16%<br />
20%<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9<br />
No discernable character Moderately strong character Very distinctive character<br />
17%<br />
21%<br />
5%<br />
9%<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Residents feel that the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has a<br />
reasonable level <strong>of</strong> uniqueness that distinguishes it from other<br />
localities. Survey respondents identified ‘the people’ <strong>of</strong> the area as<br />
most heavily contributing to its character, particularly cultures, age,<br />
ethnicity, and household types. Natural elements such as front<br />
gardens and verges also help to define the local identity, whilst the<br />
built form (architectural style, density) and the general feeling /<br />
vibrancy <strong>of</strong> the area were not identified as strong elements. The<br />
majority <strong>of</strong> survey respondents did not have a high demand for<br />
developing a stronger local character and there was no clear<br />
consensus on what elements are most important for doing this.<br />
However, through discussion it became clear that community forum<br />
participants would like a higher quality built form with more<br />
distinguishing residential design and more appealing commercial<br />
and industrial areas, to make the area more distinctive.<br />
There were also many special places identified within the locality.<br />
The survey and forums clearly identified <strong>Stirling</strong> Civic Gardens<br />
(abutting the southern border <strong>of</strong> the local area) as residents’<br />
favourite place in the locality, due to its good facilities and<br />
appearance and large open space. Several other parks and<br />
gardens across the local area were also identified as ‘favourite<br />
places’, particularly larger reserves with sporting and active spaces<br />
such as Jones Paskin, Rickman Delawney and Sheldrake<br />
Reserves. The new residential estates <strong>of</strong> Princeton and Roselea<br />
are also valued by many across the local area for their combination<br />
<strong>of</strong> modern housing, waterways and parkland. The community also<br />
highly values places in the locality that provide community<br />
amenities and access to services and employment, including<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Village shopping and medical centre, the industrial/business<br />
area, <strong>Balcatta</strong> Senior High School and <strong>Stirling</strong> Train Station.<br />
Issues and Concerns<br />
The community consultation identified what concerns individuals<br />
had about the local area and what the key issues are for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Stirling</strong>, or others to address. These range from simple concerns to<br />
complex issues, and some matters may require further investigation<br />
and a multifaceted approach to resolve, where possible.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the strongest themes to emerge from consultation findings<br />
was ‘improving and enhancing the movement network’. This<br />
includes a variety <strong>of</strong> concerns and requests for improving road<br />
conditions to slow traffic and make some streets safer for all users;<br />
improving the appearance <strong>of</strong> the road network with verge planting<br />
and maintenance; and providing more opportunities for other users<br />
in the movement network through more foot/cycle paths and a safe<br />
and attractive environment for current and potential pedestrians and<br />
public transport users.<br />
Whilst a number <strong>of</strong> roads in the area are <strong>of</strong> particular concern to<br />
some residents, such as intersections on Karrinyup Road and traffic<br />
on Jones Street, when asked to prioritise, the majority <strong>of</strong> survey and<br />
forum participants chose improving services and facilities for the<br />
train, buses and walking as more important than improving driving<br />
conditions. A major concern was parking at <strong>Stirling</strong> train station or<br />
providing better bus access, whilst there is strong demand generally<br />
for more non-car based transport infrastructure, including bus<br />
shelters, seats, paths and bike racks.<br />
Another key area <strong>of</strong> concern for residents was improving parks and<br />
reserves in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>. The main concern here<br />
was with lakes or wetlands, as residents were concerned with<br />
current decreasing water levels and water quality. Yet the<br />
community demonstrated a strong desire to see the overall<br />
environmental quality <strong>of</strong> reserves improve, with native plantings and<br />
functional plantings (e.g. shade trees, fruit trees), sustainable water<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
management and fauna habitats. There is also a strong demand for<br />
improving facilities in parks and increasing recreational facilities<br />
within or around the locality. This ranged from more seats and<br />
barbeques in parks to a strong demand for a pool or aquatic centre<br />
nearby, and more facilities or spaces for youth to recreate.<br />
Other places in the local area <strong>of</strong> which the community would like to<br />
see improved are the vacant service station at <strong>Stirling</strong> Village<br />
shopping centre as well as the Northlands shopping centre precinct.<br />
The general appearance, parking, the tavern area and the range <strong>of</strong><br />
shops and commercial activities at Northlands were identified as in<br />
particular need <strong>of</strong> improvement. There is also some demand for<br />
improvements to the waterways and traffic in Roselea and<br />
Princeton Estates, particularly among those who live in or around<br />
the Estates. Many across the community would also like to see the<br />
appearance and use <strong>of</strong> the East Roselea land improved. Opinions<br />
appear split however on whether it should be redeveloped with<br />
housing or mixed use, or whether it should be parkland with more<br />
public recreation.<br />
Housing and the ageing population are two related areas <strong>of</strong> concern<br />
for the community. When asked to consider future housing needs<br />
48% <strong>of</strong> survey respondents, and many forum participants, said<br />
there was not enough housing for retired people. There is also a<br />
desire to ensure sufficient support facilities for seniors, such as<br />
aged care, transport and recreation. Many residents also feel there<br />
is insufficient housing for low-income earners and first home<br />
buyers, and the sustainability <strong>of</strong> current housing is also an issue.<br />
There is a strong community desire for housing form to change to<br />
be more unique, more interesting and more resource efficient.<br />
Another issue <strong>of</strong> concern for some in the community was safety and<br />
security. Although generally people are ‘reasonably satisfied’ with<br />
safety and security, there are some concerns with burglary,<br />
antisocial behaviour and graffiti. Residents desire is for the future <strong>of</strong><br />
the area to be a safe and inviting place to live, walk around, and for<br />
children to play.<br />
How do you feel about the facilities and conditions for the following<br />
types <strong>of</strong> transport options in the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>?<br />
Cycling<br />
Walking<br />
Car Parking<br />
Driving<br />
Train<br />
Bus<br />
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%<br />
Poor Fair Good<br />
Overall, how do you feel about the safety and security <strong>of</strong> the area?<br />
3% 3%<br />
8%<br />
21%<br />
27%<br />
21%<br />
11%<br />
3% 2%<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9<br />
Very disssatisfied Reasonably satisfied Very satisfied<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 41<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Opportunities and Ideas<br />
The community consultation and public suggestions have gathered<br />
a wealth <strong>of</strong> information on opportunities and ideas for the future <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>. These findings can be grouped into<br />
a number <strong>of</strong> themes which illustrate the key opportunities for<br />
achieving the community vision for the future. Some <strong>of</strong> the most<br />
common or innovative suggestions are listed below each theme.<br />
‣ Developing community hubs with social places and<br />
recreation spaces<br />
A key theme for the vision <strong>of</strong> the future <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> is for there to be a strong community which has the<br />
facilities, spaces and events that support interaction and social<br />
development. There is strong demand for more social spaces and<br />
events in the area, such as cafes, barbeques, parties and fairs, both<br />
to socialise with friends and family and to meet neighbours and<br />
make new ties. Many people see that the <strong>Stirling</strong> Village area - with<br />
shops, a medical centre and adjoining parkland, has the potential to<br />
become a ‘community hub’, a busy yet friendly place with shops,<br />
services and social spaces that is the heart <strong>of</strong> the community.<br />
People would also be encouraged to walk and cycle to these hubs<br />
creating more opportunities for interaction and increasing safety<br />
and enjoyment.<br />
There are also many opportunities for parks and recreation spaces<br />
to further develop as community hubs where people can exercise,<br />
recreate and socialise. There is some demand for an aquatic centre<br />
to be located near the local area, yet this recreation demand could<br />
also be met by other suggestions such as community parks, places<br />
for children to play and learn, and youth meeting places and active<br />
facilities such as courts or skate ramps.<br />
‣ Developing stronger and more dynamic activity centres<br />
It was recognised that the major ‘centres’ in the local area,<br />
particularly Northlands shopping centre and <strong>Balcatta</strong> industrial area,<br />
have not reached their full potential and more businesses, business<br />
diversity, improvement strategies, beautification and changes in<br />
planning controls were all suggested to help make these centres<br />
more successful and appealing places. Key suggestions were:<br />
Can the <strong>Balcatta</strong> industrial area become a showcase business<br />
and employment centre that generates innovation and business<br />
growth?<br />
Can Northlands shopping centre area become an attractive<br />
activity precinct with a variety <strong>of</strong> shops, cafes, al fresco dining,<br />
markets and a modern pub?<br />
Can we have a major centre that is attractive and vibrant, with a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> facilities and activity during the day, evening and<br />
weekends and that is inviting to all cultures and age groups?<br />
‣ Becoming a more sustainable community that makes the<br />
best use <strong>of</strong> facilities and resources<br />
There are many opportunities for community members and the <strong>City</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> to contribute to the sustainable future <strong>of</strong> the local area.<br />
Many in the community want to see things like less car use and<br />
water recycling, yet also recognise the importance <strong>of</strong> making better<br />
use <strong>of</strong> the great facilities already in the area, such as parks and<br />
schools. Popular ideas from the forums included:<br />
Can we make better use <strong>of</strong> parks and, with more facilities or<br />
some social events to encourage us to go there more <strong>of</strong>ten?<br />
Can we have a shuttle bus linking to the train station and<br />
shopping centres?<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 42<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Can we have areas to garden together and continue the market<br />
gardening heritage <strong>of</strong> the local area?<br />
Can we have places for learning and interacting with nature?<br />
e.g. rehabilitate Spoonbill Reserve and wetland and include an<br />
interactive centre.<br />
Can we work towards becoming a carbon neutral local area?<br />
‣ Building and utilising community capacity<br />
Community capacity refers to the skills, knowledge and capabilities<br />
<strong>of</strong> people within a community that can be harnessed to exploit<br />
opportunities and address problems. The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
community has much capacity to achieve its own goals and can<br />
work individually, in groups and in conjunction with the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> or other organisations to achieve the vision for the future.<br />
Some ideas and suggestions from within the community are:<br />
Be active participants in the community; support community<br />
events, local businesses, local groups and join community<br />
associations.<br />
We can start our own interest and social groups, such as a<br />
resident’s association or a nature group.<br />
We can increase communication with the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> and our<br />
Ward Councillors.<br />
We can develop and celebrate our community by having bbq’s,<br />
parties, fetes, concerts and ‘get involved’ events.<br />
We can improve our connection to our place and to each other<br />
by helping each other out, welcoming new residents,<br />
neighbourhood watch, sharing history and beautifying our area.<br />
We can each contribute to becoming more sustainable by<br />
driving less, being ‘waterwise’ and conserving resources.<br />
