Wembley Local Area Plan - City of Stirling

City of Stirling 

March 2013 

Wembley Downs - Churchlands - 

Woodlands - Herdsman - Wembley 

Local Area Plan

foreword 

contents 

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

to present the Local Area Plan for the Wembley Downs - Herdsman - Churchlands - Woodlands - Wembley Local 

Area. The City is confident this plan encapsulates the community’s vision for the future planning of the Local Area 

over the next 10 to 15 years. 

The City’s Local Area Planning project identifies the unique characteristics of each Local Area within the 

City. Although each Local Area holds equal value as each other, all have very different resident needs 

and expectations. The Local Area visioning exercise undertaken by the community assists Council in 

planning for and prioritising projects within the Local Area. 

Vision 

Summary 

4 

5 

The agreed Vision for the Wembley Downs - Herdsman - Churchlands - Woodlands - Wembley 

Local Area is: 

“Wembley Downs - Herdsman - Churchlands - Woodlands - Wembley is a community 

that sees its future as a place that is attractive, refreshed and active: a place that 

has rebuilt communtiy lifestyle choices” 

Local Area Planning 

Where does Local Area Planning fit? 

Sustainable Development 

6 

7 

8 

The significant engagement of the local community throughout the Local Area consultation process has 

ensured that this plan, and its outcomes, is firmly founded in the community aspirations for the local 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. 

Community Engagement 

10 

An implementation plan is currently being prepared which will mobilise the agreed outcomes of this plan. The various business units of 

the City will incorporate the outcomes of the implementation plans as part of their annual business unit planning. The implementation 

plans will be reviewed every three years to ensure the outcomes are met in a timely fashion. 

An Interesting History 

Some key facts 

12 

13 

Realising the vision of the Wembley Downs - Herdsman - Churchlands - Woodlands - Wembley 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 Wembley Downs - Herdsman - Churchlands - Woodlands - Wembley Local Area Plan is available on the City’s 

website www.stirling.wa.gov.au/lap, or via email localareaplanning@stirling.wa.gov.au, or by contacting the City on 9205 8555. 

Councillor David Boothman 

Mayor 


Key Areas 

Community Development 

Natural Environment 

Economic Development 

Movement & Transport 

Built Environment 

What now? 

Key Opportunities 

14 

20 

26 

32 

42 

48 

49 


Wembley Downs - Herdsman - Churchlands - Woodlands - Wembley Local Area Plan 

March 2013 

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March 2013

community vision 

summary 

“The Local Area sees itself as a ‘Place for Living’. It will be an area 

that values community, a place of vitality, activity and local community 

interaction”. 

satisfaction 

84% of people were 

‘reasonably satisfied’ or 

‘very satisfied with the 

Local Area as a place 

to live. 

1. 

2. 

Overall Community Priorities 

Maintain a sustainable liveable environment, preserving local 

areas and which are reflective of the local character. 

Develop accessible community hubs that provide both small 

business and housing choices. 

distinction 

87% of people think 

the Local Area is very 

distinctive. 

3. 

Promote community spirit through bringing people together, 

providing family and friends places to visit, recreate and 

interact. 

top 3 places most needing of 

parks 

improvement 

Social Guiding 

Principles 

Economic Guiding 

Principles 

Environmental Guiding 

Principles 


the amount of parks are 

‘about right’ 

1. Innaloo Shopping Centre 

2. Scarborough Beach Road 

3. Woodlands Shopping Centre 

• Build community connections 

through activities and designed 

community hubs, villages and open 

spaces; 

• Provide lifestyle choices for all ages; 

• Enhance community spirit through 

improved use of the local area. 

• Support, build and broaden local 

business potential in building activity 

centres; 

• Provide access and transport 

solutions; 

• Provide a tourist and cultural centre 

developing an activity hub. 

• Maintain and enhance sustainable 

community open spaces; 

• Protect and conserve sustainable 

local environments for future 

generations; 

• Support sustainable living options. 

schools 


the amount of schools 

are ‘about right’ 

top 3 favourite places 

1.Jackadder Lake 

2. Herdsman Lake 

3. Wembley Downs Shopping 

Centre 

top 2 safety issues 

employment 

13.9% of people 

work and live in the 

Local Area 

1. 

Speeding and Traffic Offences 

2. Burglary 

3. Safe pedestrian crossings. 

community 

20% of people 

have never used any 

community services or 

facilities 

87% of the community stated they were reasonably or very satisfied 

with their level of connectivity to their local community. 

25% of the community thought that the overall feeling / appearance 

of the local area was very important in protecting or developing the 

character of the local area. 

40% of the community felt the provision of retirement villages in 

the local area was ‘not enough’ to cater for demand over the next 

10-20 years. 



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local area planning 

where does local area planning fit? 

As the biggest local authority in Perth, the 

City of Stirling has more than 200,000 

residents. It covers over 100 square kilometres 

of land, extending from Mt Lawley in the 

east to North Beach in the north west and 

provides over 150 services to these people 

every day. 

Given the complexities and uniqueness 

of each suburb and the needs of the 

residents that live within them, The City 

has adopted a ‘place based’ planning 

approach. 

Local Area Planning commenced in 2006 

and concentrates on planning for a defined 

locality, rather than broad plans that cover the 

entire City, or plans based on individual issues. 

