KARRINYUP / GWELUP Local Area Plan - City of Stirling

KARRINYUP / GWELUP 

Local Area Plan

Foreword 

As part of the City’s ongoing commitment to planning for a better future for City of Stirling residents, I am pleased to be able to present the 

Karrinyup – Gwelup Local Area Plan. This Plan is the product of the City’s Local Area Planning project, a project which is chan ging the way 

we plan for the future. 

Local Area Planning is a m ore localised and responsive approach to the way we plan for the fut ure of the City . This plan reflects the values 

and vision of the residents of the Local Area. The outcomes and actions outlined within this plan were formulated through extensive 

community consultation workshops, including surveys and engagement w ith community stakeholders. The City is confident that this plan will 

provide residents of the Karrinyup – Gwelup Local Area with a clear vision for the future of their area over the next 15 to 20 years. 

The community vision for the Karrinyup – Gwelup Local Area is: 

‘An area that is interactive and vibrant, with a strong sense of community spirit and responsibility. It is a supportive caring community that 

supports all ages, young and old. The environment is enhanced by parks, bushland and biodiversity corridors with a community that cares and 

is proud of their environment’. 

The Karrinyup – Gw elup Local Area plays an important role w iithin the City of Stirling. The Local Area has a mix of regional and community based facilities located 

within its boundaries. This plan has been created to ensure the needs of the local community are met while ensuring the L ocal Area continues to contr ibute to the 

wider metropolitan area. 

This plan will also assist the City’s business units to prioritise and budget for various projects that will assist in achieving the desired outcomes for the Local Area. 

An implementation plan is currently being prepared, w hich will mobilise the agreed outcomes of this plan. The various business units of th e City will incorporate the 

outcomes of the implementation plans into of their annual business unit planning. The implementation plans w ill be reviewed every three years to ensure the 

outcomes are met in a timely fashion. 

Realising the vision of the Karrinyup – Gwelup Local Area is a joint effort. Council has already extensively consulted the community in preparing this plan; however, 

we welcome your ideas, comments and questions. More information on the Karrinyup - Gwelup Local Area Plan is available on the City’s website 

www.stirling.wa.gov.au/Local+Area+Planning/, via email localareaplanning@stirling.wa.gov.au, or by contacting the City on 9205 8555. 

Councillor David Boothman 

Mayor 

City of Stirling 

CITY OF STIRLING 1 

KARRINYUP-GWELUP LOCAL AREA PLAN 

February 2010

Contents 

Part 1: Summary and Outcomes 

Executive Summary......………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………. 6 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Plan Outcomes Table……..………………………………………………………………………………………..…. 9 

Part 2: Introduction 

Introduction……………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………............13 

Planning Context…………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………………………......17 

Part 3: Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area 

Study Area………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 20 

Historical Overview………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22 

Regional Context………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 24 

Plans and Projects………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27 

Community and Cultural Development Profile……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. .28 

Natural Environment Profile…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 34 

Built Environment Profile………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 38 

Economic Development Profile……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….... 41 

Transport and Movement Network Profile………………………………………………………………………………………………………….... .44 

Part 4: Community Engagement Process 

Community Engagement Process……………………………………………………………………………………………………......………........ 50 

Community Priorities…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 52 

Community Vision…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………57 

Part 5: Focus Areas 

Community & Cultural Development Issues & Opportunities……..…………………………………………………………………………........59 

Outcomes………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......63 



February 2010

Natural Environment Issues & Opportunities………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….....64 

Outcomes………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....67 

Built Environment Issues & Opportunities…………………………………………………………………………………..……………………... 68 

Outcomes………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….71 

Economic Development Issues & Opportunities …………………………………………………………………………………………………...73 

Outcomes………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....76 

Transport & Movement Network Issues & Opportunities…………………………..……………………………………………………………...77 

Outcomes………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….80 

Part 6: Key Opportunities 

Key Opportunities Map…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..82 

Part 7: Appendices 

Flora of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….84 



February 2010

Part 1: 

Summary & Outcomes 



February 2010

Executive Summary 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Plan is the first comprehensive, 

community based plan the City of Stirling has produced for this 

locality. The plan has been produced as part of the City’s Local 

Area Planning program, which provides a local focus by 

concentrating on a defined locality. This allows for holistic 

consideration of social, economic and environmental issues and 

unique opportunities in each Local Area and integrates the 

outcomes of community engagement with the City’s broader 

strategic objectives. Local Area Planning also acknowledges that 

the City is not uniform in character and function and that community 

values and issues of concern can vary from place to place. 

The plan presents a detailed profile of the Local Area and how it 

relates to the wider metropolitan area. This provides the context for 

analysing potential future direction for the area. The plan then 

combines empirical planning research with outcomes of the 

community engagement process and visions for the Local Area 

within the community. The plan then instigates achievable actions 

to work towards the realisation of the community’s vision. The plan 

also serves as a reference guide and decision making tool for the 

City’s business units, Council, landowners and the community. 

The Local Area 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is a western locality within the 

City of Stirling, 12km north-west of the Perth City Centre and 

between only 1.5km and 4.5km from the coastline. It is bounded 

by the Mitchell Freeway to the east, Balcatta Road and North 

Beach Road to the north, Marmion Avenue and Elliot Road to the 

west, and Newborough Street and Karrinyup Road to the south. 

The Local Area consists of the suburbs of Karrinyup and Gwelup 

and covers approximately 930 hectares. The Local Area is fairly 

uniform in land use character, with mostly low-density residential 

development with pockets of medium density housing. The 

Karrinyup Regional Centre serves as the major activity centre 

within the Local Area, providing commercial and civic facilities 

including the Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Library and Sports 

Centre. The Balcatta Industrial Area and Stirling Regional Centre 

provide additional opportunity for commercial and civic facilities 

and employment opportunities. 

Community engagement 

The local community’s input has been central to the development of 

the plan. This follows the intentions of the State Government’s 

Network City – Community Planning Strategy for Perth and Peel 

and recognises that many residents and business operators have a 

keen interest in planning for the future of their neighbourhoods. 

Community input not only allows planning for the local area to be 

more responsive to local needs and opportunities, but also aims to 

build capacity in the local area and the sharing of ideas and 

experiences. 

Community surveys and two community forums were held so that 

the ideas, concerns and aspirations of community members could 

be raised and discussed. People were also able to submit 

comments or petitions. The surveys sought to reliably measure the 

values, attitudes and priorities of community members and to 

initiate more in-depth deliberation at the community forums. 



February 2010

Discussion then led to the identification of priorities and preferences 

and development of the following vision statement: 

The community vision for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is an 

area that is interactive and vibrant, with a strong sense of 

community spirit and responsibility. It is a supportive caring 

community that supports all ages, young and old. The environment 

is enhanced by parks, bushland and biodiversity corridors with a 

community that cares and is proud of their environment. 

The Community 

As of 2006 the Local Area’s population was 11,173 people. The key 

defining demographic characteristics of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local 

Area are its predominantly family household structure and higher 

income levels relative to most other areas of the City of Stirling and 

the Perth Metropolitan Area. 

Development within the Local Area was relatively slow and the land 

was mainly used for market gardening or remained as bushland 

well into the 20th Century. Lake Karrinyup Country Club was the 

only major development in the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area until 

the 1950s, this having been established in 1929. 

The community forums and survey responses gave a significant 

indication that the remnant bushland and market garden history 

could be a defining feature of the Local Area, which compliments 

the environmentally conscious population living there. 

Natural Environment 

There are many reserves interspersed throughout the area, for 

active recreation, large and small areas of natural bushland, 

community social spaces and smaller parks for passive recreation. 

The environmental and social value of each space varies with the 

size, use and quality of these reserves. 

Maintaining the green nature and character of the Local Area was 

revealed as a very important priority for the community. Although 

Lake Gwelup Reserve was specifically identified as a favourite 

place in the Local Area, it was also indicated that further 

maintenance and improvement were necessary for the Lake and 

surrounding area. Environmental sustainability was a key theme 

that emerged from the community engagement process. The Local 

Area character could be further enhanced with the celebration and 

maintenance of the local market gardening and natural area 

vegetation history. 

Housing and Built Environment 

The City’s District Planning Scheme No.2 zones the majority of the 

residential component of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area as 

Residential R20, with some small pockets of Residential R25, R30, 

R35 and R40. The largest of these pockets is an R30 area which 

extends to the north and east of Karrinyup Shopping Centre and on 

the South side of Karrinyup Road between Huntriss and Miles 

Street. 

Karrinyup Shopping Centre is part of the larger Karrinyup Regional 

Centre which was indicated as the ‘heart’ of the Local Area during 

the community surveys and workshops. Karrinyup Regional Centre 

has been identified as an appropriate spot for after-hours cafés, 

restaurants and entertainment facilities. This would enhance the 

overall community feel and safety of the area, as levels of social 

interaction would increase with service after normal hours; also 

increasing the vibrancy, diversity and energy of the heart of the 

area. 

Economic Environment 

Most Local Area residents work beyond the Local Area itself – 

reflective of the residential nature of the area. Only 12% of the local 

population work in the area, whereas 46% of the local population 

work in the Perth CBD or surrounding inner-city precincts. 



February 2010

Although the current role of the Local Area is mostly residential, 

there are two commercial centres in the Local Area. These are 

Karrinyup Regional Centre and Gwelup Plaza. Community 

engagement indicated that both are important to the community, 

with Karrinyup Regional Centre also identified as the heart of the 

Local Area. 

Movement Network 

Transport infrastructure in the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is 

primarily focused on accessibility for motor vehicles. Although 

walking and cycling paths in the Local Area are quite extensive, the 

majority of trips made among Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area 

residents are by private vehicle. This reflects Perth Metropolitan 

Area-wide trends and the general lack of access for alternate 

modes of transport in the region and the Local Area. The use of 

alternate modes is slightly higher when trips are made within the 

Local Area (e.g. to Karrinyup Shopping Centre), but car use still 

dominates such trips. 

Key Opportunities 

The key opportunities which have been identified through the 

process include: - 

• Further establishing the Karrinyup Regional Centre as a 

community hub which provides a range of commercial and 

social facilities both during the day and in the evening 

• Maintaining the character of the Local Area by retaining the 

majority of residential density and limiting rezoning to small 

and key locations 

• Improve the environmental sustainability in the area through 

creating sustainable building guidelines and promoting 

sustainable transport options 

• Maintaining the natural environment in the Local Area 

through maintenance and improvement programs. 

The community engagement processes revealed that most 

residents were aware of the need to reduce private-vehicle 

dependency and are generally quite supportive of increasing the 

level and access to public transport. The existing walking and 

cycling paths were highlighted as quite extensive and aesthetically 

pleasing and walking/cycling could potentially become preferred 

travel methods around the area. 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Community Vision 

The community vision for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is an area that is interactive and vibrant, with a 

strong sense of community spirit and responsibility. It is a supportive caring community that supports all ages, 

young and old. The environment is enhanced by parks, bush land and biodiversity corridors with a community 

that cares and is proud of their environment. 



February 2010

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Plan Outcomes Table 

This outcomes table provides a snapshot of the outcomes to achieve over the 10-15 year lifespan of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Plan. 

Designed to realise the community vision for the Local Area, and based upon priorities ascertained through community engagement, the 

outcomes listed below will form the basis of annually prepared Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Implementation Plans. All actions within this 

Implementation Plan will be developed in relation to outcomes below. 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Community & Culture Outcomes to Achieve 

Outcome 1 

Karrinyup Regional Centre is developed as a community hub or heart, with a mix of uses that provide opportunities for people to live, work, 

socialise and recreate within their Local Area. 

Outcome 2 

A strong sense of community is developed through provision of entertainment and evening amenities such as cafes and restaurants that 

provide places to socialise and community activities and events that enable everyone to be involved. 

Outcome 3 

Recreation and leisure facilities and community social events and activities support enhanced lifestyle choices for all sectors of the community. 

Outcome 4 

The strong ‘family’ character of the area is built on, as people are welcome to become involved in community activities and groups and public 

spaces remain safe and welcoming. 



February 2010

Karrinyup-Gwelup Natural Environment Outcomes to Achieve 

Outcome 1 

The character of the Local Area is strengthened through environmentally sustainable, well-maintained, leafy and green streetscapes, front 

gardens and verges. 

Outcome 2 

Lake Gwelup Reserve and surrounds is a special place for community members, with high conservation and social value as a place of 

environmental care and community involvement. 

Outcome 3 

Open spaces such as parks and natural areas are well-maintained and ecologically sustainable places. 

Outcome 4 

Public open space is also community open space, where different sectors of the community can interact informally and through events and 

projects. 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Built Environment Outcomes to Achieve 

Outcome 1 

A diverse range of housing types including retirement, smaller and affordable houses ensures a range of people, are able to reside in the Local 

Area. 

Outcome 2 

The overall character of the built environment is maintained, while increasing the sustainability of houses and non-residential development 

designs. 

Outcome 3 

The Karrinyup Regional Centre is a vibrant social hub during the day and also after hours, as increased development potential is focussed 

around the Centre and existing public transport routes. 



February 2010

Karrinyup-Gwelup Economic Outcomes to Achieve 

Outcome 1 

A wider range of small local enterprises such as home businesses, corner shops and markets are supported, better meeting the needs of the 

community within its Local Area. 

Outcome 2 

Centres expand their role beyond retail provision, offering a mix of goods, services and meeting places that integrate with supportive surrounding 

land uses. 

Outcome 3 

Evening and entertainment activities enable people to meet and recreate locally both day and night. 

Outcome 4 

The economic development potential of the area is realised through the City of Stirling and the Karrinyup Regional Centre owners/managers 

working together to further integrate the Centre with surrounding land. 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Transport and Movement Network Outcomes to Achieve 

Outcome 1 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is a model of sustainability through its sustainable transport behaviour, as people are able to travel across and 

through the area on foot, bicycle and by public transport. 

Outcome 2 

The transport network is safe for all users, with good maintenance, traffic management, streetscapes and building design contributing to people’s 

sense of security. 

Outcome 3 

An integrated transport network results in well connected pedestrian and cycle paths, integration of different modes of transport, and integration of 

transport with key locations. 

Outcome 4 

Parking management, access and safety issues are addressed through major developments and redevelopments within the Local Area. 



February 2010

Part 2: 

Introduction 



February 2010

Introduction 

What is Local Area Planning? 

Local Area Planning is a contemporary approach to planning that 

concentrates on planning for a defined area, rather than broad 

plans that cover the entire City, or strategies based on individual 

issues. This approach allows a comprehensive range of issues to 

be considered at both the local and regional level and addresses 

these issues through integrated planning strategies. It requires a 

holistic approach to planning which seeks to incorporate 

stakeholders and community members into the planning process in 

a collaborative approach to community building. Local Area 

Planning is a proactive, rather than reactive, process that enables 

the integration of social, environmental and economic initiatives into 

one plan that guides both the short and longer term direction of a 


This method of planning is used extensively in Australia and 

internationally and is increasing in prominence in Western Australia, 

both within local governments and State planning agencies. Local 

Area Planning is similar to ‘precinct planning’ or ‘place planning’ in 

that it involves preparing a plan for an identified geographical area 

in order to facilitate development, change or better management 

within that area. The size of the subject area can vary – boundaries 

can be defined by a number of criteria, such as land use, character, 

population and identified boundaries. However the size of the area 

selected is based more so on management systems and the 

objectives of the project. 

The Local Area Planning system acknowledges that the City is not 

uniform in character and function and that community values and 

issues of concern can vary from place to place. A focus on smaller 

areas allows local issues and the uniqueness of the area to be 

explored in greater depth, whilst still considering the impact of the 

area’s regional context. The process also enables closer, more 

comprehensive consultation with the local community at the start of 

the planning process, rather than just imposing plans on 

communities. More community involvement also creates a better 

exchange of knowledge and experiences between the City and its 

residents and among community members themselves, thus 

building better understanding and stronger ties. 

Another major objective of Local Area Planning is that it facilitates 

integrated planning - different disciplines and stakeholders working 

together on one plan that addresses many issues or topics. This 

requires stakeholders to share information and their objectives or 

aspirations for the area and enables them to work together to 

develop common goals for the future direction of the area. 

Integrated planning can avoid the conflicts and contradictions which 

can often arise when issues are addressed in isolation to one 

another. The City’s Local Area Plans are not just planning 

department documents, they are strategies, reference documents 

and decision making guides for all the City’s business units, for 

Council, developers, land owners and the community. 



February 2010

The 12 Local Area s of the City of Stirling 



February 2010

Principles and Objectives of Local Area Planning 

The Local Area Planning Process is guided by the following principles and objectives 

Principles 

Sustainability 

Sustainability integrates positive community, environmental and economic 

outcomes to provide quality of life for today’s and tomorrow’s communities. 

Accessibility 

Planning should maximise opportunities for community members of varied 

abilities and backgrounds to access the facilities and services they require. 

Diversity and Choice 

Planning should provide for diverse community needs, including housing 

and employment, and build on the strengths that diversity in communities 

affords. 

Community Building 

Planning should work to create and enhance places that people feel 

connected to and foster interaction between community members. 

Appropriateness 

Good planning is sensitive to what is appropriate for an area, with regard to 

regional context and practices. 