‣ Increasing housing choice and improving housing design<br />
The local area contains a large amount <strong>of</strong> older houses on large<br />
lots, whilst the locality is an excellent location within the Perth<br />
region and has a good level <strong>of</strong> public transport, local employment<br />
and public amenities. Given that there is community concern for<br />
the sustainable growth <strong>of</strong> Perth and for provision <strong>of</strong> housing for the<br />
local community, especially seniors and first home buyers, there are<br />
opportunities for increasing the amount and range <strong>of</strong> housing in the<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>. There was considerable support in the<br />
community forums and surveys for increasing residential density<br />
around the train station, along major roads and surrounding key<br />
commercial precincts in the local area. Most forum participants also<br />
agreed that having a greater range <strong>of</strong> densities and lot sizes across<br />
the local area would provide the opportunity for different housing<br />
types, sizes and styles to meet the varied future needs <strong>of</strong> the<br />
population. Many in the community also felt there was a number <strong>of</strong><br />
opportunities for improving the design <strong>of</strong> housing, both to make the<br />
locality more attractive and unique yet also to make houses more<br />
energy and water efficient.<br />
How do you feel about the amount and range <strong>of</strong> housing available<br />
to meet the community’s future needs?<br />
Housing for low income earners<br />
Housing for large families<br />
Retirment villas or villages<br />
Apartments and flats<br />
Small dwellings<br />
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%<br />
Too Much About Right Not Enough<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 43<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Community Priorities<br />
In order to implement the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> and to<br />
consistently work towards achieving the vision for the future, it is<br />
essential to identify what actions and ideas are most important to<br />
the community and what issues need to be addressed first. It is also<br />
necessary to identify what can realistically be achieved in a short<br />
term time frame and what actions require longer term investigation<br />
or implementation. This requires acknowledging that not all ideas<br />
can be achieved, rather efficient planning requires selecting the<br />
proposals that have the most support, are the most needed in the<br />
local economy, community or environment, or will have the most<br />
significant impact or benefit. To assist this process the community<br />
engagement process has been used to identify community priorities<br />
- issues or actions that are important to the largest amount <strong>of</strong><br />
individuals, sectors <strong>of</strong> the community, and the collective community.<br />
The community survey asked participants to consider how much<br />
they would like to see the area change over the coming 20 years.<br />
The response reflected other findings that showed residents are<br />
quite happy with the area at present, yet have desire for some<br />
changes and improvements over time. 73% <strong>of</strong> survey respondents<br />
wanted to see moderate change to the local area over the coming<br />
20 years. When asked how they would like to see improvements<br />
funded, 60% supported redirecting funds from services or projects<br />
that they felt were less important to the local area and 37% were<br />
also supportive <strong>of</strong> waiting until proposals could be budgeted for.<br />
The community survey also identified other community priorities for<br />
future development. Leisure and lifestyle appear to be a high<br />
priority for residents, with many requests for a pool, cafes,<br />
restaurants or sports facilities. Improving the appearance <strong>of</strong> the<br />
area in various locations, particularly road medians, verges, parks<br />
and wetlands is also important to the community.<br />
How similar do you want the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> to be in 20 years time?<br />
3%<br />
1%<br />
4%<br />
13%<br />
30% 30%<br />
12%<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9<br />
Exactly the same Moderate change Totally different<br />
What is the one thing missing in the area that you would<br />
most like to see? (Survey respondents Top 5 requests):<br />
1. Swimming pool<br />
2. Cafes or restaurants<br />
3. Recreation/sport centre or facilities<br />
4. Specialty shops, deli or markets<br />
5. Bus stops/services or cycle/footpaths<br />
What places in the local area are most in need <strong>of</strong><br />
improvement? (Survey respondents Top 5 requests):<br />
1. Roads, verges, medians, footpaths<br />
2. Parks, reserves, wetlands<br />
3. Northlands shopping centre precinct<br />
4. Roselea Estate & east Roselea area<br />
5. Disused service station at <strong>Stirling</strong> Village<br />
1%<br />
6%<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 44<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
The two community forums for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> were also designed to identify community priorities. Participants considered and<br />
discussed a range <strong>of</strong> issues and individual ideas throughout each forum and at the conclusion <strong>of</strong> the forum were asked to list their three most<br />
important priorities for the future <strong>of</strong> the local area. Participants then discussed with their table groups what was most important to them and,<br />
where possible, chose three ‘table priorities’ which they agreed upon. The graph below illustrates what issues were the top priorities for<br />
community forum participants, shown for both the highest proportion <strong>of</strong> individuals and the highest proportion <strong>of</strong> table groups. The graph shows<br />
five clear priorities that were agreed on at many tables, the environmental quality <strong>of</strong> parks and reserves being the highest, with community<br />
hubs, more housing, more leisure facilities and better activity centres being equally supported. These can be considered ‘agreed community<br />
priorities’. These issues were also the top priorities when looked at from an individual participant’s perspective. Further examination <strong>of</strong> these<br />
issues and their relative importance to the community is undertaken overleaf.<br />
1. Environmental quality <strong>of</strong> parks and reserves<br />
2. Develop community hubs<br />
3. Increase residential density<br />
4. Increase park/recreation facilities<br />
5. Improve amenity <strong>of</strong> commercial/industrial areas<br />
6. Connected community, with more events<br />
7.Improve walking/cycling facilities<br />
8. Improve bus services<br />
9. Good quality residential design<br />
10. Diversity and culture in the community<br />
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%<br />
Individuals<br />
Tables<br />
Top 10 Priorities for Tables and Individuals at the Forums<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 45<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Analysis <strong>of</strong> all community input has identified a list <strong>of</strong> issues that are<br />
the most important to the most people. Given that the consultation<br />
findings can be considered an accurate representation <strong>of</strong> the wider<br />
community’s opinion, the follow list can be considered the top<br />
community priorities for the future <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong>.<br />
1. Environmental Quality <strong>of</strong> Parks and Reserves<br />
Having attractive, high quality public open space is the highest<br />
priority for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community. This includes<br />
rehabilitating the wetland system and developing ecologically<br />
sensitive reserves that are water-wise and have native plantings.<br />
These reserves will be a source <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community pride<br />
and reconnect people with nature and history.<br />
2. Recreation and Leisure<br />
The high value placed on open space is linked to the importance <strong>of</strong><br />
leisure in the community’s lifestyle and the desire to use recreation<br />
activities to bring different members <strong>of</strong> the community closer<br />
together. There is a high demand for increasing facilities such as<br />
barbeques, seats and lights in parks so that more social activity will<br />
occur, yet high demand also for recreation facilities such as gyms,<br />
sports and aquatic centres and a strong desire to ensure youth and<br />
seniors have adequate recreation facilities.<br />
3. Community Hubs<br />
The third highest priority for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community is the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> one or a number <strong>of</strong> ‘community hubs’. The<br />
precincts surrounding <strong>Stirling</strong> Village and Northlands Shopping<br />
Centre and the Civic Precinct based around the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
complex have the potential to become community hubs with a<br />
range <strong>of</strong> amenities for community needs and social interaction.<br />
(See Opportunities and Ideas page. 40 for more details).<br />
4. Housing<br />
The fourth community priority is increasing quality and diversity in<br />
residential density, housing types and styles to cater for the needs<br />
<strong>of</strong> the population, especially retirees. The majority <strong>of</strong> the community<br />
support some higher density around activity hubs and transit areas,<br />
with the remaining residential areas ranging between R20 to R30.<br />
However ensuring new development is <strong>of</strong> a high standard in terms<br />
<strong>of</strong> attractive appearance, local character and environmental<br />
efficiency is also a high priority. (See Opportunities and Ideas p. 41)<br />
5. Connectivity and Sustainable Transport<br />
The community would like a movement network that better<br />
connects all types <strong>of</strong> transport users to local community amenities<br />
and that encourages transport that is physically active, socially<br />
interactive and environmentally sustainable. This includes<br />
increasing the coverage and frequency <strong>of</strong> bus services, supporting<br />
the use <strong>of</strong> the train station such as more parking or a shuttle bus<br />
and improving the bicycle and footpath network.<br />
6. An Holistic Community<br />
People knowing and supporting each other and becoming like an<br />
extended family with community groups and events. The community<br />
will respect its culture and diversity and its children and seniors.<br />
7. Sustainability and Conservation<br />
Be a leading ‘green area’ with conservation <strong>of</strong> nature, water and<br />
energy, sustainable building design and reducing car use, that also<br />
makes best use <strong>of</strong> residential land and existing facilities.<br />
8. The Function and Amenity <strong>of</strong> Key Centres<br />
Redevelop Northlands to a modern area with more diversity <strong>of</strong><br />
shops and amenities and retain and strengthen the industrial area<br />
which is very important for employment and business. (See<br />
Opportunities and Ideas p. 40).<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 46<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Vision for the Future <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Developing a commonly embraced community vision for each <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong> across the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> is a principal aim <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Plan</strong>ning programme. The vision incorporates key community<br />
values and priorities, what makes the locality special, and what the<br />
area will look and feel like in the future. The community vision is<br />
established to guide future planning and decision making for the<br />
local area over the lifespan <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> and to set out an<br />
agreed path for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> and the local community to work<br />
towards.<br />
‘Community Visioning’ was a major element <strong>of</strong> the community<br />
planning forums for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>. Participants<br />
considered their personal vision <strong>of</strong> what the area would be like in 20<br />
years time and also discussed their views within their group to<br />
identify some agreed elements. A number <strong>of</strong> themes can be<br />
identified from analysis <strong>of</strong> this input and when considered against<br />
other elements <strong>of</strong> the community forums and findings <strong>of</strong> the<br />
community survey, the following community vision has been<br />
established:<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Community Vision<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong> - <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has always been a place <strong>of</strong> social<br />
interaction, where communities develop. It began when ‘bal katta’<br />
was a meeting place for Aboriginal people, providing daily needs<br />
and spiritual connection. It became a place where new cultural<br />
communities could flourish, first Chinese, then Macedonian and<br />
Italian. It has grown to become a diverse community that in the<br />