A focus on smaller areas allows local issues and 

the uniqueness of the area to be explored in greater 

depth, in close consultation with local communities. 

Local Area Planning Objectives 

• The review of key planning issues, policies and forces 

acting on local areas within the City and the development of 

a coordinated response to these. 

• The identification of specific ‘opportunities’ and ‘constraints’ 

within each local area and the development of strategies to 

address these. 

• 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 the local community and work 

with them to developing practical solutions to these, within 

the context of a regional framework. 

• To foster open lines of communication between the City and 

the community. 

The Local Area Planning process examines a wide range of 

topics and issues relevant to a locality, and focuses on integrating 

social, environmental and economic initiatives into one plan that 

guides the future direction of the area. 

The community engagement process allows a variety of topics 

and issues of relevance to the Local Area and its community to 

be discussed, these include: 

• 

• 

To create a sound and comprehensible statutory and 

strategic planning framework for each local area to allow 

delivery of the vision and plan. 

To help ensure that each local area operates in a sustainable 

way and in balance with surrounding precincts and other 

areas of influence. 

• The vision for the future of the Local Area; 

• Defining the area’s character -what makes it special; 

• The review the current land uses, zoning and residential 

densities; 

• Look at the movement network - how people get around; 

• Parks, reserves and the natural environment; 

• Recreation and community facilities; 

• Improving local sustainability; 

• Safety and security; 

• Infrastructure; 

• Economic development opportunities; 

• Community building – cultural and social development. 

Following the public consultation, the Plan also acts as the 

strategic policy in which to investigate and include the City’s own 

priorities and objectives for the local area. 



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sustainable development 

the City’s commitment 

The City of Stirling acknowledges that sustainable 

development is one of the most pressing issues 

of our time and that the City has a vital role to 

play at the local level in ensuring and promoting 

sustainable development. 

Through its governance role, Council 

therefore seeks to advance and strengthen 

the four interdependent and mutually 

reinforcing pillars of sustainability 

– environmental protection, social 

development, economic development 

and governance in the Stirling Local 

Government Area. 

Putting words into action 

The City is putting its principles into action 

through numerous sustainability initiatives 

including: 

• Monitoring and reporting sustainability 

performance through the adoption of the 

international best practice Global Reporting 

Initiative and production of a Sustainability Annual 

Report each year; 

• Implementation of a range of actions identified within the 

Strategic Plan 2009-2012 including; 

»» TravelSmart Programs helping the community use their 

car less and walk, cycle and catch public transport; 

»» Fostering the establishment of community food gardens 

in local areas to build resilient, diverse and adaptive 

communities prepared for the impacts of climate 

change, peak oil and building a sense of community; 

»» Delivery of physical activity programs including cycling 

workshops to increase the health and wellbeing of 

residents; 

»» Contributing to the management of a green, healthy 

urban landscape through the monitoring and 

conservation of trees; 

»» Ensuring that the community and the Council is 

prepared for the impacts of climate change through 

the development of a comprehensive climate change 

strategy and action plan including a community 

education program to help residents understand and 

contribute to a solution; 

»» Delivery of a wide range of community workshops, 

events and programs to demonstrate how to live a 

more sustainable lifestyle making a small change that 

will make a big difference. 

The following ten principles provide a set of core 

values for consideration to help guide operational, 

strategic and governance issues and decision making. 

Principle One: Interdependence that the social, environmental 

and economic implications of a decision are all considered 

of equal importance when determining a balanced outcome; 

Principle Two: Integrated and long-term decisionmaking 

all decisions should reflect and consider the 

long term implications for our community, environment 

and economy as well as achieving short term goals; 

Principle Three: Inter and intra-generational equity managing 

and using resources for our community’s benefit now whilst 

high quality resources are retained for our future generations; 

Principle Four: Equity and human rights – provision of 

opportunities for all in our community as well as supporting 

equal rights and fair opportunities across the globe; 

Principle Five: Settlement efficiency and quality of life – 

ensuring all future development is achieving a reduced 

ecological footprint (ie. impact on the planet to produce) 

whilst meeting expectations for quality and lifestyle; 

Principle Six: Precaution – take action to avoid 

the possibility of serious or irreversible environmental 

harm even when scientific knowledge is incomplete or 

inconclusive and place the burden of proof on those who 

argue that a proposed activity will not cause significant harm; 

Principle Seven: Conserving biological diversity and ecological 

integrity – protection, retention, enhancement and 

management of the diversity of life that exist in the City of Stirling; 

Principle Eight: Internalising environmental costs– 

reflect the true cost of services including the life-cycle 

costing and ‘cradle to grave’ impact of developments 

and implementing measures to mitigate impacts; 

Principle Nine: Common good – the use and planning for 

resources that support our life (ie. air, water, natural resources) in a 

manner that is accessible to all and will not deplete them over time; 

Principle Ten: Accountability, transparency and engagement 

– our community’s involvement in sustainability is 

fundamental to our long term future and that our management 

should be accountable on a quadruple bottom line. 

The City aims to: 

Foster social development: 

The City will work to build sustainable communities that are places 

where people want to live and work, now and in the future. It will 

create places that meet the diverse needs of existing and future 

residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a 

high quality of life. These are places that are safe and inclusive, 

well planned, built and run, and that offer equality of opportunity 

and good services for all. The Stirling community needs public 

open space where they can relax and interact, with the ability to 

have a say on the way their neighbourhood is run. 