Objectives 

• To develop a commonly embraced ‘vision’ for each Local Area which 

recognises areas of local significance and key attributes contributing to 

each area’s sense of place; 

• To identify issues of priority to local communities and work with them 

to develop practical solutions to these, within the context of a regional 

framework; 

• To review key planning issues, policies and forces acting on Local 

Areas within the City, and develop a coordinated response to these; 

• To identify specific ‘opportunities’ and ‘constraints’ within each Local 

Area and develop strategies to address these; 

• To foster open lines of communication between the City and the 

community; 

• To create a sound and comprehensible statutory and strategic 

planning framework for each Local Area to allow realisation of the 

vision for the 

area; and 

• To help ensure that each Local Area operates in a sustainable way 

and in accord with surrounding precincts and other areas of influence. 



February 2010

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Planning Process 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area has been the fifth area to be 

subject to the Local Area Planning Process. The Karrinyup-Gwelup 

Local Area includes the suburbs of Karrinyup and Gwelup. It is 

bounded by the Mitchell Freeway to the east, Balcatta Road and 

North Beach Road to the north, Marmion Avenue and Elliot Road to 

the west, and Newborough Street and Karrinyup Road to the south. 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Planning Project commenced in 

mid 2008. Community engagement with the Karrinyup-Gwelup 

community was conducted between May 2008 and June 2008 and 

used a number of techniques to inform, motivate and engage the 

community in the project. The major components of the consultation 

phase included community surveys and two community forums held 

at the Karrinyup Recreation Centre and City of Stirling 

Administrative Centre. 

The information gathered from these events was then collated and 

analysed for incorporation into this plan (the key results are 

presented in Chapter 3). In addition to the information gathered 

from community input, considerable research on the Local Area 

was also conducted to provide information both to the community 

and for this plan. The preparation of this Local Area Plan has also 

involved analysis of a wide variety of documents, plans and policies 

that affect the area, the City of Stirling and the Perth metropolitan 

region. The resulting plan thus provides a synthesis of strategic 

planning documents and community aspirations. Another integral 

aspect of preparing this plan was working with the City’s Business 

Units and other relevant stakeholders to discuss local issues, 

opportunities and community priorities to develop widely supported 

and achievable outcomes for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area. 

The Library Display at the Karrinyup Library helped to inform 

people interested in the Local Area Planning project. 



February 2010

Planning Context 

The planning frameworks that are in place over the Perth Metropolitan Area and the City 

of Stirling must be accounted for as part of Local Area Planning. This helps to ensure that 

the Plan is consistent with broader policy and strategic objectives and enables us to 

achieve these. 

State Sustainability Strategy 

Hope for the Future: The Western Australian State Sustainability 

Strategy has been developed to facilitate a whole‐of‐government 

approach to promote sustainability in government, private sector 

and community activities. Local Area Planning similarly aims to 

address community, environmental and economic needs in an 

integrated manner. Local Area Planning can contribute to the 

realisation of the State Sustainability Strategy objectives through 

the development of sustainability and regeneration initiatives; 

facilitating the creation of a high‐quality built environment and 

public places which contribute to the development of a strong 

sense of place; building social capital though public participation in 

plan‐making; and by focusing on partnership‐building between 

State and local governments and other institutions. 

State Planning Strategy 

The State Planning Strategy (1997) is prepared and administered 

by the Western Australian Planning Commission and the 

Department for Planning and Infrastructure to guide planning, 

development, resource protection and conservation across the 

State. The Strategy sets out criteria for plans such as Local Area 

Plans in order to deliver on Strategy objectives. These include 

the encouragement of mixed‐use development, a range of 

housing densities and public transport use; developing central 

community focal points; ensuring that community engagement 

occurs in the planning process; and that environmental issues 

are considered in plan preparation. 

The three interrelated pillars 

of sustainability 

Metropolitan Region 

Scheme 

The Metropolitan Region 

Scheme (1963) is the 

overarching statutory planning 

scheme for the Perth 

metropolitan region and 

establishes provisions for 

development control across 

the region. Local government 

schemes are to be consistent 

with zonings of the MRS. 

Network City 

Network City: Community Planning Strategy for Perth and Peel was released in 

2004 to guide planning and development over the region for the next 30 years. 

The Strategy was developed in response to anticipated population growth, 

changing community expectations of the planning system, and the need for a 

more sustainable Perth region. Network City is based on reinforcement or 

development of ‘activity corridors’ (major roads with good public transport 

where activity clusters) and ‘activity centres’ (key commercial and employment 

centres), with land use, housing and transport systems developed to support 

this network. The Strategy was also developed through participatory decisionmaking 

and advocates this approach as part of future plan development. 

Network City objectives that are relevant to Local Area Planning include: 

• Accommodate urban growth primarily within a network city pattern; 

• Align transport systems and land use to optimise accessibility and amenity; 

• Protect and enhance the natural environment, open spaces and heritage; 

and 

• Plan with the communities. 

Bush Forever 

Bush Forever is a State government 

strategy for the conservation of 

bushland and natural environments 

across Perth. The Strategy aims to 

protect ten percent of each of the 26 

different types of vegetation complexes 

originally found on the Swan Coastal 

Plain, and to conserve threatened 

ecological communities. The Strategy 

identifies valued public or privately 

owned sites across the region that 

should be reserved, maintained or 

rehabilitated for conservation and/or 

recreation purposes. 

Network City ‐ Conceptual Map 



February 2010

Planning Context 

Local Planning Strategy 

The City’s draft Local Planning Strategy has been prepared 

to facilitate the review of the current District Planning 

Scheme and to provide the basis for more specific planning 

strategies. Local Area Planning should help deliver on the 

following objectives:- 

• To facilitate development of a housing mix 

appropriate to changing community structure, 

expectations and needs; 

• To retain and enhance the vitality, amenity and 

level of service of the existing shopping centre 

hierarchy; 

• To appropriately respond to current economic 

trends; 

• To assist in the protection of the City’s ecological 

and environmental assets; 

• Promote choice, sustainability and sense of place 

in the built environment; 

• Facilitate the provision of community services and 

recreational facilities that are robust enough to 

meet changing needs; and 

• Promote optimum use and benefit of existing and 

future infrastructure. 

Housing Strategy 

The City is currently preparing a Local Housing 

Strategy to guide the future development of 

housing and residential lots across the City and 

establish what changes or improvements are 

needed in planning schemes and policies to 

provide more housing choice and a more 

sustainable built environment. The housing 

strategy will inform any plans for changing 

residential densities within the City. 

Commercial Strategy 

The draft Local Commercial Strategy identifies 

objectives for different types of commercial 

centres and guides the planning of these 

activity nodes, including limitations on 

expansion, centres that require specific action 

or improvement, and supporting services and 

facilities. Having been based on the 

Metropolitan Centres Policy, it is likely that the 

Commercial Strategy will be reviewed to be in 

accord with Network City. 

Public Open Space Strategy 

Development and management of parks and 

reserves in the locality will now be guided by the 

City’s Public Open Space Strategy. This strategy 

is used to guide an inventory, assessment, and 

classification of all reserves in each Local Area 

as well. Further plans will aim to produce an 

accessible network of public open spaces that 

offer varying levels of local sport and recreational 

opportunities for each Local Area. 

Industrial Areas in Transition 

Management Strategy 

In 2004 the City adopted a strategy to manage 

and control development in industrial areas. It 

proposes a containment of showroom activity 

along major roads in order to maintain existing 

industrial activity, provide diverse local 

employment opportunities and mitigate 

associated traffic and amenity issues. 

Integrated Transport Strategy 

An Integrated Transport Strategy is currently 

being developed to facilitate increased 

accessibility for all members of the community, 

through resource efficient and sustainable 

approaches to transport planning. Key principles 

underlying the strategy are reducing car 

dependency, increasing public transport use and 

increasing pedestrian and cyclist amenity. The 

strategy examines the relationship between land 

use and transportation, and establishes ways to 

improve access and transport options between 

homes, workplaces, commercial centres and 

other activity nodes. 

Seniors and Youth Strategies 

District Planning Scheme No. 2 

The City recognises that different sectors of the 

District Planning Scheme No. 2 provides the key statutory community have different needs and that 

planning framework for the City. It establishes zoning of specific strategies are needed to adequately 

land, uses and development permitted on that land, and plan for different groups. The City has adopted 

development standards such as parking and setback a Children’s and Youth Strategy and is 

requirements for industrial or commercial development, and preparing a Seniors Plan. These strategies will 

also includes provisions for heritage protection and detailed direct the provision of specific services and 

requirements for special precincts. Various policies to facilities for different age groups, as well as 

control development have also been adopted under the look at measures for enhancing quality of life 

Scheme. Following a review of the Scheme, Local Planning and community interaction for these groups. 

Scheme No. 3 was prepared, and advertised in late 2007. It 

is now awaiting final endorsement from the Western 

Australian Planning Commission. 



February 2010

Part 3: 

‘ 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area 



February 2010

Study area 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is a western locality within the 

City of Stirling, 12km north-west of the Perth City Centre and 

between only 1.5km and 4.5km from the coastline. It is bounded 

by the Mitchell Freeway to the east, Balcatta Road and North 

Beach Road to the north, Marmion Avenue and Elliot Road to the 

west, and Newborough Street and Karrinyup Road to the south. 

The Local Area consists of the suburbs of Karrinyup and Gwelup 

and covers approximately 930 hectares. 

The Local Area is fairly uniform in land use character, with mostly 

low-density residential development. The area does contain 

pockets of medium density housing and some unit development 

and aged care facilities. The character is also constructed through 

a variety of housing styles interspersed throughout the Local Area 

including development from the 1960s and 70s, remnants of 

market garden housing and modern housing estates. The Local 

Area contains large green spaces throughout, adding to the 

character and natural feel. 

The Karrinyup Regional Centre serves as the major activity centre 

within the Local Area, providing commercial and civic facilities 

including the Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Library and Karrinyup 

Recreation Centre. The Balcatta Industrial Area and Stirling 

Regional Centre provide additional opportunity for commercial 

and civic facilities and employment opportunities. 

Key Amenities in the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area include: 

Shopping Centres 

• Karrinyup Shopping Centre 

• Gwelup Plaza 

Major Parks and Reserves 

• Lake Gwelup Reserve 

• Trigg Bushland Reserve 

• Lake Karrinyup 

• Careniup Swamp 

• Lake Karrinyup Country Club 

• Hamersley Golf Course 

Schools 

• St Mary Anglican Girls’ School 

• Deanmore Primary School 

• Newborough Primary School 

• Our Lady of Good Counsel Primary School 

• Gwelup Primary School 

• Karrinyup Primary School 

• Perth Bible College 

Community Facilities 

• Karrinyup Library 

• Karrinyup Community Centre 

• Colin Moore Resource Centre 

• Karrinyup Recreation Centre 



February 2010

Please note that the Local Area Map gives a general indication of the layout of the Local Area and should not be considered an exact depiction 

of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area. 



February 2010

Historical Overview 

The City of Stirling acknowledges that the indigenous community 

are the traditional landowners and had complete stewardship of the 

land within the City’s bounds prior to European occupation and 

settlement. Oral and written histories clarify this and identify 

numerous sites of cultural significance in the Karrinyup-Gwelup 

Local Area which have led to many registered heritage sites across 

the City. Lake Gwelup is a registered site with the Department of 

Indigenous Affairs as Aboriginal artefacts have been discovered 

there, in addition to Lake Gwelup being recognised as a place of 

great ceremonial significance. 

The name “Karrinyup” was derived from “Careniup” swamp which is 

located in the northeast of the Local Area. “Careniup” is an 

Aboriginal word purportedly meaning “the place where bush 

kangaroos graze”. Surveyor P. Chauncey gave the lake this name 

during his survey of the area in 1844. The name was modified to its 

present form in 1929 when Lake Karrinyup Country Club was 

developed, “Karrinyup” being an Aboriginal word meaning “the 

place where kangaroos graze”. Gwelup similarly takes its name 

from local Aboriginal connections with the place, having derived 

from Lake Gwelup, which took its name from the Aboriginal word 

“Gwelgannow” meaning “to shift position”. Hence, Lake Gwelup 

was referred to as “the lake that shifts position”. 

Settlement of the Gwelup area dates from 1831 and the early 1840s 

in Karrinyup when the first land grants were made. Land around 

Lake Karrinyup and Careniup Swamp was initially granted to 

Thomas Mews in 1831 and gazetted as Swan Location 92. The 

land was then purchased by Samuel Moore in 1840 and used for 

grazing. In 1891, the then owner Henry Bull went on to subdivide 

land in Gwelup. Development was relatively slow and the land was 

mainly used for market gardening. 

By 1904 the Karrinyup area had been subdivided into sixth of an 

acre blocks. Many of the lots were never sold however, as roads 

serviced little of the area and so few homes were built. The delayed 

settlement of Karrinyup could also be accounted for by Stoneman’s 

subdivision which took no account of the land’s topography (Cooper 

& McDonald, 1999). Karrinyup remained mostly bushland well into 

the 20th Century. Lake Karrinyup Country Club was the only major 

development in the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area until the 1950s, 

this having been established in 1929. 

In 1923 the Lake Gwelup and District Progress Association was 

established in order to promote the general welfare of residents and 

support the provision of facilities to the local agricultural community. 

This was symbolic of the strong community ties in the area that 

were beginning to grow and develop. 

Suburbanisation of the area ensued after World War II (particularly 

in Karrinyup). The subdivision was re-drawn and newly surveyed 

land for residential development was released around the Lake 

Karrinyup Country Club. By the late 1950s, the layout north of 

Newborough Street was re-designed which led to the settling of the 

southern part of Karrinyup. New streets were built on higher ground 

and were named after former prominent Education Department 

School inspectors namely Harold Jeanes, Thomas Edmondson and 

Gordon Worner. 



February 2010

The State Housing Commission undertook much of the first largescale 

residential development in Karrinyup to provide for Perth’s 

post-war boom. By October 1962 the State Housing Commission 

had invested over £1 million in its Karrinyup Estate with 396 houses 

built, 68 under construction and 360 lots surveyed and cleared at 

this time (Cooper & McDonald, 1999). By the early 1970s the 

subdivision of Karrinyup was virtually complete. As the local 

population increased and more facilities were needed in the area, 

the Hamersley Golf Course was established by the Shire of Perth 

(part of which is now the City of Stirling). In 1963, Margaret Feilman 

was commissioned to plan Karrinyup shopping centre which was 

opened in 1974 along with the Karrinyup Library and Community 

Centre. Development of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area 

continued into the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Due to the extended 

time period of development, a diversity of range and architectural 

styles in housing can be observed in the area. There has more 

recently been re-development throughout the area. 

Meanwhile, most land in Gwelup was rezoned from rural to 

residential in the 1960s. The resultant increase in land values 

encouraged local market gardeners to sell up and relocate By the 

1970s much of Gwelup had transformed from a rural area to a 

modern residential suburb with only a few market gardens 

remaining along North Beach Road serving as a reminder of prior 

development. 

More recently, the Local Area’s population has increased 

substantially resulting from new dwellings being added to the area, 

particularly from the Karrinyup Waters and Settlers Green 

developments. The population trebled between 1991 and 2006. 

Thus far, the 2000s have seen the development of new housing 

estates in Gwelup such as ‘The Willows’. Today, reminders of the 

area’s past include Bestry’s Cottage on Old Balcatta Road and 

Colin Moore Resource Centre on North Beach Road. 

Lake Karrinyup Country Club (City of Stirling) 

Left: Housing 

development 

along 

Karrinyup 

Road, 

Karrinyup 

1960s 

(photograph 

courtesy of City 

of Stirling’s 

Library 

Resources) 

Left: Lake 

Karrinyup Golf 

Course 

(photograph 

courtesy of City 

of Stirling’s 

Library 

Resources) 



February 2010

Regional context 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is located within the Perth 

Metropolitan Region, approximately 10km north-west of the Perth 

City Centre. In the context of the vast urban growth of Perth, the 

area is relatively well positioned in its proximity to the Perth City 

Centre, which remains the key economic and social hub of the 

region and its proximity to other major centres and employment 

locations including Stirling Regional Centre, Osborne Park and 

Balcatta. These factors, in addition to the area’s proximity to the 

coast, have contributed to the high level of desirability of the Local 


The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is a primarily low-density 

residential area. The residential functions of the area have also 

increased as former rural land uses in Gwelup have been 

developed for housing over recent years. There are other land 

uses in the Local Area which however have a greater regional 

focus or fulfil regional functions. These include Karrinyup Regional 

Centre, Regional Reserves including Lake Gwelup Reserve and 

Trigg Bushland Reserve, and Lake Karrinyup and Hamersley Golf 

Courses. Services and amenities for local residents are also 

located in areas near the Local Area including Stirling City Centre 

and Balcatta Industrial Area. 

Karrinyup Regional Centre is the major commercial centre within 

the Local Area and consists of Karrinyup Shopping Centre, 

Karrinyup Library and Community Centre as well as a small 

number of offices and professional services. A Transperth Bus 

Station is also located in the Centre. The Centre not only serves a 

commercial function for the Local Area but its regional status also 

gives it an important commercial function at a broader scale. 

Karrinyup Shopping Centre, as one of Perth’s major shopping 

centres, also attracts a customer base from a wide catchment. 