future will continue to be connected and caring. The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> community will work hard to be a ‘real community’ that<br />
makes time for family, friends and neighbours and respects and<br />
supports different needs and cultures. The <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> will have the<br />
places, spaces, events and infrastructure to support social<br />
interaction and community building.<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has always been a place <strong>of</strong><br />
opportunity, where newcomers can come and have the home they<br />
need, or earn a living through means that suits the local<br />
community’s changing capabilities - from market gardens, to Italian<br />
delicatessens to large-scale manufacturing. The area will continue<br />
to be a place <strong>of</strong> opportunity – with housing choice for changing<br />
needs and new residents, great places to run a business and<br />
opportunity and choice in transport, leisure and lifestyle.<br />
In the year 2020 the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> is a friendly,<br />
distinct and attractive place that provides opportunities for<br />
community needs and desires in a sustainable way. People <strong>of</strong><br />
any age or culture will be encouraged to interact, make friends<br />
and enjoy their local area because they can travel around<br />
easily and access a great range <strong>of</strong> amenities including social<br />
hubs, community facilities, workplaces and quality parks.<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> provides a healthy, happy lifestyle.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 47<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
4. <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Community<br />
Community Pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
The key defining characteristics <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong> community are that it is a growing population, an older and<br />
aging population and a relatively culturally diverse population<br />
with a distinct European representation. At the time <strong>of</strong> the 2006<br />
Australian Bureau <strong>of</strong> Statistics Census the combined population<br />
<strong>of</strong> the suburbs <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> and <strong>Stirling</strong> was 16,530 people. The<br />
population <strong>of</strong> this local area has grown by a total <strong>of</strong> 6,000 people<br />
over the last 30 years, with 1,600 people in the last 5 years and<br />
the current growth rate is 2% per anum. The local area is<br />
currently experiencing an above average growth rate for an<br />
established area, particularly due to the development <strong>of</strong> the new<br />
housing estates in <strong>Stirling</strong> (Princeton and Roselea) and infill<br />
development in the medium density area to the east <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong>.<br />
The average age <strong>of</strong> residents in <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> is 38 years <strong>of</strong><br />
age and 16.4% <strong>of</strong> the population was aged 65 years or older in<br />
2006. The median age and the proportion <strong>of</strong> seniors is higher<br />
than <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> or metropolitan Perth averages, this<br />
combined with the lower proportion <strong>of</strong> children (15.8%) and the<br />
increase in median age and seniors since the 2001 Census,<br />
indicates both an older and an aging population in the local area.<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has a comparatively high<br />
proportion <strong>of</strong> residents that were born overseas and from non-<br />
English speaking backgrounds. 40% <strong>of</strong> all residents in 2006<br />
were born overseas and unlike many places in Perth where the<br />
majority <strong>of</strong> immigrants come from the UK and New Zealand, the<br />
highest level <strong>of</strong> immigrants come from Italy (9%) with Greek,<br />
Macedonian, Croatian and Vietnamese born people each making<br />
up between 1% and 4% <strong>of</strong> the local area population. Only 0.7%<br />
<strong>of</strong> the population identified themselves as Indigenous Australians<br />
in 2006. 35% <strong>of</strong> all residents in the local area speak a language<br />
other than English at home with Italian, Macedonian, Croatian,<br />
Greek and Chinese dialects the most common other languages.<br />
Although 9% <strong>of</strong> the population were born in Italy a total <strong>of</strong> 14% <strong>of</strong><br />
residents speaks Italian at home. This exemplifies the value <strong>of</strong><br />
many in the local area to maintain their cultural and family<br />
connections. The diversity in culture is not however reflected in<br />
religious affiliation, as approximately 80% <strong>of</strong> the total population<br />
is Christian. Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism only<br />
constitute less than 1% <strong>of</strong> the population for each religion.<br />
The local area would be considered by many as a family area,<br />
however it has a range <strong>of</strong> different household types with nuclear<br />
families only making up 32% <strong>of</strong> all households. This is consistent<br />
with averages across most areas <strong>of</strong> Perth and <strong>Stirling</strong>, where the<br />
proportion <strong>of</strong> couples without children and people living alone<br />
has been increasing for many years. 61% <strong>of</strong> all housing in the<br />
local area has no more than two occupants, with a large proportion<br />
<strong>of</strong> dwellings in <strong>Balcatta</strong> having only one occupant. The high<br />
proportions <strong>of</strong> seniors, and the increasing number <strong>of</strong> first home<br />
buyers in the local area, is contributing to this trend.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 48<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Key Characteristics <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>’s Population<br />
2006 Census BALCATTA<br />
LOCAL AREA<br />
CITY OF<br />
STIRLING<br />
PERTH<br />
REGION<br />
Population 16,530 176,867 1.44 million<br />
Population growth rate (p/a) 2% 0.9% 1.7%<br />
Median age 38 years 37 years 36 years<br />
Aged 65 or over 16.4% 15.2% 12%<br />
Aged 14 or under 15.8% 16.5% 19.5%<br />
Born overseas 40% 32% 31%<br />
Speaks 2 nd language at home 35% 20.6% 18%<br />
Average dwelling occupancy 2.5 people 2.4 people 2.5 people<br />
Nuclear family households 32% 23% 30%<br />
Lone person households 26% 32.8% 23%<br />
Tertiary education (over 15s) 32% 37% 36%<br />
80+<br />
75-79<br />
70-74<br />
65-69<br />
60-64<br />
55-59<br />
50-54<br />
45-49<br />
40-44<br />
35-39<br />
30-34<br />
25-29<br />
20-24<br />
15-19<br />
10-14<br />
5-9<br />
0-4<br />
5% 3% 1% 1% 3% 5%<br />
Males Females<br />
Age-Sex Distribution <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> Population<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 49<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Community Amenities<br />
Shopping Centres<br />
Northlands Plaza<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Village Centre<br />
Amelia Heights Centre<br />
Major Parks and Reserves<br />
Richard Guelfi Reserve<br />
Rickman Delawney Reserve<br />
Jones Paskin Reserve<br />
Grindleford Reserve<br />
Sanderling/Spoonbill Reserve<br />
Schools<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Senior High School<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Primary School<br />
St Lawrence Primary School<br />
Takari Primary School<br />
West <strong>Balcatta</strong> Primary School<br />
Community Facilities / Clubs<br />
Community Recreation Centre<br />
at <strong>Balcatta</strong> High School<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Adriatic Centre<br />
Chung-Wah Association<br />
Siciliani Club<br />
Macedonian Cultural Centre<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 50<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Community Issues & Opportunities<br />
A Social, Friendly and Supportive Community<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community has been established for many<br />
decades and there are some strong social connections and support<br />
networks within the community, particularly within key cultural,<br />
religious and business groups. However the community is growing<br />
and changing over time and many new and older residents would<br />
like to feel connected to a strong community. A key priority<br />
identified through community consultation was ‘people knowing and<br />
supporting each other and becoming like an extended family.’ The<br />
community forums demonstrated that the community has much<br />
capacity to achieve its own goals. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>, Councillors<br />
and existing community organisations can work with the local<br />
community to develop social capacity. The <strong>City</strong> provides many<br />
social support services and cultural and leisure facilities which local<br />
residents can make better use <strong>of</strong>. Partnerships and support could<br />
also be harnessed for developing new community groups, holding<br />
social events and celebrating local culture and history.<br />
Recreation and Leisure<br />
The Community consultation findings have emphasised the<br />
importance <strong>of</strong> leisure in the community’s lifestyle and the desire to<br />
use recreation activities to bring different members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
community closer together. There is a high demand for increasing<br />
facilities in parks so that more social activity will occur, yet also high<br />
demand for recreation facilities such as gyms, sports and aquatic<br />
centres to support active lifestyles. The demand for facilities is also<br />
linked to the community’s desire to ensure youth and seniors have<br />
adequate recreation opportunities. The <strong>City</strong> needs to appropriately<br />
plan and promote recreation facilities so that funding is equitably<br />
spread across localities and between different interests and age<br />
groups, to ensure all people have access to a healthy lifestyle.<br />
Community Hubs<br />
A key theme for the vision <strong>of</strong> the future <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong> is a strong community with the facilities, spaces and events to<br />
support interaction and social development. <strong>Stirling</strong> Village precinct<br />
has been identified as a valued part <strong>of</strong> the local area providing both<br />
community amenities and social interaction in a friendly<br />
environment. The precinct already has popular commercial<br />
facilities, a medical centre and adjoining parkland, yet is surrounded<br />
by vacant, inactive and unattractive sites, including the old service<br />
station, a bland car park, vacant land and housing that does not<br />
connect the precinct. This area has the potential to be further<br />
established as a ‘community hub’ that has a level <strong>of</strong> vibrancy due to<br />
the activity in the area, yet also has appeal as a social meeting<br />
place. An urban design/improvement strategy is needed to improve<br />
the public spaces, and high quality development is needed around<br />
the shopping centre. There are also many opportunities for parks<br />
and recreation spaces to further develop as community hubs where<br />
people can exercise, recreate and socialise. The creation <strong>of</strong> hubs at<br />
Northlands and <strong>Stirling</strong> Village would require the commitment <strong>of</strong> the<br />
centres’ owners.<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Village could be a more inviting and social precinct<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 51<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Arts and Culture and Heritage<br />
The culture and heritage <strong>of</strong> the local area and its residents are<br />
highly valued by the community. The locality has important heritage<br />
in its Indigenous past and its role in the early development <strong>of</strong> Perth.<br />
Cultural and heritage aspects also include its rural and market<br />
gardening past, and the character and contribution the Italian,<br />
Macedonian, Croatian and Greek residents have given the area.<br />
The wetlands <strong>of</strong> the locality are one unifying theme in the area’s<br />
heritage as they were important for Aboriginal people as well as<br />
Chinese, then Italian, market gardeners. The local area also<br />
contains many important cultural associations and facilities which<br />
have been operating in the area for many decades, such as the<br />
Chung Wah Association, the <strong>Stirling</strong> Adriatic Centre, the Siciliani<br />
Club and the Macedonian Cultural Centre. These facilities are <strong>of</strong><br />
regional importance to ethnic communities dispersed across the<br />
inner and northern suburbs. It is important to these groups and the<br />
wider community that the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>’s history and<br />
culture is recognised, valued and celebrated. Cultural, art and<br />
heritage projects and events are something the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> and<br />
community can work together on.<br />
Safety & Security<br />
Safety and security is an issue <strong>of</strong> concern for some in the<br />
community, whilst others value the level <strong>of</strong> security they feel in the<br />
local area. Although community consultation found that generally<br />