Ensure environmental protection and enhancement: 

The City will work to achieve resource efficiency across its 

operations and services with emphasis on addressing peak oil 

and climate change adaptation, water conservation and quality, 

using and managing waste as a resource and minimising the 

City’s environmental footprint. The City will work to protect and 

restore the integrity of earth’s ecological systems, with concern 

for biological diversity and the natural processes that sustain life. 

In particular, the City’s work will address biodiversity conservation, 

the management of threats and pressures, including introduced 

species, and careful and controlled management of nonrenewable 

resources, to ensure that the rates of regeneration are 

not exceeded. The City will also increase its management and use 

of renewable resources. All of these will be undertaken within 

a land-use planning framework that recognises the essential 

role of the integration of natural resource management. 

Foster strong economic development: 

The City supports the development of an economy that is 

adaptive, diverse and reflects the true cost of products and 

services, which will position the City to be competitive and 

achieve a positive financial and economic future. While 

maintaining and improving lifestyle and buoyant business 

activity are key considerations, the City will not pursue 

or promote activities that are not ecologically sound or 

environmentally sustainable. 

The City of Stirling acknowledges the far reaching 

consequences of an unsustainable future and commits 

to tackling the causes and effects of sustainable 

development in our changing society to deliver a secure 

long term future. 

The City is committed to: 

• Managing, planning and developing in accordance with 

sustainability principles and practices; 

• Ensuring activities and operations support sustainability; 

• Promoting and encouraging sustainability in the 

community; 

• Strengthening, adjusting and building internal management 

frameworks that ensure sustainability performance is 

improved and integrated as a core part of Council’s strategic 

and operational management through effective strategic 

plans, specific action plans, training, communication, 

monitoring and reporting; 

• Systematically reviewing its internal policies, procedures, 

processes and practices to further build the organisation’s 

capacity to deliver ongoing quadruple bottom line (social, 

environmental, economic, governance) performance 

improvement. 



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community engagement 

community engagement 

STEP ONE 

COMMUNITY SURVEY 

STEP TWO 

COMMUNITY FORUMS 

The aim of each project is to work with the 

local community in developing a long-term 

strategic plan for each local area. Community 

consultation and collaborative planning forms 

a foundation of each local area plan, and as 

such, a community engagement program is 

undertaken at the start of each project, prior 

to the local area plan being prepared. 

The community engagement programme 

for the Wembley Downs - Herdsman - 

Churchlands - Woodlands - Wembley Local 

Area commenced with a community survey 

of residents in the Local Area. The survey 

sought to reliably measure the values, attitudes 

and priorities of residents across a range of 

topics and issues relevant to the development of 

a local area plan. In this sense it is not used to gain 

answers or solutions to specific problems or proposals, 

nor is it considered a voting process on certain issues. Rather, 

the survey results serve as a starting point for more in depth 

deliberation, through community forums, and detailed analysis 

and planning, through the preparation of a local area plan. 

level that the results are no more than 5% different to the results 

that would have been received if the entire population were 

surveyed. 

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 integrates strategic planning documents 

and existing direction of the City of Stirling with 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 Wembley Downs - Herdsman - Churchlands - Woodlands 

- Wembley Local Area. 

The major components of the consultation phase included community surveys and two community forums held at the Wembley 

Downs Tennis Club and the Herdsman Environmental Centre in March 2011. 

The information gathered from these events was then collated and analysed for incorporation into this plan (the key results are 

presented later). 

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 integrates strategic planning documents and existing direction of the City of Stirling 

with community aspirations. 

In order for the findings of the survey to be considered valid and 

reliable, there was a need to ensure that it reached an adequate 

volume and range of people within the community and within 

particular precincts. 

The Wembley Downs - Herdsman - Churchlands - Woodlands 

- Wembley Local Area community consists of approximately 

14,000 residents, covering a full range of ages and backgrounds, 

as well as property owners and a range of community groups. 

A ‘cold-mail’ questionnaire methodology was utilised initially with 

4,000 surveys posted to a random selection of residents and 

property owners within the study area. This random selection 

ensured that a sufficient volume and diversity of residents were 

contacted, in order for the results to adequately represent the 

views and values of the community. 

A total of 807 completed surveys were received. This provides a 

reliability of +/-5 at 95% - meaning that there is a 95% confidence 



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BROMPTON 

ROAD 

WEAPONESS 

ROAD 

SELBY ST 

NORTH 

METRES 

FROBISHER ST 

an interesting history 

some key facts 

Wembley Downs & Wembley 

The name “Wembley Downs” is derived from the name of the local golf course. The name was used by residents before 

being officially approved in 1959. The golf course was named after the suburb of Wembley, which is several kilometres 

east of Wembley Downs. The name ‘Wembley’ originated from a town in England. 

In 1927 Wembley Downs was subdivided into approximately 90 lots. Development was slow, due partly to the thick 

virgin bush and limestone outcrops, which made building difficult. In 1947 the Perth Road Board had to resume 600 

blocks for unpaid rates, and these were sold at very cheap prices. However, growth accelerated in the 1950s and by 

the 1970s the area was almost completely developed. 