Location of Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area 

in the City of Stirling 



February 2010

The Karrinyup Regional Centre is identified as an activity centre 

under the State’s Network City planning strategy and as a major 

centre in the Western Australian Planning Commission’s 

Metropolitan Centres Policy. Activity centres should provide for a 

large range of retail, office, entertainment, recreation and 

community facilities, and associated employment. Activity centres 

should provide for a large range of retail, office, entertainment, 

recreation and community facilities and associated employment. 

The Local Area also benefits from its close proximity to the 

‘Stirling City Centre’, which is directly south of the precinct. 

Land within approximately one kilometre of the Stirling Train 

Station is designated as a Strategic Regional Centre by the 

Western Australian Planning Commission’s Metropolitan Centres 

Policy. Such centres are significant places across Perth which 

should provide for a larger range of retail, office, entertainment, 

recreational and community facilities and associated employment 

than regional-level centres such as Karrinyup. Stirling City Centre 

contains key regional facilities such as Osborne Park Hospital, the 

City of Stirling Administration Centre, Stirling Civic Gardens, the 

Stirling train/bus interchange, Innaloo Shopping Centre, cinemas 

and other commercial, industrial and employment activity. Stirling 

City Centre has also been identified in the Commission’s Network 

City planning strategy as a ‘major Activity Centre’ on an ‘Activity 

Corridor’, which reinforces its role as an important centre in the 

metropolitan region. 

The City of Stirling has formed a partnership agreement with the 

Western Australian Planning Commission with the aim of seeing 

Stirling City Centre achieve its full potential, by addressing issues 

such as appropriate mix and intensity of development around the 

train station, the Stephenson Highway road reserve, improving the 

pedestrian and cyclist environment and creating a strong heart 

and identity for the regional centre. 

The Balcatta Industrial Area is located to the east of the 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area and serves as a major commercial 

and industrial area for the region which offers a variety of services 

and amenities and consists of various manufacturing, commercial 

and retail businesses. It is a significant regional employment hub 

which employs approximately 5,000 people and also includes 

regional facilities such as the City of Stirling Works Depot and 

Western Power and Water Corporation offices. The Balcatta 

Industrial Area is also designated as an Activity Centre within 

Network City. 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is also bounded by a number of 

regionally significant roads. The Mitchell Freeway forms the 

eastern boundary of the Local Area and is the major north-south 

arterial road across the Perth Metropolitan Area, while Reid 

Highway is located just to the north of the Local Area and is a 

major east-west arterial road across the Perth Metropolitan Area. 

The northern suburbs railway line also runs within the Mitchell 

Freeway. Marmion Avenue forms the western boundary of the 

Local Area and connects with Perth’s northern most suburbs. 

These roads are designated as ‘transport corridors’ in Network 

City with a focus on expedient travel for motor vehicles and public 

transport. 

Karrinyup Road is another major road in the Local Area. Unlike the 

aforementioned roads, it is designated as a potential ‘activity 

corridor’ within Network City. An activity corridor is a major road 

with good public transport where activity clusters. The diversity 

and intensity of development along Karrinyup Road is therefore 

likely to increase in the future, possibly with higher density 



February 2010

development and a greater mix of commercial activities such as 

offices, dining and retail. 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is otherwise surrounded mostly 

by low-density residential areas. These include Carine (to the 

north), parts of Stirling (to the east) and the coastal suburbs of 

Trigg and North Beach (to the west). Scarborough, Doubleview 

and Innaloo are medium density suburbs to the south of the Local 

Area. Regionally significant features of these localities that also 

provide some amenity and services to the Karrinyup Local Area 

include:- 

• Carine Regional Open Space 

• Star Swamp Reserve 

• Trigg Bushland Reserve 

• Scarborough Beach and Scarborough Environs Area 

• Trigg Beach/South Trigg Beach 

• Stirling City Centre (as discussed earlier) 

• Carine Senior High School and Balcatta Senior High 

School 



February 2010

Plans and Projects for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area 

Karrinyup Centre Plan 

A Centre Plan for Karrinyup Regional Centre is required if the 

centre owners wish to expand the centre. This plan would need to 

be developed collaboratively with the City to ensure that it meets 

various strategic objectives and community and commercial 

needs. Key aspects of the planning for the Centre are likely to 

include:- 

developers contribute up to 20 percent of their land area for public 

open space to contribute to further development of the Careniup 

Swamp Rehabilitation Area. The Karrinyup Waters Resort and 

Caravan Park is included in the area and provides accommodation 

for people who wish to visit the area. 

• Redevelopment/extension of the Karrinyup Centre 

(although the Centre is currently nearing its Commercial 

Centre floor space cap as is set out in the State’s 

Commercial Centres Policy); 

• Redevelopment/relocation of the civic amenities in the 

Centre including the Library and Community Centre; 

• Development of a Main Street/Civic Hub and activation of 

the surrounding streetscapes; and 

• Integration with surrounding land uses and activities. 

The Local Area Planning process provides opportunities for the 

Karrinyup community to consider how they would like to see the 

centre develop into the future and how the abovementioned 

aspects are addressed. 

Careniup Swamp Residential Development 

Various land-parcels in the north-eastern section of Gwelup are 

currently undeveloped as residential sites, and may have future 

residential development potential. They are included in a 

Development Zone in the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 3. 

These areas represent some of the last areas of land in the Local 

Area to be developed as greenfield sites. A Structure Plan guides 

development of the built and urban form over the area to ensure 

that it is consistent and contributes to high levels of amenity for 

residents. As a condition of development, the City also sees that 

Careniup Swamp 



February 2010

Community and Cultural Development Profile 

Community development is an integral element of places and 

influences how people live; social interactions and life 

opportunities. There will also be different community needs and 

opportunities in different places which influence planning for that 

area. Significantly, community networking of which the Local 

Area Planning process itself can help facilitate is an important 

element of community development, providing opportunities for 

community members to work together, capitalise on each others 

strengths, understand each others needs and support each 

other. 

Community facilities, organisations and programs also play a 

significant role in building community relationships, developing 

pride of place and meeting community needs. There are however 

questions that need be asked regarding how community facilities 

are provided so as to cater for diverse needs and community 

groups. The City is also examining whether support exists for the 

development of ‘community hubs’, where community centres, 

libraries and recreation centres, for instance, are provided in a few 

centralised locations to form a focal point for communities and 

provide flexibly for various community needs. The City also 

requires support of both the community and State and Federal 

Government to see that facilities and programs can be developed 

and continue to be delivered. 

Community Profile 

The key defining demographic characteristics of the Karrinyup- 

Gwelup Local Area are its predominantly family household 

structure and higher income levels relative to most other areas of 

the City of Stirling and the Perth Metropolitan Area. 

Population Profile and Forecast 

At the time of the 2006 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, the 

combined population of the Local Area was 11,173 people. 

Between 2001 and 2006, the average rate of population growth 

was 2.6% which is above average growth rate for an established 

area. This is particularly due to the development of new housing 

estates in Gwelup and to a lesser extent can be attributed to some 

infill development throughout Karrinyup. 

Percentage of Families 

50 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

Couples with child(ren) < 15 yrs 

5 

0 

Couples with child(ren) > 15 yrs 

Family Composition, 2006 

Total couples with child(ren) 

One parent families with child(ren) < 15 yrs 

K-G Local Area 


One parent families with child(ren) > 15 yrs 

Total one parent families 

Couples without child(ren) 

Other families 

Family Types 



February 2010

In 2006, the average age of residents in the Karrinyup-Gwelup 

Local Area was 39 years of age and 19.1% of the population was 

aged 60 years or older. The median age and the proportion of 

seniors were higher than the City of Stirling or Metropolitan Perth 

averages. 

A significant proportion (74.9%) of the 2006 population form family 

households - well above the City of Stirling and Perth metropolitan 

averages. Of these family households, 49% were couples with 

children, 39.6% were couples with no children and 10.1% were 

single parent families. These figures indicate that the Karrinyup- 

Gwelup Local Area is not consistent with averages across most 

areas of Perth and Stirling, where the proportion of couples 

without children and people living alone has been increasing for 

many years. Of all occupied private dwellings within the Local 

Area, 20.2% are lone households. This is much lower than the 

City of Stirling average, although only slightly less than the Perth 

average. 

Percentage of Population 

20 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

Gwelup Age Structure Forecast 

0-9 10.-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-over 

Age Brackets 

2006 

2016 

2031 

Percentage of Population 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

Karrinyup Age Structure Forecast 

0-9 10.-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-over 

Age Brackets 

The Age Structure Forecast shows that both Karrinyup and 

Gwelup both had a large percentage of the population in the 30-39 

year age group in 2006. Subsequently, the largest age bracket in 

2016 is forecast to be the 40-49 year age group. 

In 2006, 18% of the Gwelup population was aged 0-9 years. This 

reflects the current fertility rate in Gwelup (and Karrinyup), which is 

higher than the current fertility rate for the City of Stirling. The 

forecast reflects that the fertility rate for the Local Area is assumed 

to fall marginally between 2006 and 2031 with Karrinyup’s fertility 

rate falling from 2.17 to 2.14 children per woman, and Gwelup’s 

fertility rate falling from 2.66 to 2.61 children per woman. The Age 

Structure Forecast for Gwelup is also based on the assumption 

that a considerable percentage of the population will ‘age in place’ 

until 2031. 

2006 

2016 

2031 



February 2010

Migration is assumed to be relatively stable across the Local Area 

until 2016. It is anticipated that there will be some minor gain in 

older ‘empty nesters’ and retiree age groups, and some gain in 

established families. However, it is also assumed that the number 

of young families in Karrinyup will decrease, while the Gwelup 

population is expected to gain some younger couples. 

Cultural Profile 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area currently has a relatively low 

proportion of residents that were born overseas and from non- 

English speaking backgrounds. The majority of residents in the 

Local Area were born in Australia (69.3%) with the remainder of 

residents mainly born in England (8%), New Zealand (2.3%), 

South Africa (1.5%), Italy (1.3%) and Scotland (1.1%). Only 

0.63% of the population identified themselves as Indigenous 

Australians in 2006. 

In the 2006 Census, English was stated as the only language 

spoken at home by 86.0% of persons within the Karrinyup-Gwelup 

Local Area. The most common languages other than English 

spoken at home were: Italian 2.1%, Cantonese 0.7%, German 

0.6%, Greek 0.5%, Dutch 0.3%, Japanese 0.2%, Spanish 0.2% 

and Mandarin 0.2%. This exemplifies that the population of the 

area is predominantly Australian born with some minor cultural 

influences. 

This is also reflected in the religious affiliation of the Local Area’s 

population with a predominance of Christianity (57.2%) and no 

religion (21.4%) as the major belief systems. The breakdown of 

Christian denominations includes Catholicism 27.8%, Anglican 

22.6%, Uniting Church 4.7%, non affiliated Christianity 1.5% and 

Eastern Orthodox 0.6%. 

Community & Cultural Programs 

As the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is predominantly family 

orientated with a growing population, various services and 

programs throughout the Local Area cater to the various age 

groups and needs in the community. 

The Karrinyup Library and Community Centre provide many 

services and programs available to the community. In addition to 

the library services, events such as the ‘Music at the Library 

Summer Series' put on by the City of Stirling and the ‘One Book 

Talk Karrinyup’ put on in conjunction with the UWA Perth 

International Arts Festival are held at the Karrinyup Library. 

Karrinyup Community Recreation Centre hosts a range of various 

activities for all ages on a regular basis as well as the space being 

hired out by individuals for specific functions, events or 

workshops. Some of the regular sporting activities to be held at 

this venue include basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton in 

addition to junior basketball and karate. 

Within the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area there are many other 

programs running which include Books on Wheels, Probus Club of 

Karrinyup, Rotary Club, Stirling Parent Drug Support Group, 

Karrinyup Writers Club, Wurlitzer Organ Association and Gwelup 

Progress Association. 

There is also a Karrinyup Shopping Centre Mall-Walking Group 

(run by AMP Capital) which provides an opportunity for the older 

people in the community to walk in an undercover environment 

that is safe and secure. 

The City’s Cultural Development Fund aims to encourage 

sustainable cultural events in the City while building the capacity 

of not-for-profit organisations. The City also offers Youth 



February 2010

Scholarship Awards annually to ten students commencing Year 

11. 

Community Recreation Facilities 

There are many community recreational facilities throughout the 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area. The Karrinyup Regional Centre 

contains the Library and Community Centre. The Karrinyup 

Recreational Centre is also a relatively new addition to the Local 

Area’s community facilities. The centre opened in 2004 and 

consists of a full sized air-conditioned hall, a large meeting room 

and a large multipurpose area with an attached playgroup to 

accommodate the needs of children. The Colin Moore Resource 

Centre in Gwelup also provides additional facilities for the 

community. 

Safety and Security 

Safety and security are often key concerns for community 

members and ‘being a safe place to live’ will often be an important 

aspect of people’s vision for the future of their Local Area. The 

occurrence of crime incidents across Karrinyup-Gwelup Local 

Area is generally lower than across other parts of the City 

However, providing opportunities to establish stronger community 

networks and promoting community programs and facilities can 

only generate further opportunities to increase local safety and 

security. 

Besides these forms of infrastructure, the Local Area contains 

many parks and reserves which offer the capacity for active and 

passive recreational needs. In addition to these, the Local Area 

also is home to a private golf course, the “Lake Karrinyup Country 

Club” and a public golf course, the “Hamersley Golf Course.” 

The Colin Moore Resource Centre 

The City of Stirling’s Community Safety department facilitates the 

development of a safe and secure environment through the 

operation of a 24-hour security patrol service. This is a citywide 

service, which attends to a wide range of matters including graffiti, 

vandalism, anti-social behaviour and theft. It also provides safety 



February 2010

advice to the community. Community Safety also works closely 

with the Western Australian Police and has helped Police make 

numerous arrests throughout the City. 

The creation of a safe and secure environment is also facilitated 

through appropriate urban design and layout of public spaces 

such as shopping centres and public reserves, adequate lighting, 

and safe roads and footpaths. 

The City has also created some community safety programs in 

their dedication towards a safer community for all. One such 

program is the Neighbourhood Street Safe campaign which is 

asking “street safe” residents to help with reporting anti-social 

“hoon” driving, which will enable the police to better identify trends. 

The City is also running a Neighbourhood Pace Car Pledge 

campaign which allows drivers who do not like others speeding to 

promise to not speed themselves. This involves signing a pledge 

which asks drivers to adhere to road rules while being courteous 

and then being issued with a bumper sticker to alert other drivers 

of their pledge to be a part of the pace car group. 



February 2010

Community Amenities 

Shopping Centres 

Karrinyup Shopping Centre 

Gwelup Plaza 

Major Parks & Reserves 

Trigg Bushland Reserve 

Lake Gwelup Regional Open Space 

Hamersley Golf Course 

Lake Karrinyup Golf Course 

Careniup Reserve 

Karrinyup Reserve 

Schools 

St Mary’s 

Oceanmore Primary 

Newborough Primary 

Our Lady of Good Counsel Primary 

Gwelup Primary 

Karrinyup Primary 

Perth Bible College 

Community Facilities/Clubs 

Karrinyup Library 

Karrinyup Community Centre 

Colin Moore Resource Centre 

Karrinyup Recreation Centre 

Books on Wheels 

Probus Club of Karrinyup 

Rotary Club 

Stirling Parent Drug Support Group 

Karrinyup Writers Club 

Wurlitzer Organ Association 

Gwelup Progress Association 



February 2010

Natural Environment Profile 

There is increasing recognition of the need to maintain natural 

environmental values and work towards enhancing such values, 

upon the advent of local and global environmental issues such as 

pollution, land degradation and climate change. There is generally 

a need to consider natural assets such as water-bodies and 

bushland as well as other practices which can contribute to 

healthy environmental outcomes. 

Character 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area has traditionally been a very 

green area with Karrinyup being dominated by bushland and 

Gwelup historically being used for market gardens, in addition to 

Lake Gwelup. The development of the Lake Karrinyup Country 

Club in 1929 and later the Hamersley Public Golf Course saw an 

increase in the ‘green feel’ of the area despite the significant 

residential development that has taken place. There are many 

reserves interspersed throughout the area, for active recreation, 

large and small areas of natural bushland, community social 

spaces and smaller parks for passive recreation. The 

environmental and social value of each space varies with the size, 

use and quality of these reserves. 

There are over 30 open space reserves throughout the Karrinyup- 

Gwelup Local Area of various sizes ranging from pocket parks to 

large public reserves. The larger reserves include Lake Gwelup 

Regional Open Space and Reserve, Lake Karrinyup Golf Course 

and Country Club, Trigg Bushland Reserve and Hamersley Golf 

Course. 

Geography 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is within the Swan Coastal 

Plain which is the geographic feature lying directly west of the 

Darling Scarp. The Local Area lies across four different planting 

zones from West to East including Mid Undulating (Grey - White 

Sands), Hilly (Grey – Brown Sands), Low Lying (Grey – Black 

Sands) and Undulating (Spearwood Yellow Sands). These 

different planting zones are not only representative of the specific 

soil structures, but also the associated native and endemic 

species of flora found within the area (as profiled in Appendix 1). 