people are ‘reasonably satisfied’ with safety and security, there are<br />
some concerns with burglary, antisocial behaviour and graffiti.<br />
Recent statistics show the local area as having comparable crime<br />
rates to surrounding areas, yet burglary rates would be a concern to<br />
some and can cause a feeling <strong>of</strong> insecurity for some residents and<br />
business owners. Whilst crime or safety were not identified as major<br />
problems or top priorities for improvements, residents desire is for<br />
the future <strong>of</strong> the area to be a safe and inviting place to live, to walk<br />
around, and for children to play.<br />
The community plays an important role in local safety and security<br />
and must continue to report suspicious activities, crimes and<br />
problems to the <strong>City</strong>’s security service or police. The <strong>City</strong> must also<br />
promote the services it <strong>of</strong>fers to residents and businesses and<br />
ensure its security patrols have a visible presence in the area.<br />
Ensuring the local area is a safe place to live into the future also<br />
includes designing parks and public places to be safe, inviting and<br />
well lit, and also managing traffic and transport so that streets are<br />
safe for all users and people feel comfortable to walk and cycle in<br />
the area.<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
Hamersley<br />
Nollamara<br />
Osborne Park<br />
Vehicle Theft<br />
Graffiti<br />
Burglary<br />
As sault<br />
0 5 10 15 20<br />
Average Monthly Reported Crimes 2006<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 52<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Community Outcomes to Achieve<br />
Desired Outcome for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Outcome 1<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Village Shopping Centre precinct is the centre <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> “village” – a community hub with commercial and<br />
health services and community activities and interaction.<br />
Outcome 2<br />
Recreation spaces that provide for a diverse set <strong>of</strong> leisure<br />
needs within the local community, including active and<br />
informal recreation for different users and age groups.<br />
Outcome 3<br />
Remembering and celebrating history and culture <strong>of</strong> the<br />
local area<br />
Examples <strong>of</strong> current or potential actions to achieve this outcome<br />
Investigate owners’ willingness to carry out a <strong>Local</strong> Centres Urban<br />
Design Study and improvement strategy for <strong>Stirling</strong> Village and<br />
Northlands Shopping Centre.<br />
Encourage redevelopment <strong>of</strong> the derelict service station site.<br />
Investigate opportunities for better physical and social connection<br />
between <strong>Stirling</strong> Village and Spoonbill-Shearwater Reserve.<br />
Remediate Spoonbill-Shearwater wetland and develop the reserve as<br />
a community hub, with opportunities for social events.<br />
Rezone vacant Residential and Civic land adjoining <strong>Stirling</strong> Village to<br />
encourage <strong>of</strong>fice, café, mixed use or medium density housing.<br />
Rezone R20 pocket adjoining <strong>Stirling</strong> Village to encourage a small<br />
higher density node, with lots fronting Spoonbill-Shearwater Reserve.<br />
Promote greater community use <strong>of</strong> existing community and<br />
recreational facilities.<br />
Promote shared use <strong>of</strong> school and private recreation and social<br />
<br />
facilities, such as with organisations within the East Roselea area.<br />
Promote quality organised activities within the area for young people to<br />
recreate in existing or new facilities.<br />
Investigate recreation and leisure opportunities in the <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre project, such as the importance <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> Civic Gardens or<br />
other new spaces for recreation.<br />
<strong>Plan</strong> for changing recreation and leisure needs as the population grows<br />
and demographics change.<br />
Promote the ongoing use <strong>of</strong> existing aquatic facilities within the region.<br />
Identify and acknowledge past and current heritage sites and buildings<br />
(e.g. tours, site markers).<br />
Acknowledge and promote Indigenous heritage, such as a wetlands<br />
<br />
walking trail.<br />
Celebrate and promote the cultural communities within the local area.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 53<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
5. <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Natural Environment<br />
Natural Environment Pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> local area was once characterised by a chain<br />
<strong>of</strong> wetlands running through to Herdsman Lake, and the influence <strong>of</strong><br />
this feature has remained strong throughout its development. These<br />
wetlands were used by Indigenous inhabitants prior to European<br />
settlement, and as development <strong>of</strong> the area increased, the moist<br />
soils provided fertile grounds for market gardening. Whilst the area<br />
remained one <strong>of</strong> the last major market gardening areas within the<br />
<strong>City</strong>, the landscape has changed again through different uses, most<br />
recently significant residential development. Despite the rapid<br />
urbanisation <strong>of</strong> the area, the wetlands that remain continue to be a<br />
central aspect <strong>of</strong> the area’s identity today.<br />
Cedric Grebe and Spoonbill-Shearwater wetlands, as well as those<br />
running through the Princeton and Roselea estates, have come to<br />
attention in recent years due to their declining quality, which can<br />
largely be related to the acid sulfate soils prevalent in the area.<br />
Bioremediation projects, and further investigations into the affects <strong>of</strong><br />
acid sulfate soils, are underway in an attempt to protect these<br />
valued sites.<br />
There are over 50 open space reserves <strong>of</strong> various sizes ranging<br />
from pocket parks to large public reserves within the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> area. Different types <strong>of</strong> reserves provide opportunities for<br />
sports, play, relaxation and socialising. The Civic Gardens, though<br />
on the periphery <strong>of</strong> the local area, form a strong focal point for the<br />
local community.<br />
Wetlands are an environmental feature <strong>of</strong> the locality<br />
Civic Gardens is very popular with <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> residents<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 54<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Natural Environment Issues & Opportunities<br />
Environmental Sustainability<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community expressed a keen concern for the<br />
sustainability <strong>of</strong> their local area, particularly in terms <strong>of</strong> its<br />
environmental wellbeing. Many <strong>of</strong> the factors which must be<br />
addressed to improve the sustainability <strong>of</strong> the area, such as water<br />
management, climate change and biodiversity, are discussed<br />
below.<br />
Ecologically Sound Parks and Reserves<br />
Community consultation revealed a strong desire to develop<br />
ecologically sensitive reserves that are water-wise and have native<br />
plantings. These reserves will be a source <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
community pride and reconnect people with nature and history.<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community members suggested that ecologically<br />
sustainable open spaces could be achieved through native<br />
plantings and functional plantings (e.g. shade trees and fruit trees),<br />
sustainable water management and fauna habitats.<br />
Community Parks<br />
Community parks, civic gardens and shared open space are highly<br />
valued by the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community. They are valued as<br />
places for leisure and education, and strengthen the community by<br />
providing a shared space for working together and socialising.<br />
The possibility <strong>of</strong> areas for gardening together and continuing the<br />
market garden heritage <strong>of</strong> the local area was raised during<br />
consultation as a possible future use <strong>of</strong> some community parks.<br />
Another priority was providing places for learning and interacting<br />
with nature. Spoonbill Reserve, for example, was suggested as a<br />
site for wetland rehabilitation, complemented by educational<br />
features such as interpretive signage.<br />
Water Quality and Conservation<br />
Residents <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> local area expressed their concern<br />
with the decreasing water levels in local wetlands. Spoonbill-<br />
Shearwater and Cedric Grebe wetlands to the east <strong>of</strong> the local<br />
area, and the wetlands running through Roselea and Princeton<br />
estates, which once formed part <strong>of</strong> a wetland chain through to<br />
Herdsman Lake, have all been effected by lack <strong>of</strong> rainfall as well as<br />
quality concerns.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> joined the International Council for <strong>Local</strong> Environmental<br />
Initiatives (ICLEI) Water Campaign in July 2007, and through this<br />
initiative is undertaking a full investigation into its water<br />
conservation and quality requirements. The <strong>City</strong> will be setting<br />
targets for improvements within both community and corporate<br />
sectors, and will be producing and implementing an action plan to<br />
address many <strong>of</strong> the water issues facing the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
community and the <strong>City</strong> as a whole.<br />
Acid Sulfate Soils<br />
Acid sulfate soils affect the entire area <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>, but the<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> local area has come under particular focus,<br />
primarily in terms <strong>of</strong> water quality in wetlands and around the<br />
Princeton and Roselea estate areas.<br />
Acid sulfate soils are created when iron sulfides in waterlogged soil<br />
sediments are exposed to air, which causes these sulfides to<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 55<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
oxidise and become acid sulfides. When the soil is disturbed and<br />
acid sulphides produced, the acid moves through the soil, affecting<br />
soil water, ground water and eventually surface waters. The effects<br />
to an area’s biodiversity can be severe, with soil becoming<br />
inhospitable to plants and water becoming too acidic for<br />
aquatic plant and animal life.<br />
Climate Protection<br />
Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) is a greenhouse gas reduction<br />
initiative <strong>of</strong> the ICLEI. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> became a programme<br />
partner in 2000, one <strong>of</strong> over 180 Australian councils now<br />
participating. The programme involves setting targets for<br />
greenhouse gas emission reductions, and reaching a number <strong>of</strong><br />
milestones towards the target. It also involves a number <strong>of</strong><br />
Advancing Action Projects, typically in areas such as sustainable<br />
public lighting, purchasing and procurement, and transportation.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> is also a participant in the Carbon Neutral Program, and<br />
plants 15,000 trees each year to <strong>of</strong>fset the emissions <strong>of</strong> the entire<br />
vehicle fleet. This ‘<strong>of</strong>fsetting’ is based on the capacity <strong>of</strong> mature<br />
trees to absorb or ‘sequester’ carbon emissions from the<br />
atmosphere.<br />
Meeting the challenge <strong>of</strong> climate change requires community action<br />
as reductions in residential and transport greenhouse gas<br />
emissions will have a considerable impact on climate protection.<br />
Reducing automobile use, purchasing more efficient products,<br />
considering renewable energy sources such as solar power and<br />
solar hot water systems, and turning lights and switches <strong>of</strong>f when<br />
not in use are simple ways community members can make a<br />
valuable contribution.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 56<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Natural Environment Outcomes to Achieve<br />
Desired Outcome for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Outcome 1:<br />
Ecologically sound natural areas and sustainable open<br />
space<br />
Outcome 2<br />
Key parks across the local area become community social<br />
hubs – community parks – with facilities, landscaping and<br />
activities that encourage social events and community<br />
building.<br />
Outcome 3<br />
The local community, local business and local government<br />
working together towards a healthy environment and<br />
sustainable future.<br />
Examples <strong>of</strong> current or potential actions to achieve this outcome<br />
Ensure the sustainable provision <strong>of</strong> public open space and<br />
infrastructure in areas <strong>of</strong> change to reflect proposed density changes<br />
Undertake the ICLEI Water Campaign for water conservation and<br />
quality<br />
Prepare and implement a Public Open Space Strategy<br />
Remediation projects for local wetlands<br />
Public open spaces are vegetated with water wise and native plants<br />