The Wembley Downs Local Area includes 

the suburbs of Wembley Downs, Woodlands, 

Churchlands, Herdsman and Wembley. 

The latter three suburbs are considered 

as one locality, as parts of Wembley is 

located within the Town of Cambridge. 

The Local Area comprises approximately 

1,100 hectares of land and is located about 9 

kilometers north west of Perth CBD. 

SCARBOROUGH 

ROAD 

HALE 

WEAPONESS 

ROAD 

DOUBLEVIEW 

WEMBLEY DOWNS HALE 

WOODLANDS 

ROAD 

PEARSON 

INNALOO 

SCARBOROUGH 

LIEGE STREET 

STREET 

STEPHENSON AVENUE 

JON 

BEACH 

OSBORNE PARK 

HUTTON STREET 

SANDERS 

ROAD 

MITCHELL 

FWY 

GLENDALOUGH 

HERDSMAN 

Herdsman 

Herdsman is located both in the City of 

Stirling and Town of Cambridge. 

In the earlier days of settlement, cattle were 

raised near the lake area. In 1928, the Herdsman 

Lake Suburban Area was gazetted adjacent to the lake, 

covering parts of what are now Churchlands and Woodlands 

as well as the modern suburb of Herdsman. 

In the 1980s swamp-land to the north of the lake was reclaimed 

by dredging to build Jon Sanders Drive and establish a light 

industrial park around Walters Drive. Prior to this, companies 

along Scarborough Beach Road backed on to the swamp. That 

area is considered an extension to Osborne Park. 

Churchlands 

Becoming known as Churchlands after the Catholic Church purchased 

it in 1891, European settlement of the area actually began when land 

was granted to Henry Trigg in 1831 and the Hokin family in 1834. 

Both were grants of 200 acres, later acquired by William Strickland, 

who later sold the land to Perth’s Roman Catholic Bishop, the Right 

Reverend Matthew Gibney. But little residential development occurred 

in Churchlands until the 1980s, when extensive subdivisions took 

place near Herdsman Lake. Development is still underway in the north 

eastern part of Churchlands, now referred to as Floreat Lakes. 

Woodlands 

The Local Area also has a number of 

education facilities, including Hale School, 

Woodlands Primary, Newman College 

and Newman Senior College, Holy Rosary 

Primary, Wembley Downs Primary and 

Churchlands Primary and Senior High School. 

The Local Area is home to many community 

organisations and facilities including the 

Wembley Downs Scouts Hall and the 

Herdsman Environmental Centre. The City 

runs the Wembley Downs Kindergarten on 

Euston Place. 

The population of the Local Area is well 

established with approximately 14,000 

residents. 

EMPIRE 

CHURCHLANDS 

AVENUE 

Wembley Downs Local Area 

PEARSON 

STREET 

FLYNN 

ST 

HERDSMAN 

WEMBLEY 

DRIVE 

PARADE 

LOCAL AREA BOUNDARY 0 

400 

The area is characterized predominantly by low density residential zoning 

of R20. Pockets of R60 are located in the south western area of the 

Local Area, adjacent to the Freeway and the Glendalough Train Station. 

Settlers Cottage - 1998 

Original located at Herdsman Lake 

Woodlands is part of the original ‘Woodlands Estate’, which was owned 

by John Daniel Manning. Part of the area that is now Woodlands was 

originally assigned to Thomas William Mews in 1831. However, as 

Mews could not fulfil the location duties, the grant passed to T.R.C. 

Walters in 1840. It was later part of the extensive lands owned by John 

Daniel Manning. 

NOTE: This Local Area Plan contains figures 

from the 2006 Census. When 2011 Census data 

is available the Local Area Plan will be updated. 

Development in Woodlands began in earnest in the 1960s and growth 

is still occurring, as the Floreat Lakes Estate to the south east was 

only subdivided in 1991 and still contains vacant land. 

Robert Bruces Dairy - Jackadder Lake 1930 Collection 

To echo the title of the suburb, many of the streets in Woodlands are 

named after trees such as oak, elm, birch, sandalwood and willow. 

Picture: Stirling History Collection 

Picture: Stirling History Collection 



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community development 


issues & opportunities 

On the night of the 2006 Australian Bureau of 

Statistics Census, the combined population of 

the Local Area was approximately 14,000 people. 

Between 2001 and 2006 the rate of population 

growth was 2.47 per cent, which is above average 

growth for an established suburb. 

In 2006, the average age of the residents in the 

Local Area was 38 years, which is above the 

average of the City of Stirling and the Perth 

metropolitan region. Over 15 per cent of the 

population was aged over 65, and more than 

20 per cent were aged less than 17 years. 

More than 60 per cent of households within 

the Wembley Downs Local Area are family 

households, slightly higher than the City of 

Stirling average but lower than the Perth region. 

30 per cent of households are lone person 

households, on par with City of Stirling figures but 

higher than the Perth region. 

More than 33 per cent of residents of the Local Area were 

born overseas, although only 16 per cent of residents speak a 

second language. This is significantly less than others in the City 

of Stirling and the Perth region. 