As the Local Area covers so many different planting zones, which 

is symbolic of the changing topography, there are notable 

changes in the vegetation from the West to the East of the area. 

Another notable feature of the Local Area’s natural environment is 

the wetlands. These form part of an extensive wetland chain along 

the Swan Coastal Plain. 

Natural Vegetation 

Trigg Bushland and Lake Gwelup Reserve are significant local 

environmental assets and are designated as Bush Forever sites. 

Following guidelines set by the World Conservation Union, Bush 

Forever aims to protect at least 10% of the 20 original vegetation 

complexes within the Swan Coastal Plain part of metropolitan 

Perth, and to conserve threatened ecological communities. The 

State Government controls development and land clearing at 

these sites, yet the City also recognises their importance and 

considers how to improve their ecological integrity. 15 parks and 

reserves which are located throughout the residential part of the 



February 2010

Local Area also contribute to the area’s natural environmental 

values, as does natural vegetation on primary school sites. 

Areas Conservation team dedicated to the planning and 

management of natural areas. 

For conservation of urban bushlands to promote local biodiversity, 

the City of Stirling has established Green Plan 2. The plan aims 

for the conservation of natural vegetation areas and wetlands, the 

development of ecological links between these areas and 

rehabilitation of bushlands and wetlands. A key emphasis of this 

strategy is to protect and manage several smaller remnant 

bushlands in the same comprehensive manner as the larger 

regionally significant bushlands thereby strengthening ecological 

linkages. 

Trigg Bushland Reserve (City of Stirling) 

Lake Gwelup is a Bush Forever site (City of Stirling) 

The co nservation of natural areas involves the protection from 

loss, misuse or further degradation; removal of threatening 

processes (e.g. weed eradication, fire prevention, pest and 

disease control etc); and rehabilitation through natural and 

assisted regeneration. The City of Stirling has in place a Natural 

The conservation of natural areas involves the protection from 

loss, misuse or further degradation; removal of threatening 

processes (e.g. weed eradication, fire prevention, pest and 

disease control etc); and rehabilitation through natural and 

assisted regeneration. The City of Stirling has in place a Natural 

Areas Conservation team dedicated to the planning and 

management of natural areas. These natural areas are comprised 

of bushlands, wetlands and lakes, coastal beach and dune 

systems and natural landforms. 

The City of Stirling is also currently developing a Local Biodiversity 

Strategy. The assessment of all natural areas is currently being 

undertaken as one of the steps in the development process. The 

condition and diversity of plants and animals in all bushlands, 

wetlands and coastal dunes are currently being determined 

through this assessment. 

Acid-Sulfate Soils 

Naturally occurring soils containing iron sulfides are known as acid 

sulfate soils. The iron sulfides are typically formed in organic 

waterlogged soils and sediments (such as peat). When exposed 



February 2010

to air these sulfides oxidise and produce sulfuric acid, which 

becomes a problem. Heavy metals (including arsenic, aluminium, 

iron and other metals) and nutrients from the soil profile can then 

be released from this acid. These contaminants released from the 

soils can cause significant environmental harm such as 

degradation of the natural environment and economic problems 

such as loss of land productivity and damage to infrastructure. 

Since the problem was first identified in 2001, the City has 

undertaken significant research in comprehending the nature of 

acid sulfate soils, the extent of their occurrence and development 

of remediation strategies. Within the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local 

Area, there have been acid sulfate soils identified around the 

chain of wetlands within Gwelup. 

Public Open Space 

There are many parks and reserves across the Karrinyup-Gwelup 

Local Area that provide for diverse functions. These spaces 

include large active recreation reserves such as sports fields, 

large and small areas of natural bushland, community social 

spaces and smaller parks popular for children’s play, dog walking 

and other passive recreation. The size, use and quality of these 

spaces vary from reserve to reserve, as does the environmental 

and social value of each space. 

The City is facing increasing public pressure to improve the 

standard of public spaces, with high community expectations in 

some areas on the appearance of and facilities in parks. Yet 

community demands for reticulation, mowing and lighting, or 

facilities such as barbeques or tennis courts can not always be 

met due to constraints such as budget limitations or bore water 

licence restrictions. Increased pressure on public open space can 

also threaten the environmental values of such spaces. 

Lake Gwelup Reserve 

There are also many different priorities throughout communities, 

which affect how public open space is used. For instance, some 

people may prefer more space for informal and passive activities, 

whereas others prefer more space for organised sport. Others 

may place greater value on natural, undeveloped and bushland 

areas. As such, reserves need to be planned to appropriately 

accommodate various needs and user groups. 

The City has prepared a Public Open Space Strategy to ensure 

a high quality and sustainable network of parks and reserves 

across the City. The Strategy was adopted in 2008 and 

establishes objectives for the amount and location of public open 

space and the facilities different types of spaces require. The 

Strategy will also consider the possibility of disposing some small 

under-utilised spaces to fund improvement of other spaces, so 

that appropriate parks in the Local Area can have more facilities in 

addition to management and development practices. A review of 

reserves in the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area will be conducted 

after adoption of the Strategy, in order to develop a Public Open 

Space Plan for the Local Area. 



February 2010



February 2010

Built Environment Profile 

The built environment of a place and the various land uses will 

invariably affect how a place meets community needs, how 

community members undertake activities in a place and the 

character of place. Key considerations for planning for the built 

environment include 

• Ensuring land uses provide for activities which meet 

community needs; 

• Provision of housing types that cater for the residential 

population; 

• Provision of building styles that positively contribute to 

local character and sense of place. 

Land Use, Zoning and Density 

Land across the City of Stirling is zoned under the City’s District 

Planning Scheme No.2. Zones set out what a piece of land can 

be used for and how it can be developed (such as height, parking 

and landscaping requirements). District Planning Scheme No.2 

was first adopted in 1985 and a draft new scheme – Local 

Planning Scheme No.3 has been prepared, advertised and is 

awaiting final approval from the Western Australian Planning 

Commission (though Council is to give due regard to Local 

Planning Scheme No. 3 in the interim period). Development and 

land use in the City is also governed by various State Government 

plans and policies, including Network City, the Metropolitan 

Region Scheme and Residential Design Codes. 

The City’s District Planning Scheme No.2 zones the majority of the 

residential component of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area as 

Residential R20, which is low density development with average 

lot sizes of 500m². There are also pockets of Residential R25, 

R30, R35 and R40 (low to medium density) with average lot sizes 

of 350m 2 , 300m 2 , 260m 2 and 220m 2 respectively. The largest of 

these pockets is an R30 area which extends to the north and east 

of Karrinyup Shopping Centre and on the South side of Karrinyup 

Road between Huntriss and Miles Street. 

Besides the residential component of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local 

Area, other sites in the Local Area are zoned Public Open Space, 

Regional Open Space, Private Institution (Lake Karrinyup Country 

Club) and Business. Various sites in Gwelup may require a 

structure plan in accompaniment with any development application 

with the introduction of development zones in Local Planning 

Scheme No. 3. There are no major changes to zoning (particularly 

residential zoning) as part of Local Planning Scheme No. 3. 

Housing/Housing Diversity 

The Local Area is a fairly established residential area with earliest 

development within the Local Area being traced to the mid-19 th 

century. The majority of development however has largely taken 

place over the post-war era. Recent years have shown a 

continuation of development, especially in the Gwelup area with 

further development planned to occur in the coming years. 

Although the built form character within the Local Area carries 

much diversity, the housing types remain fairly constant with 

single detached dwellings dominating (primarily low density 

development patterns having occurred in the 1960’s to 1980’s). 



February 2010

new estates in Gwelup to ensure all development is of a high 

quality and to maintain the consistency of the built form and 

streetscape while affording specific character to the various 

estates. 

The built form within the Local Area is well complemented with 

well vegetated streetscapes and many nearby parks and reserves 

which generally increase the natural feel of the area. 

100 

Types of Housing 

Limited Housing Diversity 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is more than 20% above the 

City of Stirling average in terms of proportions of single dwellings 

amongst other housing types; Karrinyup-Gwelup having 77.9% 

single dwellings and City of Stirling having 55.8% single detached 

dwellings. This is representative of the dominant family household 

structure which characterises the Local Area. 

Percentage of total housing 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 



Although the diversity of the types of housing is minimal with 

single detached dwellings dominating, the character of the built 

form has significant diversity. Within the Local Area there is a mix 

of remnant character homes and larger modern housing. The 

remnant character homes were built to service the market gardens 

that were prevalent within the Gwelup area around the 1890s. 

Post-war houses are found within the area - especially in the 

southern-most section of Karrinyup, and larger modern housing 

dates from the 1970s to today. 

The degree of diversity in the built form continues to rise with 

increasing infill development in the more established sections of 

the Local Area. Specific design guidelines are in place within the 

detached housing 

medium density 

high density 

caravan/cabin/housboat 

total occupied private dwellings 

total occupied dwellings 

Housing Market 

Within the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area, there is a high proportion 

of houses that are owned or being purchased compared to the 

City as a whole. 35.9% of all housing is fully owned and 37.5% of 

all housing is being purchased within the Local Area, compared to 

30.8% and 29.2% respectively over the City. The number of 

houses being rented within the Local Area is proportionately lower 



February 2010

than the City of Stirling’s general average – with 19.6% being 

rental houses within the Local Area and 30.5% in the City of 

Stirling. There has however been a marginal increase in the 

proportion of rented properties in the Local Area. 

Percentage of total housing tenure 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 



Housing Tenure 

Cultural Heritage 

The City of Stirling maintains a Heritage List and a Municipal 

Inventory of Heritage Places to record significant places. Within 

the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area, there are many buildings of 

particular significance that are registered and protected under the 

Municipal Inventory of heritage places. Others are on the Catholic 

Church Inventory and the Anglican Church Inventory. These 

buildings include Featherby House; Lara’s Lea; North Beach Road 

(old ‘plank road’ section); Gwelup School; Our Lady of Good 

Counsel Church, Presbytery and Parish Centre; Saint Francis of 

Assissi Church and Rectory; and Saint Mary’s Church. There is 

further potential for buildings to be protected in the future. 

0 

owned 

being purchased 

renting - govnt 

renting - other 

renting - total 

other tenure 

The average housing price in the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is 

approximately $740,000, which is significantly greater than the 

Perth Metropolitan Average of $440,000 (2008 figures). Karrinyup- 

Gwelup housing prices have risen approximately 15.5% since 

2003, which is on par with metropolitan wide averages – which 

suggests that housing affordability has fallen. However, in 2008 

housing prices fell in the Local Area – but generally at a lower rate 

than across the Metropolitan Area. Housing prices in Karrinyup 

remained constant while they fell 5.5% in Gwelup (on par with 

metropolitan wide falls). 

Bestry Cottage is included on the Register of Heritage Places 

The City of Stirling has a number of tools to recognise and protect 

the cultural and architectural heritage of localities across the City. 

Although most of the development in the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local 

Area occurred in the early to mid 1980s, there is much cultural and 

historic significance in the area that may be recognised by the City 

in terms of heritage significance. 



February 2010

Economic Development Profile 

Local economic development is an essential part of developing 

healthy communities. It relates to how communities use resources, 

how community members are employed, and how they access 

services. Identification of local economic and business 

opportunities, matching of local skill sets with local employment 

bases, and capturing of innovation and enterprise in the 

community are important considerations informing local economic 

development strategies. 

Different parts of an area often take on specific economic 

functions. For example, economic activity is generally 

concentrated in commercial centres and industrial areas, while 

other areas may remain largely residential. Yet economic issues 

such as employment, education and access to services, still form 

important aspects of community development of these areas. 

Home businesses may also add to the economic activity in local 

areas, whilst also helping to reduce travel demand. 

With regard to commercial centres, a variety of high activity land 

uses such as retail, entertainment and residential within 

commercial centres is important for providing diverse local 

economic and employment opportunities, satisfying community 

needs, developing community focal points and reducing travel 

demand. Centres fulfil different functions, from the local to the 

regional level. 

Economic Role 

The current role of the Local Area is mostly residential. There are 

two commercial centres in the Local Area; Karrinyup Regional 

Centre and Gwelup Plaza. 

Karrinyup Regional Centre 

Karrinyup Regional Centre consists of the Karrinyup Shopping 

Centre, office activity and civic uses such as the City of Stirling 

Community Centre and Library. The Shopping Centre is one of the 

largest retail centres in the Perth Metropolitan Area (57,000 sq m). 

Karrinyup Shopping Centre and Karrinyup Community 

Centre and Library 

Karrinyup Regional Centre is identified as an ‘Activity Centre’ in 

Network City – the primary planning strategy for the Perth and 

Peel Region. Activity Centres should contain a mix of high activity 

generating land uses such as retail, offices and high density 

housing; be located adjacent to good quality public transport; and 

provide quality public spaces. The Karrinyup Shopping Centre 

currently lacks a diversity of uses and a strong interface with 

surrounding areas; fails to support activity in the evening or on 

Sundays; and is generally accessed by cars. The City is 

consequently working to improve the centre, and if Shopping 

Centre owners wish to expand their retail floor space, a 

Masterplan for the area will need to be developed in collaboration 



February 2010

with the City, integrating a variety of uses including a possibly 

relocated/refurbished Library. Proposals to rezone corner lots 

adjacent to Karrinyup Regional Centre to a mixed-use zoning are 

currently being processed, and these lots at the corners of 

Karrinyup Road and Francis Avenue and Karrinyup Road and 

Burroughs Road provide a gateway to the Centre. 

Gwelup Plaza 

As the only local centre in the area, Gwelup Plaza consists of 

4,667 sq m of retail space, with the potential to expand to 4,888 sq 

m by 2026. It mainly provides convenience/grocery items, 

performs well and has few vacant premises but has minimal 

diversity in its land use mix. There may be opportunities to slightly 

increase commercial and residential activity in and around the 

centre. 

The City helps to implement improvements to local and 

neighbourhood centres through its Local Centres Improvement 

Program. This program seeks to promote sustainable economic 

and physical development in local centres and maintain access to 

local services in local communities. A review of the program to 

prioritise centres for improvement (based on the need for 

improvement and use of centres), is being undertaken. 

Stirling City Centre 

Stirling City Centre is the major activity centre in the region, and is 

located to the south of the Local Area. The centre consists of 

Westfield Innaloo Shopping Centre, the City of Stirling 

Administration Centre, Osborne Park Hospital, Stirling Train 

Station, a range of other commercial/industrial land uses, and 

some residential areas. 

The Stirling City Centre is the subject of a major initiative being 

undertaken by the City of Stirling and State Government 

representatives. The project aims to create a “heart” for the City of 

Stirling which brings together residential, retail, office, 

entertainment, civic and open space uses. The regional-level 

functions of this centre will impact employment and economic 

opportunities for residents of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area. 

Balcatta Industrial Area 

Balcatta Industrial Area is located adjacent to the Karrinyup- 

Gwelup Local Area and consists of a range of 

industrial/commercial uses. The area provides employment 

opportunities in retail, manufacturing and service industries and 

serves as a major employment destination. The area also has 

many showrooms, particularly along Balcatta and Erindale Roads. 

A scheme amendment to the City’s District Planning Scheme No. 

2 (Amendment 492) was recently gazetted which is focused on 

retaining traditional industrial activities and employment in the 

industrial area and focusing further showroom development 

towards major roads. 

Employment and Income Profile 

Workplace Locations 

Most Local Area residents work beyond the Local Area itself – 

reflective of the residential nature of the area. Only 12% of the 

local population work in the area, whereas 46% of the local 

population work in the Perth CBD or surrounding inner-city 

precincts. Most employment within the Local Area is retail-based. 

Labour Force and Unemployment 

63% of Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area residents are in the labour 

force. This is greater than the City of Stirling average of 61% and 

represents a 5% increase in the Local Area from 2001. The rate of 

increase was greater than that which had occurred City-wide over 

the corresponding period. 2.6% of Local Area residents are 

unemployed compared to the City-wide average of 3.6%. 



February 2010

Unemployment fell to 2.6% from 5.1% in 2001, reflecting national 

falls over the same period. 

Occupations and Industry 

The major Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area employment fields for 

residents are health care/social assistance, education and training 

and retail trade. The proportion of residents employed in 

education/training, as well as professional/scientific and technical 

services in the Local Area, are significantly greater than that 

across the City of Stirling. The major occupations for residents are 

management and professional positions, with a greater proportion 

of residents in the Local Area engaged in these fields greater than 

the City-wide average. 

Income Profile 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is generally a very wealthy 

area. There was a higher proportion of households who earn 

$1200 per week or more and a significantly higher proportion of 

households who earn $2500 per week or more, relative to the City 

average. 

Education, Training and Local Skill Base 

Qualifications 

There are marginally greater proportions of residents in the 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area who have qualifications (both 

tertiary and vocational). 

Places of Education 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area has four government primary 

schools (Karrinyup, Deanmore, Newborough and Lake Gwelup). 

Private schools in the area include St Mary’s Anglican Girls School 

and Our Lady of Good Counsel Primary School. Meanwhile, Perth 

Bible College provides various tertiary courses. The nearest 

public high schools are in Carine and Balcatta. 