Review the role <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> Civic Gardens as part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Stirling</strong> Public<br />
Open Space <strong>Plan</strong> and the <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Review<br />
Develop a <strong>Balcatta</strong> – <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> Public Open Space <strong>Plan</strong><br />
Facilitate a strong sense <strong>of</strong> community ownership through<br />
opportunities for residents involvement in activities such as community<br />
gardening, barbecues and social events<br />
Identify opportunities for community involvement in public art<br />
Hold community education workshops such as Great Gardens to<br />
improve water efficiency and sustainable gardening practices<br />
Promote greenhouse gas emissions reductions for residents, Council<br />
and business through the Cities for Climate Protection programme<br />
Examine opportunities for developer contributions for public open<br />
space<br />
Work in partnership with environmental protection agencies in<br />
initiatives such as Carbon Neutral<br />
Provide school students with opportunities to learn more about their<br />
natural environment and become environmental stewards for their<br />
area.<br />
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BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
6. <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Housing & Built Environment<br />
Housing Pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
In 2006 there was approximately 8,000 dwellings in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>, including all occupied and unoccupied housing<br />
types, in the two suburbs combined. The local area contains a<br />
reasonable range <strong>of</strong> housing types and styles due to different<br />
periods <strong>of</strong> development, from pre 1950s up to today, and due to<br />
differences in zoning and lot size in the area. The central and<br />
northern areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> still contain much <strong>of</strong> the housing<br />
developed in the late 1960s to 1970s on 700-800m 2 lots.<br />
Meanwhile, surrounding this area are new large two storey houses<br />
in the Princeton and Roselea Estates, and generally single storey<br />
units from the 1990s onwards east <strong>of</strong> Main Street. The influences <strong>of</strong><br />
Italian immigrants is evident in both the original and contemporary<br />
dwellings, yet there is no consistent theme that unifies the area.<br />
Approximately two thirds <strong>of</strong> housing in the local area is low-density<br />
single houses on green title lots, with the remaining one-third being<br />
medium density unit/group dwelling style development usually on<br />
strata title lots. Only 1% <strong>of</strong> total housing stock in the area is high<br />
density housing, with a very small number <strong>of</strong> older apartment blocks<br />
across the area. There are also a variety <strong>of</strong> household types in the<br />
local area, with fairly equal proportions <strong>of</strong> nuclear families (32%),<br />
couples without children (30%) and single occupant (26%)<br />
households. There is an average <strong>of</strong> 2.5 persons living in each<br />
dwelling, with apartments, and small strata housing generally<br />
containing 1-2 occupants and larger households and families living<br />
in the larger houses <strong>of</strong> the area. However many <strong>of</strong> the larger<br />
houses also have only 1-2 occupants as well.<br />
80%<br />
70%<br />
60%<br />
50%<br />
40%<br />
30%<br />
20%<br />
10%<br />
0%<br />
45%<br />
40%<br />
35%<br />
30%<br />
25%<br />
20%<br />
15%<br />
10%<br />
5%<br />
0%<br />
Apartments Units & Stratas Single Houses<br />
Lone<br />
person<br />
2 person 3 persons<br />
or more<br />
Nuclear<br />
families<br />
One parent<br />
families<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> Housing and Household Types<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
Couples<br />
w ithout<br />
children<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 58<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Housing Market<br />
The built environment <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has been<br />
affected by the recent housing boom in Western Australia and<br />
Perth. The housing boom has impacted not only housing prices, but<br />
also housing and land demand and the demographic structure <strong>of</strong><br />
households in the local area. Between 2002 and 2007 housing<br />
prices in <strong>Balcatta</strong> more than doubled and nearly tripled in <strong>Stirling</strong>.<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> housing values have kept in line with Perth averages,<br />
however property prices in <strong>Stirling</strong> now far outstrip Perth averages,<br />
largely due to development <strong>of</strong> Princeton and Roselea estates and<br />
the area becoming an exclusive estate. Whilst <strong>Balcatta</strong> has become<br />
a very attractive location for first homebuyers, who are no longer<br />
able to afford suburbs closer to the <strong>City</strong> or the coast, <strong>Stirling</strong> is<br />
becoming an elite estate for established families and baby<br />
boomers.<br />
The housing market in the local area is in some conflict with the<br />
housing needs <strong>of</strong> the population, with limited housing supply for<br />
older children <strong>of</strong> existing families to buy their own home or for<br />
seniors in the area to move into a smaller and affordable dwelling.<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> does however contain 7% State housing, which is slightly<br />
above average. The housing boom has also increased the rate <strong>of</strong><br />
infill and new development, with many property owners and<br />
developers seeking to capitalise on the development potential <strong>of</strong><br />
large lots and/or R40 zoned properties. Many other owners are also<br />
interested in rezoning lower density areas to capitalise on current<br />
record high land values.<br />
$700,000.00<br />
$600,000.00<br />
$500,000.00<br />
$400,000.00<br />
$300,000.00<br />
$200,000.00<br />
$100,000.00<br />
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007<br />
Median House Prices 2002 – 2007<br />
Perth Metro<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
CITY OF STIRLING 59<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Cultural Heritage<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> has a number <strong>of</strong> tools to recognise and protect<br />
the cultural and architectural heritage <strong>of</strong> localities across the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> area has a rich heritage and cultural make-up,<br />
however much <strong>of</strong> its architectural references to the early stages <strong>of</strong><br />
development in Perth have long since been demolished. The <strong>City</strong><br />
uses plaques known as heritage site markers to identify historic<br />
locations which may be a possible tool for acknowledging the local<br />
area’s past. Artworks or other forms <strong>of</strong> recognition may also be<br />
used to distinguish and celebrate the cultural heritage <strong>of</strong> the area.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> maintains a Heritage List and a Municipal Inventory <strong>of</strong><br />
Heritage Places to record significant places. <strong>Balcatta</strong> Senior High<br />
School is recognized on the <strong>City</strong>’s Municipal Inventory as a unique<br />
building in the local area and it is currently being assessed by the<br />
Heritage Council <strong>of</strong> Western Australia for possible state heritage<br />
listing, which will give the building a high level <strong>of</strong> protection. Another<br />
unique building in the locality, a 1970s dwelling on Hanworth Street<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> has also been identified as having local heritage<br />
significance on the <strong>City</strong>’s Municipal Inventory and its degree <strong>of</strong><br />
protection will be reviewed as part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>’s current review <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Municipal Inventory.<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Senior High School<br />
76 Hanworth Street <strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
CITY OF STIRLING 60<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Built Environment Issues & Opportunities<br />
Infill Development and Housing Diversity<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has both the need and opportunity<br />
to increase housing supply and diversity. Environmental, resource<br />
and infrastructure issues, combined with the current housing boom<br />
are creating increasing demand for infill housing across Perth,<br />
where larger lots are subdivided and additional housing is built.<br />
Whilst there is capacity for approximately 2,000 additional dwellings<br />
if all R40 zoned lots in <strong>Balcatta</strong> are redeveloped, there are also<br />
opportunities and demand elsewhere in the locality for additional<br />
housing. Some larger and older properties could be rezoned to<br />
bring more people closer to important facilities, such as the train<br />
station, Northlands District Centre and employment at <strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
Industrial <strong>Area</strong>. Redevelopment <strong>of</strong> parts <strong>of</strong> the area also provides<br />
the opportunity for increasing housing diversity to meet the<br />
changing demographics <strong>of</strong> the area. The community recognises the<br />
need for smaller and appropriately designed housing for the aging<br />
population and first homebuyers, particularly where residents would<br />
like their children to be able to stay living in the area.<br />
Sustainable Building Design<br />
The sustainability <strong>of</strong> the current built form in much <strong>of</strong> Perth is a<br />
significant issue and many in the local community are concerned<br />
with the direction <strong>of</strong> the local area. The increasing size <strong>of</strong> houses,<br />
and the lack <strong>of</strong> consideration for energy (heating, cooling and<br />
lighting) and water use in building design, is producing<br />
unsustainable buildings. There is strong demand, and a clear need<br />
for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> to work with the development industry to<br />
address these issues. Recent changes to building legislation in<br />
Western Australia is requiring more energy and water efficient<br />
buildings, however some members <strong>of</strong> the local community would<br />
like to see the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> taking more <strong>of</strong> a lead. In supporting<br />
rezoning <strong>of</strong> parts <strong>of</strong> the local area, many residents would like to see<br />
this tied to a requirement for ecologically sensitive, resource<br />
efficient, design.<br />
Current Housing Capacity in <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
CITY OF STIRLING 61<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
<strong>Local</strong> Identity<br />
Network <strong>City</strong> strategy 3.3 stresses the importance <strong>of</strong> ‘providing<br />
places with distinctive qualities, and with a role and a purpose, that<br />
differentiates them within the city.’ This relates to the concept <strong>of</strong><br />
“<strong>Local</strong> Identity”, where it is recognised that sustainable and satisfied<br />
community’s have a pride <strong>of</strong> place and a unique identity, based on<br />
the appearance, feel or other characteristics <strong>of</strong> a location. The<br />
Community Survey identified that the people themselves provide<br />
the most unique character to the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>, yet<br />
many in the forums would like architecture to be bolder or more<br />
distinctive to other areas, to give the locality more identity. The high<br />
value <strong>of</strong> the natural character <strong>of</strong> the area is also evident in<br />
community findings. Protecting, promoting and encouraging local<br />
character, through celebration <strong>of</strong> culture and history, and through<br />
building on the quality and uniqueness <strong>of</strong> the natural and built<br />
environment is an important part <strong>of</strong> a successful future <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
Better Use <strong>of</strong> Vacant Land<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has been progressively<br />
transformed over the last 40 years from a rural area to a suburban<br />
area. Parcels <strong>of</strong> vacant land still exist. Sustainability and efficiency<br />
principles encourage making better use <strong>of</strong> underitilised resources or<br />
land. This does not mean using up all resources or overdeveloping,<br />
rather minimising waste and maximising the use <strong>of</strong> existing<br />
infrastructure or amenities. As the local area has a high standard or<br />
existing infrastructure (transport, water supply etc) and community<br />
amenities (parks, schools, shops) it is important to make efficient<br />
use <strong>of</strong> land. There are opportunities to rezone some lots to develop<br />
housing, such as the earmarked portion <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> High School,<br />
the vacant site next to <strong>Stirling</strong> Medical Centre and the substation<br />
site lot on Orr Place. The future <strong>of</strong> the East Roselea precinct also<br />