Community facilities, organisations and programs play a 

significant role in building community relationships, developing 

pride of place and meeting community needs. There are 

numerous community programs that serve the area, some of 

which are run by the City, others that are run by other government 

and not-for-profit organisations. The Local Area planning process 

can provide opportunities for relationship building between such 

organisations, to facilitate work towards coordinated goals and to 

promote the work of such groups in the community. 

The City owns the Wembley Downs Kindergarten on Euston 

Place. This service is available to residents of the City, but is 

more accessible by residents of the Local Area. A welfare service 

is also provided by the Department of Works from the same site. 

There are various medical centres, shopping facilities and day 

care centres that are operated privately within the Local Area. 

There are no dedicated recreational facilities such as recreation 

centres within the Local Area. The Scarborough Community and 

Scarborough Recreation Centre(s) are located north of the Local 

Area and serve those within the Wembley Downs Local Area. 

Residents may also use facilities to the South, within the Town of 

Cambridge or the City of Vincent. 

OVERVIEW - SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 

Several community workshops were held in 2011 in locations 

across the Local Area, which delivered a comprehensive range of 

views on a large number of issues. Despite some views polarising 

others, it is this dynamic nature of information exchange that 

creates the vibrancy and characteristics of the local community. 

Similarly, the compiled survey results also demonstrate the 

diversity in views of the presented issues. With respect to 

community development, respondents were generally satisfied 

with all aspects of community development within the local area, 

although there was more a feeling of not enough or not enough 

range, rather than too much. This view is supported in part by 

the workshop participants, who expressed a desire to see more 

community development, initiatives and facilities being presented 

to the community. Some of these are discussed in more detail 

later in this report. 

The survey also asked residents whether there was a place in 

the Local Area that they felt was the ‘heart’ or community focus. 

Answers were varied but 61.5 per cent of respondents believed 

there was an area that brought people together. The most 

common suggestions were Jackadder Lake, Wembley Downs 

Shopping Centre and Woodlands Village Shopping Centre. 

The surveys asked residents what they felt about the amount 

and range of community facilities, groups, meeting places, sports 

and recreation opportunities and cultural experiences. Other 

than cultural experiences, the majority of respondents felt that 

the amount of community facilities was about right (67 per cent). 

Only 30 per cent felt that there were enough cultural facilities, 

while 25 per cent felt there were not enough and 25 per cent were 

unsure. This is in stark contrast with the community workshops, 

where the provision of more meeting places, facilities and ‘soft 

infrastructure’ was ranked as a high priority. 

When survey participants were asked whether they were aware 

of the services/support groups that exist in the community, 33 per 

cent responded that they were not at all aware of the pre-existing 

services and support groups operating within their community. In 

comparison, however, 54 per cent of respondents said they were 

Community Top Priorities 

1. Build community through design and use of the area. 

2. Provide community lifestyle activities and facilities. 

3. Ensure aged and youth requirements are met. 

somewhat aware of the groups operating within the local area. 

The overall satisfaction with the Local Area was high from both 

the workshop participants and the survey responses. 87 per cent 

of survey respondents said that they were either reasonably 

satisfied (70 per cent) or very satisfied (17 per cent) with their 

level of connectivity to the community. 69 per cent of respondents 

indicated they were very satisfied with the local area. 

Provision of infrastructure and facilities for the elderly 

The continued welfare of the aged residents of the Local Area 

was repeatedly highlighted as a community priority. In contrast to 

this, however, it was also mentioned that any facility would have 

to be located appropriately. 

It is well documented that the demographical shift in Western 

Australia is trending toward an ageing population. In response to 

this, the number of retirement village developments is increasing 

within the City of Stirling. The suburb of Menora accommodates 

one of the largest retirement village precincts in the Perth 

metropolitan area, with over a thousand retirement units located 

on Alexander Drive. The continued provision of local facilities 

for local residents is critical in the overall strategy of ageing in 

place. 

Despite the positive sentiment of the community in relation to the 

provision of such accommodation, the development of retirement 

villages is the prerogative of private developers. The City does 

not own or manage any retirement villages. The City only takes a 

regulatory role in the design and location of such facilities through 

the Private Institutions Design Guidelines. 

The Local Area already has a large retirement village located on 

Leige Street, opposite the cinema complex. The village comprises 

nearly 200 units and significant communal facilities including a 

bowling green, clubhouse and pool. 



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March 2013



Retirement villages are an important asset in the continuing 

function and evolution of a community. Retirement Villages play 

some part in allowing those who have lived in a community their 

whole life to remain in that community if they so wish. The facilities 

and activities that are offered in these villages act to extend and 

improve the quality of life for their residents. 

older people to go out. 

• Ensure that seniors have access to appropriate transport. 

Seniors are a valued section of the wider community, particularly 

in this local area. The Seniors Plan in conjunction with this Local 

Area plan ensures that strategies are in place to continue to 

provide and maintain services that benefit the whole community. 

The City provides many facilities which benefit aged and senior 

residents. The provision of these facilities assists in promoting 

ageing in place and the retention of independence for retirees 

who wish to remain in their family home. The City also provides 

continued community support through the HACC (Home and 

Community Care) program and its Meals on Wheels initiative. The 

creation of a safe and secure Local Area and using technology to 

improve communications and access to services also contributes 

to a community that values its seniors. 

Adaptable facilities 

A major element that was identified by the community consultation 

was the use of public open space and community participation. 