St Mary’s Anglican School Karrinyup Primary School 

There are higher proportions of the local population who attend 

primary school or high school in the area, relative to other parts of 

the City and lower proportions of the community who attend 

tertiary institutions. This corresponds to the higher proportion of 

residents aged below 18 and lower proportion of those aged 

between 18 and 35 years in the Local Area, compared to Citywide 

averages. As the youth below 18 years leave school, the lack 

of tertiary education facilities in or near the area is likely to mean 

that those seeking further study will need to travel to areas beyond 

the Local Area. Apart from the local schools, there are few other 

locations in the Local Area that offer training services, which could 

also disadvantage those in the community who are under-skilled. 



February 2010

Transport & Movement Network Profile 

The transport network across Local Areas (and connections with 

other areas) can significantly impact local communities and 

development, and particularly how people undertake various 

activities and access services. There are also many issues related 

to transportation such as the increasing cost of car use and the 

impact of car use and traffic congestion on quality of life and the 

urban environment. In addition, there are significant global 

environmental and socio-economic issues associated with 

transportation such as climate change and peak oil. 

Car use is generally considered less sustainable than public 

transport, cycling or walking. These transport options are more 

affordable, more accessible to a wider proportion of community 

members, present fewer environmental costs (if any), and provide 

opportunities for the development of healthy and safe communities. 

The need to provide for car use is still however recognised. 

The City is developing an Integrated Transport Strategy which aims 

to encourage a more sustainable, efficient, accessible and equitable 

transport system. The Strategy promotes, amongst other things, the 

development of activity centres (centres of a higher intensity mix of 

uses such as commercial, business, educational and residential) 

and linking these with public transport as well as strategic 

pedestrian and cyclist network improvements. The following Local 

Area transport profile is underpinned by this background context to 

transport planning in the City. 

Transportation Infrastructure 

Transport infrastructure in the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is 

primarily focused on accessibility for motor vehicles, with less 

provision for alternative transport modes such as public transport, 

cycling and walking. This is the case across most of the Perth 

Metropolitan Area. 

Roads Network, Traffic and Road Management 

There is an extensive road network throughout the Karrinyup- 

Gwelup Local Area. The Local Area is bound by Mitchell Freeway to 

the east (which connects with Perth City), Reid Highway to the 

north (which connects west to east across the Metropolitan Area), 

and Marmion Avenue/West Coast Highway to the west, whilst 

Karrinyup Road also runs across the Area. These roads are 

controlled and managed by Main Roads Western Australia. The 

remainder of the road network generally consists of local roads 

which are managed by the City. 

The City’s traffic management policy addresses local traffic and 

road maintenance issues and works to achieve a strategic 

approach to traffic control and road improvements. Recent 

improvements to the local road network include median strip 

upgrades and the installation of a roundabout at the corner of 

March Street and North Beach Road, Gwelup. 



February 2010



February 2010

Pedestrian Footpath Network Karrinyup-Gwelup 



February 2010

Pedestrian Amenity 

A significant proportion of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area street 

network has been designed around a curvilinear and cul-de-sac 

layout, typical of post-war subdivision design. More recently, 

problems associated with such street designs have become 

increasingly evident which can deter pedestrian amenity. These 

include poor pedestrian legibility (ability to determine where you 

are) and permeability (ability to easily get through the area). 

Moreover, the area has not been designed to maximise accessibility 

to key destinations such as shopping centres and community 

facilities, meaning that opportunities for pedestrian trips are further 

reduced. Pedestrian Access Ways do however provide some links 

between areas and Council maintains and upgrades these where 

appropriate to do so. 

The City is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of 

local footpaths. While most major roads have footpaths, there are 

many streets without footpaths. This limits the connectivity and 

safety of the pedestrian network. The City is proposing the 

development of a policy to resolve such issues. 

It is also the quality of the walking environment which can influence 

pedestrian trips. Key issues with the pedestrian network include 

lacking passive surveillance, lacking shade/shelter along pedestrian 

routes and traffic related issues. 

Public Transport 

There are numerous public transport services that service the Local 

Area, yet there remain some deficiencies in the network and its 

quality. Parts of the area benefit from bus services running through 

the area, connecting to Karrinyup Bus Station, Stirling Train Station, 

Warwick Train Station and various other locations including 

Scarborough and Trigg. Other parts of the Local Area have poorer 

access to public transport and in some cases services are indirect 

and/or infrequent. It is difficult, however, for services to be viable in 

generally low density areas such as Karrinyup and Gwelup. As is 

the case over many suburban areas, bus stops and shelters in the 

Local Area, also generally fail to create an attractive or very safe 

environment in which patrons are to wait which also restricts the 

number of public transport trips taken. The poor quality pedestrian 

network also limits the extent to which people may use public 

transport. 

It is also important for the City to consider land uses and activities 

around public transport nodes and routes so as to capitalise on 

public transport provision. There is some land use and transport 

integration in the area in that the Karrinyup Bus Station is located in 

the Karrinyup Regional Centre and a bus service runs past Gwelup 

Plaza. There is still a need to consider how activities in centres 

utilise public transport services, how well stations and stops are 

designed and located to integrate with activities and how buildings 

are designed to integrate with transport. 

The City can liaise with the Public Transport Authority to review 

public transport routes and services, stop locations and amenity at 

bus stops as part of formulating an integrated transport network. 

Cycling 

Cyclist amenity is provided in the Local Area by way of pedestriancyclist 

shared paths and the local road network. However, shared 

paths often present pedestrian-cyclist conflicts, while the lack of onroad 

cycling lanes generally means that cyclists face safety and 

access problems due to vehicle traffic. Poor street-connectivity has 

also resulted in the creation of a generally disjointed cyclist network. 

It is also important for end-of-trip facilities (such as bicycle parking) 

to be provided at important locations such as shopping centres to 

fully provide for cyclist journeys which to date have generally not 

been provided. The City is developing a bicycle parking policy 

which mandates the provision of cycling end-of-trip facilities at 

major destinations in addition to a policy aimed at strategically 

planning for cycling routes. 



February 2010

The Perth Bicycle Network (PBN), which provides an extensive 

cycling network throughout the Perth Metropolitan Area, also 

transverses through the Local Area. However, inappropriate and 

often inadequate signage along these routes and failure to integrate 

with commercial centres reduces the effectiveness of this network. 

Travel Behaviour 

The majority of trips made among Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area 

residents are by private vehicle. This reflects Perth Metropolitan 

Area-wide trends and the general lack of access for alternate 

modes of transport in the region and the Local Area. The use of 

alternate modes is slightly higher when trips are made within the 

Local Area (e.g. to Karrinyup Shopping Centre), but car use still 

dominates such trips. There is also a higher tendency for trips to 

work in Perth City and surrounding areas to be made by public 

transport (about 28% of trips). High levels of car dependence, is 

particularly concerning for certain sectors of the community such as 

youth, disabled and elderly, which may have less access to motor 

vehicle use. 

The City has established a Walking School Bus program for local 

schools (which encourage children to walk together to school), yet 

there have been mixed levels of take-up of such programs 

throughout local school communities. St Mary’s Anglican School 

has been a proactive player in being TravelSmart, having organised 

a car-pooling system for teachers and parents. 

TravelSmart 

Travel patterns are influenced by both the provision of transport 

infrastructure, but also by people’s awareness of how this 

infrastructure is to be used. The City’s TravelSmart program is a 

successful Australian community-based program that helps people 

make smarter choices about the way they travel. The focus of 

TravelSmart is to work with individuals, schools and workplaces to 

encourage walking, cycling and public transport use in order to 

reduce car use and to specifically focus on how sustainable 

transport modes can respond to individual travel behaviours. 



February 2010

Part 4: 

Community Engagement 



February 2010

Community Engagement Process 

The City of Stirling understands the importance of planning with 

local communities for the future of Local Areas. Benefits of 

collaborative planning between the City and community are many, 

and include: 

• Providing more balanced and fair plans that meet both 

community and City objectives; 

• Increasing understanding of community and City priorities 

(shared learning); 

• Strengthening community bonds to build a stronger sense of 

community; 

• Improving communication between the City and the public; and 

• Identifying outcomes that are more likely to meet the needs of 

local communities. 

Plan for local places to develop identity and pride, and to 

increase social and cultural capital, by engaging the 

community in decision making. 

WA Network City strategy 

Community engagement runs throughout the lifespan of each Local 

Area Planning project. Beginning each project with surveys 

(followed by workshops), community priorities and values 

ascertained then form an integral part of each Local Area Plan. By 

taking this approach, the City is able to move beyond the traditional 

community consultation model of simply advising people of planning 

proposals and inviting public comment on them. 

A variety of methods were used to engage a broad range of 

community members of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area. These 

methods are outlined below. People were also able to submit 

written or email comments, suggestions or petitions. 

Community Surveys 

Surveys were sent to Karrinyup-Gwelup landowners, as the first 

stage in the Local Area Planning project; to reliably measure the 

values, attitudes and priorities of community members across a 

range of topics and issues relevant to the development of a Local 

Area Plan, and to raise awareness of the project itself. Survey 

results were also used as a starting point for more in-depth 

deliberation at community forums. 

The Community Survey was posted to 4,000 randomly selected 

residents within the Local Area and a total of 894 were returned. 

This provides a reliability of +/-5 at 95%, offering 95% assurance 

that results are no more than 5% different to results that would be 

received if the entire population of 11,000 had been surveyed. 

Community Forums 

Two community-planning forums were held in 2008 to bring 

community members together to plan for the next 10-15 years of 

the Local Area. The first was held on 14 June 2008 at the Karrinyup 

Sports Centre and the second was held on 16 June 2008 at the City 

of Stirling Administration building. In total, approximately 100 

residents participated in the two forums. Forums were open to all 



February 2010

members of the Karrinyup-Gwelup community including residents, 

property owners, business proprietors, resident groups and 

community organisations. Other stakeholders such as State 

Government agencies were also invited. 

Community engagement experts Learning Horizons assisted in 

designing and conducting the forums. Each forum included 

presentations by the City, four themed sessions led by Learning 

Horizons, facilitated discussions in small tables, feedback between 

the tables, and a reflection session. Participants’ comments and 

ideas were recorded individually and also on a ‘table worksheet’ 

that recorded consensus themes and priorities for each table. 

The four sessions at each forum were: 

1. Community Vision: 

Individual and table visions for the Local Area in 20 years' time. 

2. Priorities and Preferences: 

Priorities for planning for: 

• movement and transport; 

• buildings and land uses; 

• activity centres and community hubs; and 

• recreation and public open space. 

3. Community Building: 

Contribution of community members in achieving their vision for the 

future of the area. 

4. Reflections: 

Reviewing the vision; individual and table top three priorities; and 

rating personal satisfaction with the forum. 



February 2010

Community Priorities 

In order to implement the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Plan, and 

conscientiously work towards the realisation of the community 

vision for the future of the area, the most important actions and 

ideas from the community need to be identified and addressed. It 

is also necessary to identify which actions can realistically be 

achieved in a short-time frame and which actions will require a 

longer term implementation program. Furthermore, it should be 

recognised that some ideas and actions will not be able to be 

achieved during the life-span of the project due to resource and 

time constraints. For these reasons, issues or actions that are 

important, most needed and significantly beneficial to the largest 

number of individuals, sectors of the community, collective 

community, the local economy and environment are identified 

through community engagement and will form the basis of 

implementation. 

Community Survey 

The community survey asked participants to consider how much 

they would like to see the area change over the coming 20 years. 

Over 30% of participants wanted to see moderate change to the 

Local Area, with similar proportions preferring the Local Area to 

stay exactly the same and preferring it to become totally different. 

The surveys also identified other community priorities for future 

development. Importantly in terms of priorities, respondents 

identified the places in the Local Area most in need of 

improvement. 

Places most in need of improvement (Top 5): 

1. Lake Gwelup (3-way tie) 

1. Road design and street scaping (3-way tie) 

1. Karrinyup Shopping Centre (3-way tie) 

2. Local Parks 

3. Gwelup Plaza 

There were equal proportions of respondents who believe that the 

area most in need of improvement within the Local Area is ‘Lake 

Gwelup (and surrounds),’ ‘Karrinyup Shopping Centre (and 

surrounds)’, and that improvements should be made to ‘road 

design, traffic management and streetscaping’. The other 

suggestions that rated highly were ‘Local Parks’ and ‘Gwelup 

Plaza’, which tie in with the overall themes and suggestions 

brought forward at the forums. 

Community surveys also asked respondents to identify one thing 

missing in the area that they would most like to see. 

What is the one thing missing in the area that you 

would like to see? (Top 5): 

1. Cafés, restaurants (particularly after-hours) 

2. Swimming pool 

3. Shopping opportunities (particularly convenient/local 

shopping) 

4. Public Transport Services 

5. Entertainment opportunities 



February 2010

Respondents suggested numerous facilities, services and 

activities. The top priority (with 23% of respondents selecting this 

option) was for cafés and restaurants to be added to the area 

(particularly after-hours). The second highest priority at 17% was 

the establishment of a local aquatic centre. Other prioritised 

additions to the Local Area included increased shopping 

opportunities (particularly convenience/local shops), improvements 

to public transport, and increased entertainment opportunities. 

Community Forums 

The two community forums for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area 

were more specifically designed to identify community priorities in 

detail. Participants considered and discussed a range of issues 

and opportunities pertaining to five distinct focus areas (local 

economic development; community and cultural development; 

parks & the natural environment; transport & the movement 

network; and housing & the built environment) with three ‘table 

priorities’ chosen for each focus area. Participants were then 

asked to select three overall ‘table priorities’ for their Local Area 

covering all five focus areas. 

The community forum priorities show consistency in the overall 

trends for the area with sustainability, protection of green spaces, 

community building, diversity and opportunities being strongly 

represented. The top overall priorities from the community forums 

are: 

1) Greater diversity of land use / density 

2) Maintenance of the natural environment / open spaces 

3) Environmental sustainability and integrity 

4) Community centres / hub 

5) Sustainable transportation 

6) Community interaction / events / opportunities 

The top overall priority from the community forums is greater 

diversity of land use and density. The next two highest priorities 

however, being maintenance of the natural environment and open 

space and environmental sustainability and integrity are closely 

interrelated, and could be grouped together as an overall priority 

depending upon one’s perception of the meaning of each. If 

grouped together, the weighting of this priority would be 

considerably higher than the current highest priority. 

In addition, sustainability is an over-arching ideal encompassing 

much more than the maintenance of the natural environment. The 

Western Australian State Sustainability Strategy defines 

sustainability as follows: “Sustainability is meeting the needs of 

current and future generations through integration of environmental 

protection, social advancement and economic prosperity”. The 

sustainability priority for the local community includes sustainable 

housing design, connectivity in transport options and community 

cohesion, in addition to environmental sustainability. 

Overall Priorities 

Analysis of all community input (from survey and forum data) has 

identified a list of priorities that are the most important to the most 

people. Given that the community engagement findings can be 

considered an accurate representation of the wider Karrinyup- 

Gwelup Local Area community, the following list can be considered 

the top overall priorities for the Local Area. 

1. Environmental preservation and sustainability 

Being an environmentally sustainable and green area is very 

important to the Karrinyup-Gwelup community. While the majority 

of the Local Area’s community is happy with the provision of green 

areas, the preservation, maintenance, retention, enhancement and 

increased utilisation of these areas in any future planning is of vital 

importance. Lake Gwelup Reserve, Hamersley Golf Course, Lake 



February 2010

Karrinyup and a range of other local parks have been identified as 

significant to the community in the future planning of the area. 

In combination with environmental preservation and enhancement, 

the broader environmental sustainability of the area is of utmost 

importance. For the purpose of the overall list of community 

priorities, environmental preservation and sustainability have been 

grouped together because of the inherent link between them and 

the ultimate goal to better serve the community’s needs and values 

in the future; and sustain the planet. 

In aiming towards a sustainable Local Area, the community also 

made suggestions to better connect the community and support 

local economic diversity while protecting the natural environment. 

The community desires to support the sustainability of its area 

through the following: sustainable housing design and energy 

efficiency in building design; enhancement of community lifestyle 

choices; improved connectivity of footpaths and cycleway 

networks; increased sustainable transport options; encouragement 

of small businesses; water-wise native gardens; and positive 

community activities such as tree plantings, nature walks for 

families, community farmers’ markets and youth focused activities. 

2. Evening and entertainment opportunities 

While the majority of the community members within the Karrinyup- 

Gwelup Local Area are very satisfied with the Local Area as a 

place to live, the area is in need of evening and entertainment 

opportunities. ‘Cafes and restaurants' (particularly after hours)' was 

the most common response to the survey question ‘What is the 

one thing missing in the area that you would like to see?’ Karrinyup 

Regional Centre (Karrinyup shopping centre and surrounds) has 

been identified as an appropriate location for after-hours cafés, 

restaurants and entertainment facilities. This would enhance the 

overall community feel and safety of the area as levels of 

interaction would increase after service hours; also increasing the 

vibrancy, diversity and energy of the heart of the area. 

Increasing evening and entertainment opportunities within the 

Local Area would also mean that fewer people would be venturing 

out of the Local Area to fulfil these needs. This would support the 

overall sustainability of the area in terms of reduced carbon 

emissions and community connectivity. 

3. Development of community centres/hubs 

In keeping with the previous priority, the establishment of 

community centres/hubs has been identified as very important. 