needs to be determined, as there is much under-utilised land. The<br />
environmental issues and community desires need to be carefully<br />
considered and plans made for better use <strong>of</strong> the land, whether that<br />
is public recreation, housing, or a mix <strong>of</strong> uses. The community is<br />
interested in all these options to improve the precinct, however<br />
environmental issues must be resolved.<br />
East Roselea is under-utilised<br />
Increasing Land-Use Mix and Activity<br />
Network <strong>City</strong> also encourages increasing land-use mix and activity<br />
within local areas. This means having shops, recreation facilities<br />
and employment close to housing (land use mix) so that people will<br />
be encouraged to walk more and drive less. It also means that there<br />
are more people outside shopping, dining or recreating (increased<br />
activity). <strong>Local</strong> residents are in close proximity to employment in the<br />
industrial area and in Innaloo/Osborne Park. However some<br />
increased diversity and levels <strong>of</strong> activity within the locality would<br />
support community priorities <strong>of</strong> less car-use, a friendly environment<br />
and an ‘alfresco lifestyle’. The <strong>City</strong> should continue to support low<br />
impact home business, and encourage more diversity and activity<br />
within and around Northlands and <strong>Stirling</strong> Village shopping centers.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 62<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Built Environment Outcomes to Achieve<br />
Desired Outcome for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Outcome 1<br />
Ongoing opportunities for increasing housing in suitable<br />
locations and increased housing diversity to provide for<br />
changing community needs.<br />
Outcome 2<br />
Attractive and distinctive building design that contributes<br />
to local character and strives to be sustainable.<br />
Outcome 3<br />
Making the best use <strong>of</strong> existing resources and facilities<br />
and the opportunities that the local area has to <strong>of</strong>fer, in a<br />
sustainable manner.<br />
Examples <strong>of</strong> current or potential actions to achieve this outcome<br />
Rezoning <strong>of</strong> some R20 zoned residential areas to provide for additional<br />
housing and a greater range <strong>of</strong> housing styles and sizes (see map).<br />
Allow and promote a balanced mix <strong>of</strong> smaller dwellings including one<br />
and two bedroom dwellings.<br />
Investigate measures to encourage a proportion <strong>of</strong> affordable housing<br />
development within all medium and large-scale developments.<br />
Encourage attractive and active streetscapes, through high quality<br />
housing and other buildings fronting streets, attractive fencing, street<br />
trees, footpaths, awnings and some areas <strong>of</strong> mixed-use (commercial and<br />
residential) for instance.<br />
Investigate incentives or policies to improve energy and water efficiency<br />
<strong>of</strong> new and established housing and other buildings.<br />
Start an awards or promotion programme to encourage a high standard<br />
<strong>of</strong> contemporary housing design and sustainable building design.<br />
Implement measures <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong>’s Housing Strategy (when adopted) to<br />
promote the development <strong>of</strong> universal design housing and other<br />
measures to accommodate aging in place and disability access.<br />
Encourage additional housing in walking distance <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> train station,<br />
Northlands and (to a lesser extent) <strong>Stirling</strong> Village shopping centres.<br />
Provide opportunities for redevelopment <strong>of</strong> some large lots and older<br />
dwellings through rezoning strategically appropriate locations.<br />
Investigate opportunities to make better use <strong>of</strong> vacant land in the East<br />
Roselea area, including its suitability for housing development.<br />
Encourage the redevelopment <strong>of</strong> vacant sites and buildings, such as the<br />
vacant service station at <strong>Stirling</strong> Village and the proposed substation site<br />
on Odin Drive.<br />
Continue to work with schools, sporting groups and other associations to<br />
encourage public use <strong>of</strong> recreation and community facilities.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 63<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Potential Rezoning<br />
Locations:<br />
R40 & R30 near <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
train station - between<br />
Cedric Street & Princeton<br />
Estate.<br />
Restricted Business, R80<br />
& R40 immediately<br />
around <strong>Stirling</strong> Village<br />
centre (appropriate lot<br />
layout to be determined).<br />
R30 near Northlands<br />
shopping centre between<br />
Wanneroo Rd, Delawney,<br />
Jones & Amelia Streets;<br />
and Between Amelia,<br />
Canning & Ida Streets.<br />
R25 North <strong>of</strong> Amelia<br />
Street between Cedric &<br />
Jones Street.<br />
R25 ‘Urban’ zoned area<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> High School.<br />
Vacant Rural site corner<br />
on Orr Pl rezone to R25<br />
to encourage housing.<br />
R30 to provide uniform<br />
zoning in southern corner<br />
<strong>of</strong> Odin Dr (below <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
Grove Reserve).<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 64<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
7. <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Business Environment<br />
Economic Pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
Employment, Education and Income Pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
There are 5,400 residents from the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> who<br />
participate in the workforce, which constitutes 33% <strong>of</strong> the population<br />
<strong>of</strong> this area. This figure does not however capture the full number <strong>of</strong><br />
people who work in the area and there are many businesses in the<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong>, which provide local employment to people<br />
who live in, and outside <strong>of</strong> the local area. The retail industry is the<br />
most common employer <strong>of</strong> local residents, with 18.5% <strong>of</strong> the local<br />
labour force being employed in this sector. A further 12% <strong>of</strong> the<br />
labour force is employed in property services. 10.5% <strong>of</strong> the labour<br />
force is employed in manufacturing, while a further 10.5% is<br />
employed in construction. This is largely consistent with the<br />
employment distribution over the rest <strong>of</strong> the metropolitan area,<br />
although the proportion <strong>of</strong> those employed in retail and construction<br />
is greater in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>. Residents work in a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> locations with 10% working within the local area, another<br />
10% working in Osborne Park/<strong>Stirling</strong> Regional Centre, 35% in<br />
Perth/inner-city areas and 45% elsewhere.<br />
As <strong>of</strong> 2001, over 30% <strong>of</strong> the population <strong>of</strong> the area had a tertiary<br />
education. This is slightly lower than the proportion across the<br />
metropolitan area, whereby approximately 35% <strong>of</strong> the population is<br />
tertiary educated. Some 22% <strong>of</strong> residents have a vocational<br />
training/certificate qualification/TAFE Diploma while 8.5% <strong>of</strong><br />
residents have a university degree (undergraduate bachelor/post<br />
graduate). This compares to 24% having had a vocational<br />
education/ having obtained a TAFE education and 12% <strong>of</strong> residents<br />
having obtained a university level education across the Perth<br />
metropolitan area.<br />
Property<br />
Finance<br />
Personal services<br />
Health & Comunity Services<br />
Education<br />
Accomadation & Dining<br />
Retail<br />
Wholesale<br />
Construction<br />
Manufacturing<br />
0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00%<br />
Key employment industries <strong>of</strong> local residents<br />
ABS 2001. NB not necessarily employed within the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Income levels <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> are slightly below<br />
Perth Metropolitan averages, with more households earning less<br />
than $400 per week and fewer households earning more than<br />
$1500 per week. Yet there is some divergence between <strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
and <strong>Stirling</strong> with households in <strong>Stirling</strong> generally being wealthier.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 65<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
% <strong>of</strong> households<br />
14.00% <strong>Balcatta</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
12.00%<br />
10.00%<br />
8.00%<br />
6.00%<br />
4.00%<br />
2.00%<br />
0.00%<br />
Nil income<br />
$200 to $299<br />
$400 to $499<br />
$600 to $699<br />
Perth Metropolitan <strong>Area</strong><br />
$800 to $999<br />
$1,200 to $1,499<br />
Gross Weekly Household Income<br />
$2,000 or more<br />
Business Pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
There are approximately 730 businesses in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong><br />
area, which over approximately 6800 people accumulatively (as <strong>of</strong><br />
2002). These consist <strong>of</strong> commercial, industrial businesses and<br />
home businesses. The majority <strong>of</strong> new development in recent years<br />
has been in the form <strong>of</strong> showroom development in the <strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
Industrial <strong>Area</strong> and development along Cedric Street, on the<br />
northern boundary <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Stirling</strong> Regional Centre.<br />
Commercial Centres<br />
There are thirteen commercial centres across the local area, which<br />
vary in size from local and neighbourhood centres to district<br />
centres. Each level <strong>of</strong> centre serves a different function in providing<br />
for daily, weekly and specialist goods and different forms <strong>of</strong><br />
shopping and service such as convenience retail and specialty<br />
retail. The largest centre within the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> is<br />
Northlands shopping centre, which is located on the eastern border<br />
<strong>of</strong> the area. Most other commercial centres are smaller, consisting<br />
<strong>of</strong> local convenience stores.<br />
The <strong>City</strong>’s Draft <strong>Local</strong> Commercial Strategy identifies that there is<br />
an adequate number <strong>of</strong> centres over the local area, with scope for<br />
slight increases in floor space in most centres. Northlands Centre<br />
has potential for the addition <strong>of</strong> 20% additional floor space over the<br />
next 20 years. However, the Strategy recommends that a centre<br />
plan be developed and consideration <strong>of</strong> the integration <strong>of</strong> the centre<br />
over Wanneroo Road occurs, as part <strong>of</strong> any redevelopment <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Northland Centre.<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong><br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong> is located in the northern section <strong>of</strong> the<br />
local area. It consists <strong>of</strong> a range <strong>of</strong> land uses, largely commercial<br />
and industrial in nature and serves as a dominant employment<br />
destination for the local area. Over 730 businesses provide some<br />
6800, employment positions throughout the area. Service industries<br />
and <strong>of</strong>fice/businesses occupy most <strong>of</strong> the industrial area, with a<br />
growing presence <strong>of</strong> retail showrooms, particularly along major<br />
thoroughfares such as Erindale Road and <strong>Balcatta</strong> Road. Presently,<br />
most <strong>of</strong> the area is zoned Special Garden Industrial, with some<br />
areas zoned special use, which attempt to accommodate for the<br />
shift in the area’s activity pr<strong>of</strong>ile. The area takes on a garden feel,<br />
given the existence <strong>of</strong> development controls which maintain garden<br />
space on industrial /commercial premises in the area. The area is<br />
highly accessible for freight vehicles, being located at the junction <strong>of</strong><br />
Reid Highway and Mitchell Freeway.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 66<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
0 150 300<br />
GWELUP<br />
MITCHELL FREEWAY<br />
metres<br />
ERINDALE ROAD<br />
BALCATTA ROAD<br />
CITY OF STIRLING<br />
BALCATTA<br />
REID HIGHWAY<br />
Land Uses in <strong>Balcatta</strong><br />
LEGEND<br />
<strong>Plan</strong>ning Land Use Category<br />
Entertainment/Recreation/Cultural<br />
Health/Welfare/Community Services<br />
Manufacturing/Processing/Fabrication<br />
Office/Business<br />
Primary/Rural<br />
Residential<br />
Other Retail<br />
Service Industry<br />
Shop/Retail<br />
Storage/Distribution<br />
Utilities/Communications<br />
Vacant Floor <strong>Area</strong><br />
Vacant Land <strong>Area</strong><br />
BALGA<br />
WANNEROO ROAD<br />
CENTRE<br />
EXISTING<br />
NLAm 2 2003<br />
POTENTIAL<br />
NLAm 2 2026<br />