The City owns and manages numerous community facilities 

throughout the local area, such as sporting clubs, community 

centres, theatres, autumn clubs, and facilities within parks and 

reserves. These facilities aim to serve residents with a variety of 

interests and needs. 

The City’s 2007 Seniors Plan, identifies five key priority areas are 

identified each with specific objectives. These are listed below. 

Community Awareness and Participation 

• Provide adequate information about what is available and 

how to access it. 

• Ensure that seniors are included in the whole community, 

not segregated. 

• Consult seniors about matters that affect them. 

• Assist older people to make new friends and connections in 


• Support existing organisations and facilities rather than 

duplicating them. 

In order to develop the quality and type of improvements required 

for community facilities, it is vital that the City and community 

organisations work together to develop proposals to rejuvenate 

these facilities. In regards to sporting clubs, upgrades to 

clubrooms and ovals could be recommended, such as upgraded 

floodlighting, toilets and change rooms. Parks could have 

improved toilet, seating and drinking water facilities. 

Another strategy that could assist in improving public facilities 

would be to increase participation and users of these facilities 

and organisations. The City would need to continue to work in 

conjunction with these clubs to market and inform local residents 

of all the community groups and facilities within their local area. 



March 2013 

Health and Wellbeing 

• Enable older people to keep fit by facilitating affordable 

physical activities and health education in their local area. 

Employment and Learning 

• Assist seniors to keep up-to-date with technology. 

• Enable senior residents to keep their minds active by 

facilitating activities and events in their local area. 

• Enable senior residents to continue working and living in 

their familiar environment. 

Protection and Security 

• Ensure there is adequate support and assistance available 

to those who need it. 

• Respect the fact that many seniors have limited incomes 

and cannot afford high rates and charges. 

Planning and the Built Environment 

As mentioned in the Natural Environment section, residents also 

expressed a desire to see public open space with increasing 

multi-use. On this basis, facilities would need to be adapted to 

suit the different uses of the parks and community centres. 

Increase in community activities and meeting places 

One of the keys to a connected community is social events 

and programs. The City undertakes many programs targeted 

at families, youth, seniors, schools, community organisations, 

sporting clubs and many other interest areas. One of the major 

issues that local residents have is that they are unaware of all 

these programs, events and activities they are able to join. 

Community workshops found that people are interested in 

participating in community events, groups and sports but are 

often unable to find information regarding these activities. It was 

also noted that these events and activities should be targeted 

• Provide a safe and attractive environment that encourages to different demographic groups such as families, seniors, youth 



March 2013 

16 17



and special interest groups. 

Community and Council organised events can offer many benefits 

to the Local Area. Events often reveal the many artistic, cultural, 

or creative people in the area who can exhibit and sell their 

products. Some suggestions from the community have included 

street festivals, fairs, and music events for the local community 

and neighbouring areas. These events could be organised 

and run by community members with initial start-up assistance 

provided by the City. 

Events and festivals are good tools to introduce people to 

available resources and facilities such as public open space, 

community centres, schools and community groups. These 

events offer a way to unite community members and create a 

forum to share some of the many unique elements of individual 

residents. The use of these facilities and contribution by groups 

introduces people to such programs, events and organisations. 

An issue which was raised throughout the community workshops 

included a lack of city owned facilities within the Local Area. 

Residents of the Local Area rely on privately run sports clubs or 

government managed conservation centres on regional reserves 

i.e. Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre to conduct community based 

activities which require a club house. Whilst the City does not 

have any assets in its ownership within the Local Area it supports 

those privately run club located here. 

With respect to delivering the desired message to the community 

about the various events and activities occurring within the 

Local Area, the City distributes a publication called the Stirling 

Scene. This publication is delivered to all households in the 

City of Stirling; it is one of the most far-reaching information 

transmissions between the City and its residents and is a vital tool 

in assisting the community to obtain information. The community 

is encouraged to contact the City with the various events that 

are being held within the Local Area to determine whether this 

promotional format is appropriate. 

Community gardens 

Community gardens are places where people get to meet others 

and contribute to the urban improvement of the Local Area. This 

happens by diversifying the use of open space and creating the 

opportunity for passive and active recreation in and around the 

community garden area, as well as bringing vegetational diversity 

to public open space and other areas. This makes community 

gardens a useful tool for urban improvement. 

The community workshops for this Local Area highlighted the 

desire for the community to see community gardens located within 

open space areas of the Local Area. The notion of community 

gardens was also documented with high frequency throughout 

the qualitative data from both community workshops. 

The City has adopted a policy that will provide funding from its 

Community Food Garden Grant Program for eligible community 

food garden projects within the City. The policy sets out the 

City’s position on requests for grants under the Community 

Food Garden Grant Program. It outlines information on funding 

levels, applications and the key criteria for assessment of an 

application. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

Outcomes to Achieve 

To promote the concept of ageing in place within the 

Local Area, through the ongoing support of the City’s 

Home and Community Care service. 

Investigate ways to provide services and assistance to 

elderly households in conjunction with existing programs 

such as physical health (through recreation centres) or 

information (through libraries and community centres). 

Continue to promote information from community groups 

operating within the Local Area through the City’s 

website and other methods, such as the Stirling Scene 

and advertising in the community newspaper. 