The general idea of this ‘hub’ encapsulates a vibrant centre with a 

mix of uses, providing retail, entertainment, business, residential 

and recreational opportunities. The hub would enjoy both day and 

evening use, and provide a heart for the Local Area. The potential 

for development of the Karrinyup Regional Centre as a community 

hub was commonly suggested at community forums, and with its 

current mix of retail, business and civic uses (including Karrinyup 

Library and Community Centre) as well as the bus station, it has 

excellent potential for such a development. 

The development of a community hub would ideally provide the 

community with meeting places, increased lifestyle choices with 

improved facilities and amenities, and an overall increased sense 

of place and pride in the area. A hub at Karrinyup Regional Centre 

also has the potential to increase the connectivity within the Local 

Area in terms of community interaction, safety and sustainable 

transport options with provisions made for connecting the hub 

through enhanced footpaths, cycle ways and bus services. The 

hub would also serve to provide specific facilities and activities for 

youth in the community and provide for new business opportunities 

thereby supporting the sustainability of the area. 



February 2010

4. Diversity of land use/density 

While there is a desire to retain the overall built form character of 

the area, this priority is balanced by the recognition of the need to 

provide a wider range of housing opportunities to enable more 

people to live closer to areas of high amenity. Greater diversity of 

land use and density within the Local Area has received strong 

support from the community through the community forums. 

Support was not as strong, but still significant through community 

surveys, with 34% of respondents maintaining that there was ‘not 

enough’ or ‘not enough range’ of housing types and densities 

within the Local Area. Priorities for increasing the diversity of land 

use and densities closely relates to the need for more retirement, 

smaller and affordable dwellings. 

There was particular support for increasing the development 

potential and mix of uses around the Karrinyup Regional Centre, 

with changes to zoning enabling a diversity of amenities and 

facilities to be developed in addition to providing increased 

retirement housing and affordable housing for younger people 

wishing to live in the area. This would work towards the shared 

goal of an inclusive and connected community and sustainability 

within the Local Area. 

5. Sense of community 

The desire for a stronger sense of community bodes very well for 

the future of the Local Area, as community members wish for 

better connections and networks within the area. Shared spaces 

and community activities provide a social platform for community 

spirit to be developed and enhanced through engagement. 

Strengthening of the community could be supported in many ways. 

Given the priorities already stated, a strong framework could be 

provided to support community activities through development of a 

community hub/centres, increasing evening and entertainment 

opportunities and diversifying land use and density. This would 

provide for different sectors of the community to co-exist within the 

Local Area, enhancing the natural areas within the precinct for 

people to enjoy and care for. This would be in addition to the 

opportunities for building community connectedness provided by 

utilising the public spaces to a greater extent. 

There has been strong support to encourage family-friendly and 

focused community activities such as bushwalks, fun-runs, sport 

and recreation, farmers’ markets and increased use of the 

community centres for events and activities. The increased sense 

of community generated by such activities would inevitably 

improve the overall safety and community connectivity of the area. 

6. Sustainable Transportation 

‘Sustainable transport’ refers to modes of transportation that are 

relatively environmentally friendly, affordable, and healthy. These 

typically include pedestrian, cyclist and public forms of transport. 

Cars, with their greenhouse gas emissions, expenses and isolation 

from other road users, are generally considered unsustainable 

modes of transport. This is particularly relevant in a scenario of 

Peak Oil which involves the decline of global oil supplies and the 

rapid increase in fuel prices; which is increasingly anticipated. 

Improvements to transport, including public transport and 

pedestrian and cycle path networks, is of high importance to the 

Karrinyup-Gwelup community. The increased connectivity provided 

by improved transport options would also work to enhance the 

sense of community within the area with more casual interactions 

taking place in addition to contributing towards the sustainability of 

the Local Area. 



February 2010

The development of a community hub, as discussed above at 

Priority 3, would need to work with the improved transport options 

to enhance the overall viability of both the transport system and the 

hub. There would be less need to travel far outside the Local Area 

to have needs met. Increasing the transport options and ease of 

use (reliability, safety, frequency, and routes) would also allow 

community members to make use of the night time restaurants and 

entertainment opportunities through the option of public transport. 

With enhanced support given to alternative means of transport 

(walking and cycling) within the Local Area, the overall safety of 

the area and sense of community will inevitably increase as people 

are no longer isolated in their cars but out on the streets. 



February 2010

Community Vision 

Vision for the Future of the Local Area 

Developing a commonly embraced community vision for each 

Local Area in the City of Stirling is a principal aim of the Local Area 

Planning program. The vision captures key community values and 

priorities, what makes the locality special, and what the area will 

look and feel like in the future. The community vision is established 

to guide future planning and decision making for the Local Area 

over the lifespan of the Local Area Plan and to set out an agreed 

path for the City of Stirling and the local community to work 

towards. 

their table to identify some agreed elements. A number of themes 

can be identified from analysis of this input, and when considered 

against other elements of the community forums and findings of 

the community survey, the following community vision has been 

established: 

‘Community visioning’ was a major element of the community 

planning forums for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area. Participants 

considered their personal vision of what the area would be like in 

20 years time and also discussed their views with the others on 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Community Vision 

The community vision for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is an area that is interactive and vibrant, with a 

strong sense of community spirit and responsibility. It is a supportive caring community that supports all ages, 

young and old. The environment is enhanced by parks, bush land and biodiversity corridors with a community 

that cares and is proud of their environment. 



February 2010

Part 5: 

Focus Areas 



February 2010

Community & Cultural Development 

Issues & Opportunities 

Dialogue with the community has identified many opportunities and 

ideas for the future of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area as well as 

the issues currently faced by the community. These are discussed 

under each theme below. 

Improved Sense of Community 

Improving the sense of community within the Karrinyup-Gwelup 

Local Area has come through very strongly as a priority for the 

community development of the area. In order for this to happen, 

suggestions have been given to encourage this, including 

supporting community lifestyle choices and more specifically 

community events and entertainment. 

Supporting community lifestyle choices has been identified as a 

priority to the Local Area community. This involves support for the 

overall enjoyment of the area, enhanced connectivity, essential 

facilities for sport, recreation and shopping in addition to local 

entertainment and community events that have a strong family 

friendly focus. 

The community forums identified that social and street gatherings 

and community events and entertainment were high on the agenda, 

which can be reflective of the desired culture of the area. These 

events are a good opportunity to be created in partnership between 

the City of Stirling and the community; forming stronger links while 

encouraging the capacity of the community to be involved and take 

some control. 

A Heart for the Local Area 

The development of community centres or hubs was the top priority 

at community planning forums, and the third overall priority through 

the community engagement process as a whole. Community 

centres or hubs are places with a mix of uses and activities that 

provide opportunities to enjoy a range of lifestyle options at a local 

level. These community hubs are places to meet, work, socialise 

and live around, and provide a heart for a Local Area. 

Karrinyup Regional Centre, including Karrinyup Shopping Centre 

and surrounding amenities and services including Karrinyup Library 

and Shopping Centre, has been identified as a valued part of the 

Local Area providing both social interaction and community 

amenities in a friendly environment. It was identified as the second 

most popular place in the Local Area (after Lake Gwelup Reserve), 

and was identified as either the current heart of the community or 

as a location at which this could be developed. 

This area was identified at community forums as having the 

potential to become established as a ‘community hub’ that has a 

level of vibrancy from the activity in the area while also appealing as 

a social meeting place. Suggestions from the forums for the 

realisation of this priority include increased mix-use development 



February 2010

within and surrounding the centre, increased cafés and restaurants 

that remain open after dark, increased opportunity for smaller 

specialty stores and markets, as well as increased potential for 

casual meetings in the vicinity. 

These ideas could be utilised in a way which enhances the strong 

desire for an increased sense of community and builds upon the 

current activity of the shopping centre and surrounding area. An 

urban design/improvement strategy is needed to improve the public 

spaces and the overall design of the centre, and high quality 

development is needed around the shopping centre. An increase in 

housing diversity that allows a range of housing types and residents 

to live in close proximity to the centre would also contribute to 

increasing activity levels at different times of day should evening 

uses be created. With the relatively good provision of public 

transport to the site, the centre provides an excellent opportunity to 

create a sustainable heart for the local area that enables 

sustainable transportation (through easy walking and cycling 

options and public transport access), provision of local employment 

and business opportunities, opportunities for meeting and building 

social capital or community social bonds, and a wider range of 

housing options including smaller and more affordable dwellings. 

Karrinyup Shopping Centre management has been advised by the 

City that any redevelopment would require the development of a 

concept plan for the site, and this would need to be developed in 

collaboration with the City of Stirling. This provides an opportunity to 

develop this far more sustainable hub for the Local Area. 

Beyond the larger regional scale of the Karrinyup Regional Centre, 

there are also opportunities for parks and recreation spaces to 

further develop as community meeting places where people can 

exercise, recreate and socialise. The creation of smaller hubs 

around the Local Area such as at local centres like the Gwelup 

Plaza would be beneficial but would require the commitment of the 

centre’s owners. 

Enhanced Community Facilities 

The community consultation findings have emphasised the 

importance of leisure in the community’s lifestyle and the desire to 

use recreation activities to bring different members of the 

community closer together. Community survey respondents 

identified ‘sports and recreation facilities’ as one of the areas most 

in need of improvement, whilst they provided a more mixed 

response to the question of amount and range of these amenities. 

58% of respondents felt the level of provision was ‘about right’; 

while 41% claimed there was ‘not enough range’ or ‘not enough’. 

Only 1% said there was ‘too many’ or ‘too much range’. 

There is a high demand for the provision of an aquatic centre and 

enhancement of sports and recreation facilities in addition to multiuse 

facilities to support active lifestyles. The demand for facilities is 

also linked to the community’s desire to ensure youth and seniors 

have adequate recreation, support facilities and opportunities. 

The City is endeavouring to appropriately plan and promote 

recreation facilities so that funds are distributed equitably across 

localities and between different interests and age groups, ensuring 

all people have access and opportunity to a healthy lifestyle. The 

community demand for more community/recreation facilities is a 

clear indication that Local Area residents need to be made aware of 

the existing facilities and opportunities, such as the Karrinyup 

Community and recreation Centre in the Karrinyup Regional Centre. 

Discussion of community facilities at forums also highlighted the 

importance of libraries and community centres to provide 

educational and social opportunities for a range of community 

members. The location of the Karrinyup Library and Community 



February 2010

Centre within the Karrinyup Regional Centre is discussed in the 

previous section in relation to the creation of a heart for the Local 


A Friendly and Green Family Community 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area was predominantly been 

established residentially during the post war boom which saw a 

decrease in rural land. There are, however, remnants of the market 

gardens, emblematic of the Gwelup area, in both physical spaces 

and the strong community ties that were created through such 

community endeavours. The Local Area has since evolved as a 

green area and a family community, with anticipation to continue 

the growth and development of the area with these elements 

continuing to be nurtured and flourish. 

Connectivity and Safety 

Safety and security has not been identified as an issue of concern 

as the majority of the community value the level of security they feel 

in the Local Area, with many residents feeling very satisfied and 

only a few being dissatisfied. Community forums generally indicated 

that a greater sense of interconnectedness was needed within the 

community with increased accessibility and transport connecting to 

Stirling Train Station. 

The community plays an important role in the local safety and 

security, as identified by the strong emphasis on responsibility 

within the community. The City of Stirling has a responsibility to the 

Local Area also by promoting the services that it offers to local 

residents and businesses while ensuring that the security patrol has 

an active presence within the locality. Safety within the Local Area 

can also be ensured through the design of parks and public spaces 

that enjoy strong passive surveillance (windows, verandahs or 

balconies looking onto the street, park or other public spaces), and 

are inviting and well lit in addition to traffic and transport that is well 

managed, promoting safety for all people on the streets so that 

people feel comfortable to walk and cycle throughout the area. 

Embraced Arts, Culture and Heritage 

The culture and heritage of the Local Area and its residents are 

highly valued by the community. The locality has important heritage 

in its Indigenous past and its role in the early development of the 

City of Stirling and Perth. In addition to the Indigenous element of 

the history, the rural and market gardening past have greatly 

influenced the culture and heritage of the area today, reflected in 

the ‘green’ feel that remains. Strong community support for the reestablishment 

of farmers markets within the Local Area is a 

wonderful way to engage the community while embracing the 

heritage and cultural past. 

Significant sites of cultural and heritage value within the Local Area 

include Lake Gwelup Reserve, Lake Gwelup, Lake Careniup and 

Gwelup Plaza in Gwelup and Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Lake 

Karrinyup Country Club, Hamersley Golf Course, Trigg Bushland 

Reserve and Millington Reserve in Karrinyup. It is important that the 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area’s history and culture is recognised, 

valued and celebrated through the incorporation of these elements 

into the future planning of the area. There is opportunity for these 

areas to be enhanced through better utilisation of the spaces, 

engaging the community while preserving the heritage and cultural 

value of the areas. 

Community Capacity and Empowerment 

The community engagement forums identified similar priorities and 

values throughout the Local Area community. This demonstrates 

that the community has much capacity to achieve its own goals. 

Social capacity can be developed through a collaborative effort 

involving the City of Stirling, Councillors and existing community 

organisations. The City of Stirling already provides many social 



February 2010

support services and cultural and leisure facilities which local 

residents can make better use of. New community groups could 

also be initiated and developed to hold social events and in 

celebration of the local culture and history, through the harnessing 

of the established support and partnerships. 



February 2010

Community and Cultural Development Outcomes to Achieve 

Desired Outcome for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area Examples of current or potential actions to achieve this outcome 

Outcome 1 

Karrinyup Regional Centre is developed as a community hub or 

heart, with a mix of uses that provide opportunities for people to 

live, work, socialise and recreate within their Local Area. 

Outcome 2 

A strong sense of community is developed through provision of 

entertainment and evening amenities such as cafes and 

restaurants that provide places to socialise and community 

activities and events that enable everyone to be involved. 

Outcome 3 

Recreation and leisure facilities and community social events 

and activities support enhanced lifestyle choices for all sectors 

of the community. 

Outcome 4 

The strong ‘family’ sense of the area is built on, as people are 

welcome to become involved in community activities and 

groups and public spaces remain safe and welcoming. 

• Examine employment potential of Main Street concept implementation 

around Karrinyup Regional Centre 

• Work with Karrinyup Regional Centre owners to create a masterplan for 

the area to address changing environmental and social needs 

• The Karrinyup Community and Recreation Centre is promoted within 

the Local Area 

• Promote community events occuring within the Local Area 

• Ensure any new/redevelopment of Karrinyup Regional Centre considers 

evening entertainment actitvities when planning for different landuses 

• Ensure residents are aware of existing community services and 

activities available 

• Provide adequate opportunity for changing recreation needs and 

community services through implementation of the Seniors Plan 

• Provide adequate opportunity for Youth to be involved in community 

activities through the Youth Development Plan 

• Provide a well-distributed network of seats to encourage more people to 

socialise at Lake Gwelup reserve 

• Ensure possibility for passive surveilance in surrounding areas though 

review of Streetscape Policy 

• Ensure the Local Area is aware of the City’s Community Safety 

messages 

• Continue the Adopt-A-Park volunteers program to encourage local 

residents to take a stewardship role over their local parks and reserves 



February 2010

Natural Environment 


Natural and Conservation Areas 

Protection of the natural environment is a very high priority for 

Karrinyup-Gwelup community members, so much so that it 

emerged as the top priority from community engagement overall. At 

community forums, the second highest priority was maintenance of 

the natural environment and open spaces. Through the community 

survey, 81% of respondents agreed that protecting or developing 

the character of the Local Area could be achieved through 

conservation of natural areas. 

Community engagement specifically identified maintenance of 

existing natural areas and native flora as an important theme 

throughout the community, as well as a strong desire to increase 

the number of trees in the Local Area to increase the level of 

ecological sustainability. Residents suggested that legal protection 

of reserves be put in place to retain and enhance the Local Area. 

This may provide an opportunity for some parks within the area to 

become a showcase for ecologically sensitive public open space, 

which would be well supported by the City’s current wetland and 

bushland remediation programs. 

Lake Gwelup Reserve 

Lake Gwelup (and surrounding reserve) was identified as the 

favourite place in the Local area and Karrinyup Shopping Centre 

was a popular selection as the community ‘heart’. Many of those 

respondents that felt the area was still in need of a heart, mentioned 

that one could be developed at Lake Gwelup. 

Despite its popularity, the Lake and surrounds was also considered 

to be one of the top three places most in need of improvement. 

During the workshops the community raised issues such as water 

quality and management, conservation of biodiversity as well as 

general maintenance in the area. The suggestion of diverting stormwater 

runoff to minimise impact on the water quality of the Lake was 

also suggested. This clearly displays the community commitment to 

and value of Lake Gwelup. 

Addressing issues such as maintenance and preservation could 

provide an opportunity for increasing the community’s sense of 

place, which was also mentioned and incorporated into the 

community vision. The suggestion of volunteer groups working with 

the City to identify problems and take an environmental stewardship 

role as protectors of Lake Gwelup Reserve if taken up would greatly 

enhance residents’ connection to their place and its natural 

environment. Although the ‘Friends of Lake Gwelup’ community 

group already exists, it consists of only a few community members, 

each dedicated to the conservation of the natural area. As 

maintenance and preservation of the Lake was identified as an 

important issue during community engagement, the opportunity is 

now created to increase the member base of the ‘Friends of Lake 

Gwelup’ through further awareness and promotion of the existence 

of the group. This should ultimately result in enhancing the 

connection between residents and the Lake while conserving the 

natural environment. 