REGIONAL<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Regional Centre<br />
(outside <strong>of</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>) 36,432 m 2 37,270 m 2<br />
DISTRICT<br />
Northlands 10,237m 2 12,390 m 2<br />
NEIGHBOURHOOD<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Village<br />
(Sanderling Street) 1377 m 2 1808 m 2<br />
LOCAL<br />
Natalie Way/Glengary<br />
Village 450 m 2 467 m 2<br />
Amelia Heights<br />
(Jones Street) 577 m 2 884 m 2<br />
Harrison Street 510 m 2 628 m 2<br />
Beryl / Main Street 620 m 2 852 m 2<br />
Shakespeare Avenue 590 m 2 732 m 2<br />
Jones Street/ Karrinyup<br />
Road<br />
No Modelled<br />
Data<br />
No Modelled<br />
Odin Drive Deli<br />
Data<br />
Innaloo Deli 312 m 2 152 m 2<br />
Northern Districts Medical<br />
Centre 170 m 2 213 m 2<br />
Green Avenue<br />
Ezy Park Deli<br />
No Modelled<br />
Data<br />
No Modelled<br />
Data<br />
Taken from DRAFT <strong>Local</strong> Commercial Strategy 2007<br />
NLA = net lettable area<br />
No Modelled<br />
Data<br />
No Modelled<br />
Data<br />
No Modelled<br />
Data<br />
No Modelled<br />
Data<br />
Commercial <strong>Area</strong>s in <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
CITY OF STIRLING 67<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Project<br />
The <strong>Stirling</strong> Regional Centre is the major strategic Regional Centre<br />
within the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> and consists <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Stirling</strong> Train Station,<br />
Westfield Innaloo Shopping Centre, <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> Administration<br />
Centre, Cinema Complex, Osborne Park Hospital, various other<br />
businesses and some residential areas. The centre employs some<br />
21,000 people and provides many commercial services for<br />
residents <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>/<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 68<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Economic Issues & Opportunities<br />
Commercial Development / Activity Corridor Development<br />
Network <strong>City</strong>, which intends to guide the future development <strong>of</strong><br />
Perth and Peel Region advocates the development <strong>of</strong> activity<br />
centres, <strong>of</strong> various sizes, which consist <strong>of</strong> numerous activity<br />
generators and a mix <strong>of</strong> land uses such as dining, entertainment,<br />
commercial facilities, <strong>of</strong>fice activity with excellent public transport<br />
and safe and attractive walking and cycling networks. These should<br />
be surrounded by medium to high-density residential development<br />
as to maximize the number <strong>of</strong> people who can access such facilities<br />
and services and local employment opportunities.<br />
There are opportunities to redevelop the Northlands Centre as an<br />
activity centre. This follows the outcomes <strong>of</strong> the community<br />
consultation with the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> area, whereby there were<br />
calls for a centre with more commercial and social activity, which<br />
functioned beyond 9-5 Monday to Saturday. This could provide an<br />
opportunity to link the two areas on each side <strong>of</strong> Wanneroo Road to<br />
make the centre more cohesive. Wanneroo Road could then form<br />
the activity corridor, with higher intensity mixed use development<br />
along it and good public transport.<br />
Meanwhile, there is a need to ensure that the many smaller<br />
commercial centres in the local area survive, as is reflected in the<br />
Draft <strong>Local</strong> Commercial Strategy. Many local centres over the <strong>City</strong><br />
have been adversely impacted through the development <strong>of</strong> “big-box<br />
centres”, which has resulted in the loss <strong>of</strong> small businesses;<br />
reduced access to retail and less convenient shopping for local<br />
residents.<br />
There are opportunities to redevelop Northlands in line with Network<br />
<strong>City</strong> principles<br />
The <strong>City</strong> also recognizes the need to ensure that local centres are<br />
inviting places to visit and shop. The <strong>City</strong>’s <strong>Local</strong> Centres<br />
Programme has been implemented in order to improve the urban<br />
form <strong>of</strong> local centres and looks to upgrade facilities. There may be<br />
scope for centres in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> area to be subject to works<br />
as part <strong>of</strong> this project.<br />
A desire was expressed within the community for <strong>Stirling</strong> Village on<br />
Cedric Street to become a community hub with quality commercial,<br />
community, residential and public open space amenities. As such,<br />
the centre could form the focus <strong>of</strong> a <strong>Local</strong> Centres Programme<br />
study. The development <strong>of</strong> adjacent vacant lots surrounding the<br />
centre to provide additional housing, and developing Sanderling<br />
Shearwater Reserve as an attractive community and<br />
environmentally sensitive park, would complement such efforts.<br />
There could also be work with the <strong>Stirling</strong> Business Association to<br />
facilitate business growth in the local area and ensure that it is<br />
responsive to community needs.<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 69<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong><br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong> serves an important role for local<br />
employment and service provision. Network <strong>City</strong> states that land<br />
use in industrial areas should remain predominantly industrial and<br />
be protected from encroachment by other land uses. However, the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> showrooms, “big-box” retail and commercial<br />
facilities, which for the most part are along <strong>Balcatta</strong> Road and<br />
Erindale Road, threaten the existence <strong>of</strong> industrial activity in the<br />
area.<br />
To facilitate the shift in activity, two “Mixed Business” corridors are<br />
being established along the major roads <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong>,<br />
these being Erindale and <strong>Balcatta</strong> Roads, which will provide for<br />
more commercial/<strong>of</strong>fice type development in-line with current<br />
trends, yet also develop higher visual amenity standards. The<br />
remaining portion <strong>of</strong> the area will be for industrial activity, to ensure<br />
adequate land is provided for this important business and<br />
employment sector.<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> Regional Centre<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>, in partnership with the Western Australian<br />
<strong>Plan</strong>ning Commission, is reviewing the <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Structure<br />
<strong>Plan</strong>. The review intends to facilitate cohesive combination <strong>of</strong><br />
residential, retail, <strong>of</strong>fice, entertainment, civic and open space uses<br />
within the Centre; incorporate a built form that is architecturally<br />
interesting; improve public transport and pedestrian access; create<br />
a ‘real heart’ for the centre and work to improve traffic management.<br />
The development <strong>of</strong> this centre will impact the levels <strong>of</strong> access to<br />
services and employment opportunities for those in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
Showroom and Commercial Development along <strong>Balcatta</strong> Road<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 70<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong> Proposed Zoning<br />
CITY OF STIRLING 71<br />
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN
Economic Outcomes to Achieve<br />
Desired Outcome for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Outcome 1<br />
The <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> has a thriving and sustainable business and<br />
economic environment with a variety <strong>of</strong> successful small<br />
and large commercial centres, activity corridors, major<br />
employment centres and home business.<br />
Outcome 2<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong> is a successful, innovative and<br />
inviting place to work and do business.<br />
Examples <strong>of</strong> current or potential actions to achieve this outcome<br />
Adopt the Network <strong>City</strong> principles <strong>of</strong> Activity Corridors and Activity<br />
Centres in locations such as Wanneroo Road, Main St, Karrinyup<br />
Road.<br />
Continue the debate with DPI and others in the development <strong>of</strong> Activity<br />
Corridors and centres.<br />
Increasing residential component <strong>of</strong> mixed use and Activity Centres<br />
<br />
from R40 to R80<br />
Investigate measures to encourage commercial and business owners<br />
to develop and operate in an environmentally responsible and<br />
sustainable way.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> continues to support appropriate applications for new and<br />
expanding businesses, in a timely manner and provides information<br />
and assistance to people wishing to develop a new business.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> continues to make the best use <strong>of</strong> technology to provide<br />
information and support to local business and to simplify the<br />
development approval process.<br />
A new ‘Mixed Business’ zone is established along the key road axis <strong>of</strong><br />
the industrial area to provide opportunities for new business.<br />
Land in the majority <strong>of</strong> the industrial area is zoned for traditional<br />
industrial type business to provide land for and protect such business<br />
<br />
activity.<br />
New design guidelines are introduced for Mixed Business and<br />
Industrial development in the area to improve the visual amenity <strong>of</strong> the<br />
area.<br />
The “garden industrial” character <strong>of</strong> the area is maintained, with<br />
landscaping and maintenance <strong>of</strong> private businesses, verges, medians<br />
and reserves.<br />
<br />
The <strong>City</strong> to continue working with the <strong>Stirling</strong> Business Association and<br />
the Small Business Centre in <strong>Balcatta</strong> to address the needs <strong>of</strong> local<br />
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usiness and to consolidate the business precinct as a leading support<br />
centre for business development.<br />
Outcome 3<br />
Northlands Shopping Centre is a successful mixed-use<br />
activity centre with high quality retail, dining, entertainment<br />
and housing in an attractive, vibrant setting.<br />
Consider providing incentives to encourage the creation <strong>of</strong> more mixed<br />
use centres capped to an appropriate scale.<br />
Seek to implement parking options that reflect local land uses to<br />
minimise conflict between commercial and residential areas.<br />
Ensure land use changes enhance the amenity <strong>of</strong> the local area.<br />
<br />
<br />
Prepare Revitalisation <strong>Plan</strong>s for major commercial centres in the area.<br />
Seek to better integrate community facilities in public places – shops,<br />
parks, other.<br />
Outcome 4<br />
<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre is a true ‘<strong>City</strong> Centre’ <strong>of</strong>fering excellent<br />
commercial, entertainment, employment, transport and<br />
community facilities to the <strong>Balcatta</strong> – <strong>Stirling</strong> community.<br />
Ensure the sustainable provision <strong>of</strong> public open space and<br />
infrastructure in areas <strong>of</strong> change to reflect proposed density changes.<br />
To continue work on <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong> Centre Structure <strong>Plan</strong> Review and to<br />
consider the impact this development has on the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Establish a commercial hub or civic centre on Council owned land<br />
along Cedric Street.<br />
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8. <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Movement Network<br />
Transport Pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
The movement network <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
constitutes its roads, footpaths, cycle routes, public transport and<br />
any other means <strong>of</strong> moving around, through and to and from the<br />
local area. Much <strong>of</strong> the road network has been established for<br />
many decades, however there is no consistent street pattern and<br />
many cul-de-sacs, which reduces the permeability (ability to move<br />
through) <strong>of</strong> the area. The northern suburbs rail line runs along the<br />
western boundary <strong>of</strong> the local area, with <strong>Stirling</strong> train station at the<br />
southwest edge. Residents south <strong>of</strong> Karrinyup Road are within<br />
1km/15 minutes walk <strong>of</strong> the station, however at its furthermost<br />
boundary residents are up to 3km away. A good level <strong>of</strong> bus<br />
services also surrounds the local area with frequent buses along<br />
Wanneroo Road, the Circle Route running along Karrinyup Road<br />
and numerous services from <strong>Stirling</strong> train station. However bus<br />
services coming through the local area are limited and infrequent.<br />
The majority <strong>of</strong> precincts, except for the industrial area, are fairly<br />
well serviced by footpaths, although the amount <strong>of</strong> cul-de-sacs<br />