To ensure that the operation of City run community 

events are evenly spaced across the City, ensuring 

each Local Area has a variety of events to promote. 

To encourage any landowners of the local centres to 

incorporate space that could be utilised for community 

purposes during any potential redevelopment project. 

Progressively improve the condition of shelter and park 

furniture on the streets of the Local Area and within the 

public open space. 

To partner with the community to allow the use of City 

owned land that could be utilised for various community 

activities and events. 

Continue to work with WA Police to help reduce the 

crime statistics within the Local Area. 

To consider any requests from incorporated community 

groups for a Community Food Gardens Grant under the 

terms of the program. 

The community suggested more involved ways that people 

can be more self-sufficient in their consumption and energy 

use. Some of these solutions included establishing vegetable 

gardens in under-utilised areas such as rooftops, balconies, 

hanging baskets and grassed areas. Some locations within this 

Local Area, such as under-utilised public open spaces, also have 

potential to provide a community garden. 

There are numerous community gardens now growing within the 

City of Stirling, both on public and private land. 



March 2013 



March 2013 

19

natural environment 



There are many parks and reserves across the 

Wembley Downs 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 Wembley Downs Local Area has within its 

bounds approximately 342.5 hectares of parks 

and reserves. This equates to more than a third 

of the total land area, or around 35 per cent. 

The reserves are considered to be of local and 

regional significance, with the largest, Herdsman 

Lake, comprising approximately 342 hectares. 

OVERVIEW - SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY 

CONSULTATION 

The Local Area is very much characterised by its public open 

space and residents in both the workshops and the surveys 

voiced very strong views on the management of the natural 

environment. 

When survey respondents were asked how they felt about the 

existing amount and range of both parks and reserves and 

natural conservation areas, an overwhelming 87 per cent stated 

they felt the provisions of parks and reserves was about right. 

Similarly, 72 per cent of respondents felt that the provision of 

natural conservation areas was also about right. 

This view was supported by the community rating protection and 

improvement of parks and reserves (16.5 per cent) and natural 

conservation areas (8.5 per cent) as the highest priorities for the 

Local Area. When asked to list the best places within the Local 

Area, Jackadder Lake and Herdsman Lake were listed as one 

and two. Favourite ‘types’ of places were listed as Lakes/Parks. 

When asked how often residents visited parks and reserves, over 

40 per cent of respondents stated they used them weekly. 25 per 

cent stated they used the parks on a daily basis. 

Survey participants were also asked their view on several aspects 

to do with the management and provision of the parks and 

reserves within the Local Area. When asked whether there should 

be fewer parks and ovals if this means there will be more facilities/ 

landscaping and parking in the Local Area, an overwhelming 88 

per cent of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed, 

suggesting that residents were generally satisfied with the quality 

and quantity of parks and reserves but prefer the focus to be on 

maintenance and improvement of facilities. 

Despite the high levels of resident satisfaction within the Local 

Area and the resistance to the loss or reduction of public open 

space, the community provided many suggestions for the ongoing 

management of the Local Areas parks and reserves. The loss 

of any public open space (POS) was not considered acceptable 

and the retention of existing trees on both public and private land 

was repeatedly identified as a perpetual issue. 

Overall, the community sentiment expressed their desire for 

the City and relevant agencies to continue with the ongoing 

maintenance and protection of the public open space, both local 

and regional. 

Retention of trees on public and private land 

One of the most common issues raised at the community 

workshops to do with the natural environment was that of 

protecting the vegetation within the Local Area. This included 

vegetation both on public and private land. 

Trees on Public Land 

The City has a uniform approach to street tree protection through 

its Street Tree Policy. Street trees will only be removed where 

retention is considered undesirable or unreasonable, such as 

where: 

• 

• 

• 

Exceptional circumstances exist relating to public risk and 

safety. 

The tree species is not an approved variety and is not 

acceptable to the City. 

The tree precludes redevelopment of an adjoining site, with 

no other reasonable alternative to removal. 

The Draft Street Tree Management Plan is also trying to address 

the decline of the urban canopy due to subdivision of land with 

little to no retention of trees. In many cases the designs being 

constructed (especially with double crossovers on smaller 

lots) make little allowances for additional tree planting and, 


1. Maintain and enhance local open spaces. 

2. Protect and conserve the natural environment. 

3. Facilitate better use of the local open spaces. 

consequently, unless there is a cultural shift in the current 

designs, we will be faced with a moderate density City that is not 

particularly green or inviting. 

One of the primary constraints when discussing the City’s role in 

this matter, particularly re-planting, is funding. The City’s budget 

is limited, meaning in order for the re-planting program to run 

effectively, Council would be required to reprioritise the project in 

line with the priorities of the community, or investigate obtaining 

funding from other external sources. 

Trees on Private Land 

The enforced protection of trees on private land is very 

contentious and subject to much debate. Despite this, the City is 

moving forward in preparing a Tree Retention Policy, which aims 

to establish objectives and a statutory framework that will ensure 

the City and private landowners incorporate or retain mature 

vegetation on both public and private land. 

City officers are currently preparing the policy. Once it is in a 

draft format it will be required to be considered by Council and 

then be advertised to the public for comment prior to it being 

adopted. The draft plan will be a starting point for discussion 

with all comments being considered prior to the final policy being 

presented to Council for adoption. 

