Balcatta Stirling Local Area Plan - City of Stirling

Spoonbill Lakes Bio-remediation Model
A large portion of the chain of wetlands that cover the metropolitan
region is located within the City of Stirling, particularly in the
suburbs of Gwelup, Stirling and Herdsman. Over the last decade
there have been increasing concerns over the impact acid sulphate
soils have had on wetlands and water quality and the City has
undertaken significant research into comprehending the nature of
acid sulphate soils, the extent of their occurrence, their impact on
waterways, and methods for remediating acidified or contaminated
soils and water. Wetlands in the Balcatta-Stirling Local Area have
been affected by such problems and the City is developing a bioremediation
model in collaboration with Edith Cowan and Curtin
Universities for Spoonbill Lake. The bio-remediation model will
seek to establish an effective method for rehabilitating the lake,
which may then be used for other wetlands experiencing similar
problems.
Local Area Public Open Space Plan
Development of parks and reserves in the locality will be guided in
the future by the City’s forthcoming Public Open Space Strategy.
This strategy will be used to guide an inventory, assessment, and
classification of all reserves in each local area, with a subsequent
plan for the future management and development of the reserves
being prepared. A review of public open space in the Balcatta
Local Area will commence following the adoption of the City-wide
strategy. This review will facilitate the development of a public open
space plan to guide the development of facilities in parks and
reserves in the Balcatta-Stirling Local Area. The plan will also
identify specific parks which are considered appropriate locations
for developing ‘Community Parks’ – these are medium sized parks
in accessible locations which will be developed with facilities and
landscaping to encourage social activities and community
interaction – such as BBQ’s, toilets and shade shelters. The
proposed plan will be advertised for community input.
TravelSmart
An innovative travel behaviour programme has recently been
introduced to the City of Stirling. TravelSmart is a WA communitybased
program that helps individuals, schools and workplaces
make smarter choices about the way they travel. The programme
uses a range of different projects to promote alternatives to car use
and encourages people to swap one or two of their weekly car
journeys to a smarter, more sustainable form of transport, such as
walking, cycling, public transport or car-pooling. Being TravelSmart
has a number of benefits, including increased physical activity and
fitness, more activity in local communities, less traffic, saving petrol,
decreased pollution and less greenhouse gas emissions.
A range of different TravelSmart programmes, with residents,
workplaces and schools are currently being initiated across the City.
Schools in the Balcatta-Stirling Local Area can be assisted by the
City’s TravelSmart officer to set up a ‘Walking School Bus’ or
develop their own school-specific plan, whilst companies and other
workplaces can also be assisted to develop a Green Transport Plan
for their workplace.
Follow My Lead
The City of Stirling launched the ‘Follow My Lead’ walking group
project in 2006. This community-based programme is designed to
increase the physical activity levels of residents whilst also
encouraging responsible dog ownership in the local community.
‘Follow My Lead’ aims to get City of Stirling residents of all ages
walking both for exercise and social interaction, where local
residents meet up for regular walks at a nearby reserve. The
programme also encourages people to bring their dogs along as
well, although dog ownership is not necessary to join a group.
‘Follow my lead’ walking groups are set up at various parks and
reserves around the City and there are currently two walking groups
operating in the Balcatta-Stirling locality.
CITY OF STIRLING 36
BALCATTA-STIRLING LOCAL AREA PLAN