reduces the walkability <strong>of</strong> the area.<br />
2% walk or drive. A small proportion <strong>of</strong> residents work from home,<br />
reducing the need for home/work trips.<br />
The local area also contains a number <strong>of</strong> workplaces, which provide<br />
good opportunities for people to work close to home, reducing the<br />
length <strong>of</strong> car trips and allowing for walking and cycling. However<br />
many workers in the <strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong> and the <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre travel from outside <strong>of</strong> the local area, and most are driving.<br />
Research has shown that approximately 85% <strong>of</strong> workers in the<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong> drive to work, and although <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Centre is close to the train station, only about 5% <strong>of</strong> workers take<br />
public transport to workplaces in that area. Anecdotal evidence<br />
also shows that most school children in the local area are driven to<br />
school, a TravelSmart programme with West <strong>Balcatta</strong> Primary in<br />
2006 showed that between 70-80% <strong>of</strong> students were driven to<br />
school, however there is potential for this to change through the<br />
TravelSmart programme.<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> community can currently be<br />
considered highly car reliant. Although residents and workers in the<br />
area have many transport choices and are fairly well served in<br />
terms <strong>of</strong> alternative transport choices, car use is by far the preferred<br />
means <strong>of</strong> transport. Approximately 60% <strong>of</strong> households in the local<br />
area have two or more cars and only 5% do not have a car at all.<br />
Approximately 70% <strong>of</strong> people in the area drive alone in a car to<br />
work, whilst only 4% <strong>of</strong> workers take public transport and less than<br />
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70.00%<br />
60.00%<br />
50.00%<br />
40.00%<br />
30.00%<br />
20.00%<br />
10.00%<br />
0.00%<br />
Vehicle driver<br />
Vehicle passenger<br />
Public transport<br />
Bike<br />
Walk<br />
Worked at home<br />
Travel mode to work <strong>of</strong> local area residents<br />
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Movement Network<br />
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Issues & Opportunities<br />
Sustainable Transport<br />
It is becoming increasingly evident that Perth’s current heavy<br />
reliance on single-occupant car use is unsustainable, due to issues<br />
such as a looming oil crisis, air pollution, global warming and traffic<br />
congestion. The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community is aware <strong>of</strong> these<br />
issues and would like to move towards more sustainable transport<br />
options. Whilst many residents and workers are heavily reliant on<br />
their cars, there is a strong desire for services, opportunities and<br />
encouragement to drive less.<br />
The major opportunity and priority is train services yet there is also<br />
strong community demand for increased bus services. <strong>Stirling</strong> Train<br />
Station is already a very busy station, thereby limiting opportunities<br />
for more bus services to connect with the station. Yet the <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
<strong>City</strong> Centre project, TravelSmart projects and the <strong>City</strong>’s relationship<br />
with the Perth Transport Authority could be used to maximise<br />
access to the train station, and to initiate a multi-faceted approach<br />
to station access consisting <strong>of</strong> parking, bus, cycling and walking<br />
access. The <strong>City</strong> can also encourage non-vehicle transport by<br />
planning for enhanced bus shelter provision and shared paths in the<br />
local area.<br />
A Connected Movement Network<br />
The <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> community would like a movement network<br />
that better connects all types <strong>of</strong> transport users to local community<br />
amenities, such as workplaces, shops, schools and parks. A well<br />
planned footpath and cycle network is the best system for providing<br />
local people with easy access to local facilities, however there is<br />
also strong interest in a shuttle bus, taking residents to places such<br />
as <strong>Stirling</strong> train station, Northlands shopping centre and Innaloo<br />
regional centre. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> could investigate the feasibility<br />
<strong>of</strong> this idea and investigate opportunities for shopping centres or<br />
other agencies to provide or partner in the service.<br />
Healthy and Social Transport Options<br />
The added benefit <strong>of</strong> more sustainable transport options is a more<br />
physically active and socially interactive community. Increasing<br />
walking and cycling in the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> will help to<br />
achieve the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>’s community vision <strong>of</strong> a more socially<br />
interactive, healthy, safe and vibrant place.<br />
Driving and Parking<br />
The main community priority for roads and driving in the area is<br />
safety, principally through reducing vehicle speeding on local<br />
streets, and efficient traffic movement on Karrinyup Road. The <strong>City</strong><br />
can utilise a number <strong>of</strong> community safety and traffic engineering<br />
initiatives to manage traffic, yet also relies on community input to<br />
identify problem areas. With regard to parking, the two areas <strong>of</strong><br />
concern are <strong>Stirling</strong> Train Station (adjacent to the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>) and<br />
the <strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong>. Parking shortages are experienced in<br />
both locations.<br />
TravelSmart<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> runs a range <strong>of</strong> “TravelSmart” programmes to<br />
encourage smarter travel choice. Projects, events and information<br />
are provided to encourage people to walk, cycle, car pool and take<br />
public transport. In 2006 West <strong>Balcatta</strong> Primary School set up a<br />
Walking School Bus with parents walking groups <strong>of</strong> students to<br />
school. During their TravelSmart Week, students were able to<br />
dramatically cut car travel, with one class reducing car trips from<br />
84% to 44%. <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> youth, residents and businesses<br />
have the opportunity to get involved in a number <strong>of</strong> TravelSmart<br />
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projects and the <strong>City</strong> can work with individuals and organisations to<br />
address transport issues.<br />
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Transport Outcomes to Achieve<br />
Desired Outcome for the <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
Outcome 1:<br />
Residents are choosing more environmentally friendly, healthy<br />
and sustainable transport options.<br />
Outcome 2:<br />
A Safe and attractive movement network that equitably provides<br />
for all different transport users and modes <strong>of</strong> transport.<br />
Outcome 3:<br />
A high quality bicycle and footpath network throughout the local<br />
area that links residents to key hubs and facilities – shops, parks,<br />
schools, work and the train station.<br />
Examples <strong>of</strong> current or potential actions to achieve this outcome<br />
Providing hard and s<strong>of</strong>t infrastructure that supports and encourages<br />
public transport use, walking and cycling; such as bus shelters, seats,<br />
paths and attractive, safe environments.<br />
The <strong>City</strong>’s TravelSmart Officer to continue to provide public transport,<br />
walking cycling and car-pooling programmes to local residents,<br />
workplaces and schools to educate and encourage sustainable<br />
<br />
transport use.<br />
The <strong>City</strong> to work with Perth Transit Authority to address parking and<br />
bus access issues at <strong>Stirling</strong> train station and to develop other<br />
TravelSmart initiatives to combat access problems.<br />
Investigate options for a shuttle bus or CAT style bus to access the<br />
train station or commercial centres e.g. a Westfield Innaloo shuttle bus.<br />
Promote <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> community safety, security and ranger services<br />
that are available to the local community.<br />
Host TravelSmart and driving/community safety information days or<br />
displays at local events and shopping centres.<br />
<br />
<br />
Continue to work on ‘anti-hoon’ projects with local residents and police<br />
Investigate measures for property developers to contribute to a quality<br />
movement network, such as footpath development, street trees and<br />
awnings.<br />
Continue to strengthen the cycling network as part <strong>of</strong> the Perth Bicycle<br />
Network and promote cycling in the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
Continue to support resident’s request for new footpaths and plan for<br />
links to key hubs and facilities.<br />
Maintenance <strong>of</strong> verges and increase street trees and amenity along<br />
major routes to provide attractive, shaded walking environments.<br />
Investigate the potential for pedestrian phases at traffic lights along<br />
Karrinyup Road and Wanneroo Road.<br />
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9. <strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> Key Opportunities<br />
Key Opportunities Map<br />
The following “<strong>Balcatta</strong>-<strong>Stirling</strong> Key Opportunities Map” illustrates<br />
some <strong>of</strong> the major opportunities for the local area over the<br />
implementation phase <strong>of</strong> this document, the <strong>Balcatta</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>. The <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> will be implemented over the<br />
coming 10-15 year period, through actions devised to accomplish<br />
the “Outcomes to Achieve” listed throughout the plan. Throughout<br />
the plan many actions, activities, programmes, ideas and events<br />
have been discussed. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong>, with the help <strong>of</strong><br />
community members and other agencies, will seek to implement<br />
these initiatives by examining the opportunities, costs and support<br />
for different actions and how they can be integrated into all the<br />
other important work the <strong>City</strong> does for its residents and businesses<br />
across the <strong>City</strong>.<br />
The following plan shows the major opportunities to achieve the<br />
desired outcomes and community vision for the future <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Balcatta</strong> <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong>:<br />
‣ Further establishing the <strong>Stirling</strong> Village precinct as a Community<br />
Hub with shops, medical services and spaces for <strong>of</strong>fices and<br />
cafes, within an attractive setting. This will be a key location for<br />
people to access amenities and to meet and socialise. The<br />
attraction and success <strong>of</strong> this hub can be strengthened by<br />
developing adjacent vacant lots, some additional housing and<br />
developing Sanderling Shearwater Reserve as an attractive<br />
community and environmentally sensitive park.<br />
‣ Northlands Shopping Centre precinct developing as a true<br />
“Activity Centre” in-line with Network <strong>City</strong> principles, with more<br />
diversity <strong>of</strong> land use and activity that extends beyond 9-5<br />
Monday to Saturday. A more attractive/exciting environment and<br />
more people living nearby would help this Activity Centre to be<br />
more successful.<br />
‣ Wanneroo Road developing as an “Activity Corridor” in-line with<br />
Network <strong>City</strong> principles <strong>of</strong> medium to high density housing,<br />
mixed use, dining and entertainment, commercial and <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
activity with excellent public transport and safe and attractive<br />
walking and cycling networks.<br />
‣ Two “Mixed Business” corridors being established along the<br />
major roads <strong>of</strong> <strong>Balcatta</strong> Industrial <strong>Area</strong> which will provide for<br />
more commercial/<strong>of</strong>fice type development in-line with current<br />
trends, yet also develop with higher visual amenity. The<br />
remaining portion <strong>of</strong> the area will be for industrial activity, to<br />
ensure adequate land is provided for industrial activity<br />
‣ Providing opportunities for additional housing in locations that<br />
provide access to the train station, Northlands and <strong>Stirling</strong><br />
Village Shopping Centres and bus services on Wanneroo Road.<br />
Increased population in these areas will also provide support for<br />
these important amenities.<br />
‣ Protecting wetlands such as Cedric Grebe and Spoonbill-<br />
Shearwater across the local area, managing changing<br />
environmental circumstances and recognising their historical,<br />
community and environmental value.<br />
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<strong>Balcatta</strong> – <strong>Stirling</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Area</strong> Key Opportunities Map<br />
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