Local Parks 

In the community survey, parks were rated number three in the top 

five ‘best places’ in the Local Area. Favourite parks identified in 

through the community engagement processes included the 

Jackson Reserve, Jackson Duke Wheeler Reserve and Millington 

Reserve. Having said this, local parks were also listed in survey 

respondents’ top five ‘places most in need of improvement’. 



February 2010

Overall, 86% of survey respondents felt that the provision of parks 

and conservation areas was ‘about right’. The main concern was 

less with the range or provision of parks and conservation areas 

and more with their maintenance and care. 

Community Open Space 

Public open space takes the form of formal parks, large reserves, 

active (e.g. for sporting uses) and passive (e.g. for relaxation) 

areas, and conservation of natural areas. For the Karrinyup-Gwelup 

Local Area community, the character of the Local Area is closely 

tied with open space; mainly public, but also private. 

Over half of the survey respondents indicated that the Local Area 

has moderate character and a further 37% of survey respondents 

indicated that the character was not easily discernible. 59% of 

respondents said they would prefer a stronger, recognisable 

character for the area. Additionally, 81% responded that natural and 

conservation areas were most important in protecting or developing 

Local Area character while 68% selected front gardens and verges 

as the most important contributor to character (respondents could 

choose more than one option). 

Beyond its contribution to the character of the Local Area, open 

space is also considered to serve a primary community-building 

role. It is evident that community parks are highly valued as places 

of leisure and education and have the potential to strengthen the 

community by providing a shared place for working together and 

socialising. Participants identified parks and natural landscapes as 

needing improvement, with a focus on improved activities and 

social gathering in a safe environment. A key priority raised through 

the community forums was further utilisation of public spaces 

through providing community spaces with barbecues, seating and 

places to play. 

In addition, 72% of survey respondents indicated that the evening 

and entertainment activities in general were lacking. Although this 

issue partially relates to evening/nightlife activities, the lack of 

entertainment activities could be overcome by further developing 

open spaces for residents to use for entertainment events. This 

may also provide opportunity for the City and also the community to 

develop and hold events in open spaces. 

Environmental Sustainability 

Alongside protection of natural areas, the broader theme of 

environmental sustainability has been identified as the key priority 

for the Local Area. Sustainability emerged in relation to 

environmental management through natural vegetation retention 

and the City using more native species in planting. Water quality 

and conservation, and energy efficiency in building design were 

also raised in relation to increasing the Local Area sustainability. 

This issue provides an opportunity for the City and community to 

implement different initiatives and create places within the Local 

Area that are truly ecologically sustainable. 

The City is currently involved in several initiatives to increase the 

environmental sustainability of Local Areas. These include the 

creation and protection of natural areas in public open space and 

improved irrigation techniques (both contributing to water efficiency) 

through eco-zoning and hydro-zoning; the ongoing protection and 

maintenance of bushland through weed control as part of the 

implementation of the City’s Green Plan 2; ongoing wetland 

remediation projects; recording and monitoring of flora and fauna 

species as part of the City’s Biodiversity Strategy; the progression 

of the Million Trees Initiative which commits to the target of a million 

trees across the City by 2020; and the planned development of a 

Sustainable Building Policy. These are just a few of the numerous 

sustainability projects undertaken by the City. 

Verges and Front Gardens 

Survey respondents were also asked to identify two places in the 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area that require improvement. Lake 

Gwelup, Karrinyup Shopping Centre and road design and 

streetscaping were all equally weighted as the most in need of 



February 2010

improvement. Streetscape issues included the need for more street 

trees and improving the appearance of road verges. 

Front gardens and verges were also nominated as one of the most 

important elements in protecting or developing the character of the 

Local Area. Whilst the City provides for and maintains medians 

through its Streetscape Upgrade Program and verges to some 

extent through its ongoing Street Tree Maintenance Program, 

verges and front gardens are otherwise the responsibilities of local 

residents. The City of Stirling supports more sustainable and 

attractive verges and front gardens through the Great Gardens 

workshops that are provided free of charge each year. These 

provide an excellent opportunity for residents to learn more about 

native planting and waterwise gardens, creating the potential to 

create enduringly attractive streetscapes and the opportunity for 

residents to contribute to developing the Local Area’s character. 



February 2010

Natural Environment Outcomes to Achieve 


Outcome 1 

The character of the Local Area is strengthened through 

environmentally sustainable, well-maintained, leafy and green 

streetscapes, front gardens and verges. 

Outcome 2 

Lake Gwelup Reserve and surrounds is a special place for 

community members, with high conservation and social value 

as a place of environmental care and community involvement. 

Outcome 3 

Open spaces such as parks and natural areas are wellmaintained 

and ecologically sustainable places. 

• Continue the City’s Million Trees initiative 

• Hold community education workshops, such as the Great Gardens 

workshops, to inform community on sustainable gardening practices 

• Provide information to residents on water and energy efficiency by 

promoting the City’s ‘Switch Your Thinking’ campaign 

• Facilitate a strong sense of community ownership through promotion of 

existing ‘Friends of Lake Gwelup community group 

• Explore opportunities for further storm water diversion away from the 

Lake 

• Remediation projects are undertaken for local wetlands 

• Continue working with appropriate State Government department and 

educational institutions on remediation of wetlands in the area 

• Public Open Spaces are vegetated with native and waterwise plants 

• Ensure any areas subject to proposed density changes contain 

adequate and sustainable open space 

• Continue the implementation of Green Plan 2 conservation sites and 

the WaterSmart Parks initiative 

Outcome 4 

Public open space is also community open space, where 

different sectors of the community can interact informally and 

through events and projects. 

• Investigate possibilities of holding community functions in the area 

• Provide school students with opportunities to learn more about their 

natural environment and become environmental stewards for their 

natural area 

• Identify Community Parks through the Public Open Space Strategy 

Implementation Program 

• Ensure parks in the Local Area have adequate footpath and cycle path 

access 



February 2010

Built Environment 


Retention of Existing Built Form Character 

Karrinyup and Gwelup are largely established and attractive 

suburbs that enjoy a high quality built form and pleasant, quiet 

residential character. The existing built form is dominated by single 

detached dwellings on lots typically zoned R20, and there is no 

benefit at present in increasing residential densities over most of 

the Local Area. 

Despite the above, there was one small pocket in the Local Area 

that was highlighted during the community engagement process. 

This small area adjoins the Lake Gwelup Reserve and the Lake 

Karrinyup Country Club. Some residents of this local 

neighbourhood have prepared a petition requesting to change the 

zoning from Residential R20 to Residential R30. The City received 

an additional petition clearly objecting to this proposal. Both 

petitions have been considered additional to the community 

engagement process. The area was included on the Key 

Opportunities Map and the Proposed Rezoning Map at the draft 

stage as a potential rezoning site to stimulate further dialogue about 

future direction for the area in question. However, in accordance 

with a resolution of Council to endorse release of the draft for public 

advertising, the proposed change in density was removed from the 

maps prior to advertising. It should be noted that any rezoning 

initiated will require separate public advertising. 

While community consultation identified that many residents were 

generally supportive of some increase in diversity of zoning and 

land use, this was on the condition that the general established built 

form of the area is maintained, and that this increase is limited to a 

small number of particularly relevant precincts, particularly around 

Karrinyup Regional Centre with its higher range of amenities and 

public transport options. This relates largely to the request for a 

greater number of housing options for retirees wanting to ‘age in 

place’ as well as a moderate increase in smaller dwellings and 

affordable housing. These are discussed below. 

Housing Diversity 

During the community engagement process, housing diversity and 

range emerged as a central theme within the Local Area. In fact, at 

community forums this emerged as the highest priority. Even 

through community surveys, whilst most residents were generally 

quite content with the types of houses and densities in the Local 

Area (59% of survey respondents felt the range was ‘about right’), a 

notable portion (34% of community survey respondents) of 

residents believed that the range was limited. More specifically, 

they felt the area was lacking in retirement housing in particular 

(34% of survey respondents), as well as to some degree affordable 

housing (18% of survey respondents) and smaller dwellings (20% 

of survey respondents). 

This mixed response from community engagement participants 

demonstrates a desire to keep most of the Local Area in its current 

low density character, with the need for a greater range of housing 

types and options met through limited increase in residential 

densities (through rezoning) in selected areas, namely around 

Karrinyup Regional Centre. 



February 2010

The need for retirement, aged-care, smaller and affordable and 

ecologically sustainable housing is discussed below. In addition, 

the need for greater housing choice across the City as a whole is 

addressed in the City’s draft Local Housing Strategy, which also 

considers opportunities for increasing retirement and affordable 

housing options. 

Ecologically Sustainable Housing and Buildings 

One of the most prominent and recurring themes throughout the 

community consultation was the need to increase the sustainability 

of the Local Area. Residents generally reported that they would 

support environmental and energy efficient housing guidelines to 

achieve this. This would allow developments to follow guidelines 

incorporating sustainable measures such as lighter coloured roofs, 

eaves, verandahs, solar powered hot water systems and grey water 

re-use systems. A Sustainable Building Policy will be developed for 

the City, and the intention is that this will provide a framework for 

ensuring that buildings greatly increase their energy and water 

efficiency. 

The community also felt that local commercial and business areas 

should be subject to such guidelines as well, under the pretence 

that all residential and non-residential development would be 

keeping with the local architectural character. This will need to be 

considered when developing the Sustainable Building Policy. 

Some residents present at the workshops also voiced their support 

for a demonstration Sustainable House in the area to assist in 

increasing the overall sustainability for the area. The feasibility of 

such a proposal may be considered as part of the development of 

the Sustainable Building Policy for the City. 

Retirement Housing 

Another important issue identified through community consultation 

was the lack of retirement housing and aged-care facilities. In the 

community survey, 34% of respondents felt that there was ‘not 

enough’ range of retirement housing. Residents felt that retirement 

housing was lacking in most areas other than Gwelup. It appears 

that some older residents’ desire to ‘age in place’ and remain a vital 

part of their community, and with over 25% of the community 

currently at or over retirement age (with this proportion forecasted 

to increase), this needs to be addressed. 

Increased opportunities for retirement and aged-care housing can 

be created by limited rezoning in relevant areas (particularly near 

community amenities and public transport). It may also be 

addressed through the City’s draft Local Housing Strategy and its 

implementation, which will consider opportunities to increase the 

possible number of retirement dwellings at existing residential 

densities. 

A Mix of Uses around Centres 

The community survey responses indicated that the top priority was 

increased housing range and options. This involved increasing 

housing diversity through rezoning in some areas; namely around 

activity centres containing shops, services and other amenities. 

‘Activity centres’ are identified in the State Government’s Network 

City, the primary strategic plan for the Perth and Peel Region. 

Generally, ‘activity centres’ should contain a mix of high activity 

generating land uses such as retail, offices and higher density 

housing and be located adjacent to good quality public transport. 

This allows for multi-purpose trip generation and increases the 

accessibility to services and facilities among community members. 

Karrinyup Regional Centre, including Karrinyup Shopping Centre, 

Karrinyup Library, the community centre and a variety of other 



February 2010

amenities is a designated activity centre, and the only one within 

the Local Area. The range of amenities offered, as well as relatively 

good public transport provision to the centre makes it an ideal 

location for focusing increased housing diversity in the area. This 

has the potential to address some of the perceived need for an 

increase in retirement, smaller and affordable dwellings. 

It should be noted that although Karrinyup Shopping Centre was 

identified as the ‘heart’ of the local area or as having the potential to 

become the ’heart’’ of the Local Area, it was also identified as one 

of the destinations most in need of improvement, with carparking 

and public transport access particularly lacking. The community 

also mentioned underground carparking as an option for increasing 

parking as well as visual amenity of the centre. Karrinyup Shopping 

Centre management has been advised by the City that any 

redevelopment of the Centre will require a concept plan developed 

in collaboration with the City, taking in the whole of the Regional 

Centre (thus addressing the library, community centre and other 

affected services). 

Although the following proposed rezoning map does not include 

increases in density around Karrinyup Regional Centre, it is still 

acknowledged as a potential area for change on the Key 

Opportunities Map at the back of this document. Unfortunately, to 

initiate any rezoning around the Centre at this stage may prove 

fruitless / counterproductive as redevelopment plans are yet to be 

finalised. Once a concept plan is developed by the 

Centre owners, in collaboration with the City of Stirling, rezoning in 

residential areas around the Centre will be investigated further. 



February 2010

Built Environment Outcomes to Achieve 


Outcome 1 

A diverse range of housing types including retirement, smaller 

and affordable houses ensures a range of people are able to 

reside in the Local Area. 

• Develop implementation plan for the Local Housing Strategy and 

develop related policies to provide incentives and requirements for 

housing diversity 

• Ensure existing retirement housing is maintained and expanded when 

necessary 

Outcome 2 

The overall character of the built environment is maintained, 

while increasing the sustainability of houses and nonresidential 

development designs. 

Outcome 3 

The Karrinyup Regional Centre is a vibrant social hub during 

the day and also after hours, as increased development 

potential is focussed around the Centre and existing transport 

routes. 

• Encourage residents to maintain attractive homes and gardens by 

providing information on house and water wise garden care 

• Develop and adopt a sustainable building policy to ensure buildings 

within the City of Stirling are more energy and water efficient 

• Work with the Regional Centre owners to develop a concept plan for 

any redevelopment at the site 

• Work with the Regional Centre owners to ensure any redevelopment of 

the site includes some after hours entertainment opportunities 

• The ‘Main Street’ planning concept is applied to any plans for 

development within and around the Karrinyup Regional Centre 



February 2010



February 2010

Economic Development 


Dialogue with the community has identified many opportunities and 

ideas for the local economic development in the future of the 

Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area. It also highlighted a range of issues 

covering provision of and opportunities for local businesses, local 

centres, and evening and entertainment opportunities. These 

issues present opportunities for the Local Area to develop through 

the support of a thriving local economy and employment sector, and 

are discussed below. 

Small and Local Businesses 

Engagement with the Karrinyup-Gwelup community has identified a 

desire for Karrinyup-Gwelup to develop as a place bursting with 

opportunity. This opportunity would include new local businesses 

and in conjunction with this, enhanced capacity for social capital 

and social engagement, supporting the overall priority of building a 

sense of community. Local businesses also provide the opportunity 

for community members to access goods and services locally, 

which supports the priority of increasing the sustainability of travel 

behaviour within the Local Area (people can walk and ride to 

access goods and services) and contributes to the overall priority of 

a more sustainable Local Area in general. 

clusters of small businesses situated in key, easily accessible 

locations. There is also opportunity to locate more small businesses 

in lots directly adjacent to Karrinyup Regional Centre by 

encouraging mixed use development using rezoning. This would 

allow streets to become active and pedestrian friendly, providing 

ideal locations for small businesses to flourish. 

The City of Stirling supports and collaborates with the Small 

Business Centre and Stirling Business Association to provide 

guidance and support for local businesses within the City, and 

these services could provide excellent value to the economic 

development of the Local Area. 

Home Businesses 

Support for home businesses was frequently mentioned as part of 

the community engagement for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area. 

With an increase in home businesses, residents will be encouraged 

to support the local economy of the area while making connections 

and growing the community atmosphere in addition to reducing the 

need to travel out of the Local Area in order to reach the same 

services. 

It has been identified that the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area would 

be an area in the future that has flourishing local businesses with 

the support for these businesses to survive and thrive. Support for 

local business was the top priority for the economic development 

and employment focus area at community forums. However, this 

support is mainly for small business, and there is a desire to control 

the development of any more large commercial businesses within 

the area. There is opportunity to increase local business presence 

along Karrinyup Road. Rather than encouraging strip development, 

the Activity Corridor could be activated further by small nodes or 

Although community support for home businesses was strong, it 

was complemented by some requirements for controls over and 

monitoring of types of businesses operating in the Local Area. This 

is to ensure that all businesses are in line with the desired family 

focused atmosphere of the area, are small in scale, and have a low 

impact on the surrounding area and community. It was also noted at 

community forums that high speed Internet is a necessity to ensure 

that home businesses can thrive in a competitive market industry. 



February 2010

Improve Major Centres 

Improvement of central “activity centres” was identified as a top 

priority at community forums, and the two centres mentioned in this 

context were Karrinyup Regional Centre (priorities relating broadly 

to improvement and expansion) and Gwelup Plaza (relating to 

expansion). These are the two centres of significance within the 


In surveys and at workshops, Karrinyup Regional Centre (the 

shopping centre and its surrounds) was a particular focus of 

discussion, perhaps because of its current scale and impact upon 

the Local Area. Its importance can be seen to be reflected in its 

identification as the top place “most in need of improvement” (in a 

three-way tie with Lake Gwelup and ‘road design and 

streetscaping’), as well as its identification as the second “best 

place” within the Local Area. 

Karrinyup Regional Centre is identified as an Activity Centre within 

Network City, the State Government’s primary strategy for the 

Perth/Peel Region. According to Network City, an Activity Centre 

should provide a higher intensity mix of businesses, services, 

residences and more, with good public transportation serving the 

centre. This sort of vision appears to be well supported by the Local 

Area community in many ways, and suggestions for increased 

numbers of local businesses and a better mix of uses were 

commonly targeted at this centre. 

As discussed in the Built Environment issues and opportunities 

section, Karrinyup Shopping Centre management have been 

advised that any expansion will require the development of a 

Concept Plan with the City. Such a Plan would enable a complete 

revision of the centre, and provide opportunities to better integrate 

new and existing facilities on the site. As mentioned in forums, for 

example, the Library and Community Centre could be upgraded 

and better integrated into the Centre, and a better mix of uses at the 

Centre’s periphery (including a wider range of housing types, 

businesses and retail) could further activate the Centre. Requests 

for increased diversity of operating hours were also related to the 

Centre, and the evening and entertainment opportunities so 

frequently mentioned (particularly cafes and restaurants) would 

support such a change. In the shorter term, longer operating hours 

for the food court could provide evening dining opportunities and 

support a greater diversity of operating hours for other businesses. 

The Local Area may currently lack employment opportunities within 

the central activity centre and Local Area generally, and greater 

opportunities may be presented by the upgrading of the Karrinyup 

Centre. This is in addition to the Stirling City Centre project which 

offers the opportunity to provide greater economic and employment 

opportunities for Karrinyup-Gwelup residents. 

While there was less detailed discussion of Gwelup Plaza, it was 

identified as number five in the “top five places most in need of 

improvement” by community survey respondents, and number five 

in the “top five best places”. As well as suggestions that it be 

expanded, community forum participants suggested that it have a 

better mix of uses (including cafes and restaurants), and that a 

‘main street’ or ‘high street’ commercial strip be set up around the 

centre, providing a mix of uses in a smaller scale, walkable 

environment. 

Local/Convenience Shopping 

Providing a balance to a focus on larger activity centres, a diverse 

and walkable Local Area economic environment would feature 

small, local convenience shopping and corner shops. The need for 

such shopping opportunities was rated number three in response to 

the question “What is the one thing missing in the area that you 

would like to see?” in community surveys. This supports increased 



February 2010

demand for small local businesses and diversity of operating hours; 

as such shops are commonly open later, providing opportunities for 

people to shop after working hours. As stated previously, these 

small businesses could be located in key areas along Karrinyup 

Road. 

Markets 

Vibrant community markets have been strongly identified and 

supported through the engagement with the local community. 

These markets could offer a range of opportunities for the 

community to be involved with including cultural craft markets, 

farmers’ growers markets and the opportunity for community events 

to be combined at the same time. In addition to community run 

markets promoting community engagement and social capital, they 

could also enable local economic revenue to be circulated 

throughout the Local Area. The possibility of a community run 

market may be investigated further during the Implementation 

planning stage of the Local Area Planning Project. 

Another evening and entertainment opportunity identified as an 

option for the area at Community forums was the possible creation 

of an entertainment precinct, or activity centre. The redevelopment 

of Karrinyup Regional Centre as a true “activity centre” (as 

discussed above) would provide the opportunity for cafés, 

restaurants, a tavern, cinemas, recreational facilities and other 

potential entertainment activities to develop. As discussed earlier, 

these entertainment opportunities would need to be in line with the 

family friendly, safe and community focused approach. Although the 

entertainment would be family friendly, there is a need for the 

entertainment to continue after work hours and to be linked with 

reliable and safe public transport. The entertainment precinct 

concurrent with the diversity of other land uses (mixed-use 

development) within the activity hub would naturally expand the 

overall clientele coming to the area and partaking in the 

entertainment and business potential. 

Evening and Entertainment Opportunities 

Evening and entertainment opportunities are identified as the 

community’s second priority overall for the Local Area, and their 

provision may take many forms. In community surveys, 72% of 

respondents indicated that there was either ‘not enough’ or ‘not 

enough range’ of evening and entertainment activities in the Local 

Area. They were also identified as the aspect of the Local Area 

“most in need of improvement”. 

The desire for social meeting places is reflected in the high 

importance placed on cafés and restaurants (particularly after 

hours). These were most commonly identified in response to the 

survey question “What is the one thing missing in the area that you 

would like to see?” This was followed at number five on the list by 

“entertainment opportunities”. 



February 2010

Economic Development Outcomes to Achieve 

Desired Outcome for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local 

Area 

Outcome 1 

A wider range of small local enterprises such as home 

businesses, corner shops and markets are supported, better 

meeting the needs of the community within its Local Area. 

Outcome 2 

Centres expand their role beyond retail provision, offering a mix 

of goods, services and meeting places that integrate with 

supportive surrounding land uses. 

Outcome 3 

Evening and entertainment activities enable people to meet and 

recreate locally both day and night. 

Outcome 4 

The economic development potential of the area is realised 

through the City of Stirling and the Karrinyup Regional Centre 

owners/managers working together to further integrate the 

Centre with surrounding land. 

Examples of current or potential actions to achieve this 

outcome 

• Continue to support the Stirling Business Association to provide 

networking opportunities for local traders and assist members to 

succeed in their business endeavours 

• The City continues to support local businesses by utilising them 

where possible 

• The City continues to financially support the Stirling Small Business 

Centre Service to assist potential and existing small business 

proprietors 

• The City works with the Karrinyup Regional Centre owners to 

ensure the role as a social precinct is expanded. 

• The ‘Main Street’ planning concept is applied to any plans to 

expand the Karrinyup Regional Centre 

• Potential Gwelup Shopping Centre expansion investigated and 

feasibility gauged through Local Centres Improvement Program 

• The City holds and promotes any community events held within the 

Local Area 

• Karrinyup Regional Centre stakeholders are made aware of 

community interest in evening entertainment opportunities 

• Any new development in the area includes provision for possible 

evening entertainment activities 

• Redevelopment around the Regional Centre includes consideration 

and opportunity for a local growers market 



February 2010

Transport & Movement Network 


Dialogue with the community has identified opportunities and ideas 

regarding the current transport options and movement network 

within the Local Area and for the future of Karrinyup-Gwelup. These 

are discussed below. 

Sustainable Transportation 

Sustainability is a clear priority for the Local Area community, and 

sustainable transport is one of the key themes through which this 

concern emerges. Transport options that are environmentally 

friendly, affordable and foster greater community interactions and 

familiarity with the Local Area are shown clear preference in both 

community surveys and planning workshops. 

From the community engagement process in its entirety, the sixth 

overall priority was sustainable transport, and at community forums 

this emerged as the fifth priority. It should be noted that this is within 

the context of an overall community priority of environmental 

sustainability. 

While survey respondents were generally satisfied with all modes of 

transport, respondents (almost 70%) were most satisfied with the 

provision for walking and cycling in the Local Area. Satisfaction with 

buses was somewhat lower, and although a higher proportion of 

respondents felt provision for this mode was ‘good’ rather than 

‘poor’, when asked which aspects of transport they would like to see 

most improved in the Local Area, buses were the most common 

response (this was followed by walking, and then by cycling). 

Similarly, ‘public transport services’ were the fourth most commonly 

cited of the top five “things missing in your local area”. 

Sustainable transport options need to be tied to effective land 

use/transport integration, safe routes and integrated transport 

networks, and a willingness on the part of transport users to change 

their behaviour to maximise their potential. These aspects of the 

sustainable transport picture are discussed below. 

Land Use/Transport Integration 

Development or strengthening of a community hub or focal point is 

a key priority for the Local Area’s community, and such a hub within 

the context of a sustainable Local Area must be integrated with 

sustainable transport options such as public transport, walking and 

cycling. Most community members identified Karrinyup Regional 

Centre as the site for this ‘hub’, and the centre already has the 

advantage of a bus station at its Karrinyup Road periphery. 

Improved services to this hub from the surrounding area and 

footpaths and cycle paths also connecting to and from it, would 

greatly enhance the opportunity for local residents to access goods 

and services locally without heavy reliance on automobiles. 

Transport and land use integration also needs to be considered 

across the Local Area in relation to other major destinations, and 

planning for provision of pedestrian and cycle paths and public 

transport services needs to occur in tandem with consideration of 

key sites such as shops, schools, workplaces and areas of higher 

density living. 



February 2010

TravelSmart Program 

Improved pedestrian, cyclist and public transport opportunities are 

wasted if people are unsure of how to use them. Furthermore, while 

people may desire such opportunities, their uptake can be limited 

where people have difficultly changing their car-reliant patterns of 

behaviour. 

The City of Stirling runs the TravelSmart program precisely for 

these reasons – to help people to adapt to more sustainable 

patterns of behaviour. It assists in providing information and support 

on public transportation (personalised Travel Plans can be 

developed with people desiring such a service) to ensure the 

transition is as easy as possible, and works with schools and 

workplaces to run programs and exercises to reduce car reliance 

through activities such as TravelSmart to School, Walking school 

buses and the TravelSmart Households initiative. 

TravelSmart has enormous benefits for personal health, finances, 

and the environment. Particularly in terms of Peak Oil, the emerging 

scenario of oil supplies going into decline and oil costs 

subsequently increasing dramatically, this will be important. 

Working with the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area community in its 

transition to greater sustainability will be a central aspect in its 

viability. 

Safe Access 

A strong emphasis on safety of access in regards to transport was 

identified during the community consultation process. Currently 

there is a perception of poor provision for pedestrians due to street 

network issues, lack of (continuity of) pedestrian and cycle paths, 

and lack of adequate lighting to pedestrian access ways. 

Furthermore, the facilities that should complement and promote 

sustainable transport methods are considered to be lacking; 

including adequate benches/shelters at bus stops, lockers and bike 

racks. The safety of the Local Area’s roads has also been identified 

as needing attention. Residents have shown concern regarding the 

speed of cars along local roads, as well as the safety of key 

intersections within the Local Area. 

Opportunities are therefore presented for creating a safe 

environment for community movement and accessibility to transport 

options throughout the Local Area. The upgrading to the 

accessibility would rely on general improvements to the safety 

throughout the area. Enhanced safety, security and community 

policing measures (including promotion of existing City of Stirling 

initiatives such as ranger services, CCTV and road safety 

programs) would increase safety at bus shelters and transport 

interchanges as well as the uptake of walking and cycling by 

seniors in particular. ‘Designing out Crime’ guidelines applied to 

major developments and redevelopments can ensure that the built 

form contributes to the safety of the area and does not provide 

opportunities for criminal behaviour, and these would need to be 

part of any redevelopment of Karrinyup Regional Centre. Other 

safety measures working in conjunction with those discussed above 

include: increased evening activities that generate more activity at 

night meaning fewer isolated places and streets; monitoring of 

traffic speeds; improved networks for walking and cycling delineate 

between places for pedestrians and cyclists and those for cars; well 

lit areas; and improvements made to key intersections. 

Integrated Transport Network 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area desires to be a connected 

community. This requires a transport network that enables people 

to move easily through the Local Area by a number of connected 

modes of transport. It needs well connected foot and cycle paths, 

connections between these and public transport, effective public 



February 2010

transportation services and facilities, and the integration of transport 

with land use within the area. 

Presently, the Local Area has street network issues with a lack of 

(continuity of) paths and a problematic road layout. The curvilinear 

(with numerous cul de sacs) layout of the streets creates difficulty in 

retrofitting the area for greater pedestrian and cyclist connectivity. 

This is because (unlike with a traditional grid-based street network) 

people often have to go the ‘long way round’ to get from A to B, and 

linking streets to reduce this travel distance can require the creation 

of public access ways between cul de sacs which are often 

unpopular due to safety concerns. Therefore, while all streets may 

not be priorities for pedestrian and cycle paths, the major connector 

roads that residential streets lead to, and particularly those 

connector streets going to major destinations including schools, 

shops and workplaces, are priorities for upgrades. 

In order to support greater ease of movement and connectivity for 

all road users, improvements to the street network need to be made 

throughout the area. The improvements should include better 

continuity of pedestrian and cycle paths, traffic management 

through controls on speeding and at intersections, good signage, 

and increased safety through streetscape design and maintenance. 

The City is currently undertaking a Strategic Footpath Review to 

identify priorities for footpaths (starting with major connector roads 

to key locations), and to locate gaps in the network that need to be 

addressed. This is complemented by a Cycle Facility Audit that is 

assessing the quality and needs of the City’s cycle path network 

(within a broader regional context). Both reviews will result in plans 

for improving cycle and pedestrian networks across the City, and 

will be developed in relation to the need to reduce pedestrian/cyclist 

conflict. 

Another aspect of the integrated transport network required for a 

connected Local Area community is the connection of public 

transport services with community needs, as well as with other 

aspects of the transport network including cycling and walking. 

Apart from a need for improved public transport facilities including 

bus shelters and lockers, services (particularly buses) are believed 

to be in need of improvement. Public transport service gaps with 

infrequent services and indirect service routes leave public 

transport as a fairly undesirable option. Public Transport is 

controlled by the Public Transport Authority (PTA), and thus is out 

of the City’s control. However, the City can play an advocacy role 

for the local community by providing the PTA with information on 

gaps in the service and needs for improvement. Creation of an ideal 

public transport system however is a difficult goal to achieve, as not 

all gaps in the network are viable to fill. Public transport needs to 

remain affordable and be efficient, so not all streets can be served. 

This is where the City’s footpath and cycle path plans are important, 

for the integration of these with public transport, particularly in 

relation to routes to key destinations (transport/land use 

integration), is part of a complete picture of a sustainable integrated 

transport network. 

Improved Local Parking 

Due to the high levels of car use within the Local Area, local parking 

access and safety has become a concern to the community. 

Through the development of improved community connectivity and 

transport networks in addition to safe accessibility to various 

transport modes, car dependence will inevitably decrease, reducing 

pressure on parking needs. However, some car use will inevitably 

continue in the short term at least, and management of this issue, 

particularly in relation to Karrinyup Shopping Centre, must be 

addressed through any major developments or redevelopment in 

the area. 



February 2010

Transport and Movement Network Outcomes to Achieve 

Desired Outcome for the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area 

Outcome 1 

The Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area is a model of sustainability 

through its sustainable transport behaviour, as people are able to 

travel across and through the area on foot, bicycle and by public 

transport. 

Examples of current or potential actions to achieve this outcome 

• The City’s TravelSmart officer continues to provide advice and 

programs promoting and encouraging sustainable transport use 

within the Local Area 

• Ensure adequate footpaths are provided as a result of the Strategic 

Footpath Review 

• Promote and Strengthen Public Transport options in the Local Area 

Outcome 2 

The transport network is safe for all users, with good 

maintenance, traffic management, streetscapes and building 

design contributing to people’s sense of security. 

Outcome 3 

An integrated transport network results in well connected 

pedestrian and cycle paths, integration of different modes of 

transport, and integration of transport with key locations. 

Outcome 4 

Parking management, access and safety issues are addressed 

through major developments and redevelopments within the 


• Investigate the possibility of creating or incorporating Crime 

Prevention Through Environmental Design Guidelines for new 

development in the area 

• Continue to implement the Streetscape Upgrade program 

• Continue to liaise with TransPerth, providing input and advocating 

for community needs 

• Develop an implementation plan for the city-wide Integrated 

Transport Strategy 

• Ensure any new development at key locations is accessible to 

public transportation and well connected to existing foot and cycle 

paths 

• Consider footpath and cycle path access to train stations and shops 

through the Strategic Footpath Review and Cycle Facility Audit 

• The City works closely with any new or redevelopment around the 

Karrinyup Regional Centre, to ensure sufficient parking is provided 

• Continue to develop a car parking strategy for the City of Stirling 

• Promote the City’s Community Safety and driving safety information 

through displays at local events and shopping centres 



February 2010

Part 6: 

Key Opportunities 



February 2010



February 2010

Part 7: 

Appendices 



February 2010

Appendix 1 - Flora of the Karrinyup-Gwelup Local Area 

Upper Storey 

Vegetation 

Mid‐Storey 

Vegetation 

Understorey 

Vegetation 

Grey– White Sands Grey‐Brown Sands Grey‐Black Sands Spearwood Yellow 

Sands 

Summer‐ scented‐ wattle Marri 

Swamp Sheoak 

Candle Banksia 

WA Flooded Gum 

Swamp Sheoak 

Tree‐ smokebush 

Red heart 

Two‐leaf‐hakia 

Rare Bitter Bush 

Native Cranberry 

Snakebush 

Hairy Yellow Pea 

Pixie mops 

Wedding bush 

WA Christmas Tree 

Dune Sheoak 

Honey Bush 

Marno 

Blood root 

Swan River Myrtle 

Swamp‐ Peppermint 

Swishbush 

Swamp pea 

Swamp tea‐tree 

Rigid Wattle 

Green Stinkwood 

Snotty Gobble 

Swan River Myrtle 

Within all planting zones 

Common Sheoak 

Tuart 

Jarrah 

Prickly Bark 

Firewood Banksia 

Orange Banksia 

Harsh Hakea 

Balga 

Zamia Palm 

Prickly moses 

Red & green kangaroo paw 

Couch honeypot 



February 2010

KARRINYUP / GWELUP Local Area Plan - City of Stirling

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