This policy, will address many of the concerns outlined by the 

community with the ongoing loss of vegetation on public and 

private land. 

The biggest issue to do with the loss of trees is caused by infill 

development and the lack of building designs that take into 

consideration the retention of trees. When Wembley Downs was 

first subdivided, many large trees were retained on private property 

around rather modest homes. It is these trees in particular that 

are most under threat during the current trend to subdivide the 

lots and build larger homes on the remaining land. 



March 2013 

20 21 



March 2013



Increased facilities on Public Open Space and natural 

environment areas 

The residents appear to be content with the amount of public open 

space in the area. A common theme was that they would rather 

see facilities improved than increase the number of parks. The 

community surveys identified over 70 per cent of respondents 

felt that parks adequately provided for sporting and recreation 

opportunities. 

With continued infill developments and society demonstrating 

greater participation in sporting and physical activities, it is vital 

that the City can still provide adequate space and facilities. 

Acquiring land in established suburbs is difficult, so therefore 

it is more effective to maximise the potential of existing parks. 

Most ovals can be used for several sports codes throughout 

the seasons, as well as for other informal activities such as dog 

training, walking, personal training and so forth. These parks 

could also provide areas for playgrounds, conservation and other 

passive recreation. 

Another way of increasing public open space and increasing 

variety is to create greenways. These link existing ‘green’ areas 

such as parks, reserves, the coast, schools and even civic 

areas. 

The City recently conducted a review of the provision of facilities 

within public open space areas throughout the City of Stirling. 

With six sets of new playgrounds and equipment having been 

installed in large public open spaces, including Jackadder Lake, 

it was determined that the provision of such facilities adequately 

catered for the needs of the City, in particular this Local Area. 

Many of these issues and objectives have been investigated 

through the City’s Public Open Space Strategy. This strategy is 

continuously referred to in other relating policies and management 

plans to help enable its objectives. The City’s Recreation and 

Leisure and Parks and Reserves Business Units are continuously 

working on improving the City’s public open space. 

Water Management and Sustainable Management of Public 

Open Space 

Sustainability is becoming more important to the community, 

whether it relates to the protection of native bushland, active 

lifestyles, building design, energy efficiency, recycling or 

renewable energy. Therefore, it is vital that the community as 



March 2013 

22 23 



March 2013



well as the City implement more sustainable practices. 

In the observations by workshop participants regarding 

sustainability in the natural environment, comments tended to 

focus on the preservation and conservation of the mature trees 

and bushland on both private and public land. 

The community suggested more involved ways people can be 

more self-sufficient in their consumption and energy use. Some 

of these solutions include establishing vegetable gardens in 

areas such as rooftops, balconies, hanging baskets, grassed 

areas and so forth. Some locations within this Local Area, such 

as underutilised public open space, also have potential to provide 

a community garden. 

Several areas within this Local Area could be identified as potential 

sites for community gardens. These gardens are supported by 

the City through the above mentioned policy, but are required to 

be established and run by members of the local community. 

The City has adopted a policy that will provide funding from its 

Community Food Garden Grant Program for eligible community 

food garden projects within the City. The policy sets out the 

City’s position on requests for grants under the Community 

Food Garden Grant Program. It outlines information on funding 

levels, applications and the key criteria for assessment of an 

application. 

Image: 

Morning on Herdsman Lake 

Michael Leishman 


1. Continue to implement the City’s Public Open Space 

Strategy. 

2. To finalise a policy on the retention of tress on public 

and private land within the City. 

3. To investigate potential funding options to assist in the 

City’s re-planting program. 

4. That the facilities in the public open space are regularly 

maintained and patrolled to minimise graffiti and 

vandalism. 

5. Investigate the installation of barbeque, seating and 

lighting facilities in appropriate and high use parks to 

support increased use and community interaction with 

local parks. 

6. Consider requests for providing support to community 

groups tasked with caring for regional open space, such 

as Herdsman Lake. 

Many sites are being cleared to make way for residential and 

commercial development. Along with other Local Governments, 

the City of Stirling is trying to innovate in protecting, retaining 

and maintaining our natural environment. The City has a range 

of policies and management plans that recommend other means 

of encouraging sustainable practices. 

7. 

8. 

Utilise public open space for community events and 

activities in conjunction with community groups and 

local businesses where appropriate. 

Continue to implement Green Plan 2 conservation sites 

and Watersmart Parks Initiative. 

‘Environmentally sustainable solutions’ were listed by the 

community as a priority for all natural environmental components 

of developments. Residents suggested several techniques such 

as the use of local native plants in parks, reserves and along 

verges, preserving the existing bushland and conservation areas, 

use of grey water and other waterwise techniques. 

9. 

10. 

To continue protecting the natural environment by 

ensuring human and nature are separated with dual use 

paths and fencing in conservation areas. 

To continue to provide information to residents about 

waterwise gardens and the use of local native plants. 



March 2013 

24 25 



March 2013

economic development 


issues & op portunities 

The Wembley Downs Local Area is predominantly 

characterised by low density residential 

development. There are, however, several 

small local centres that service the needs of 

local residents, including Woodlands Village 

on Rosewood Avenue, Wembley Downs 

Shopping Centre and the Flynn Street 

shopping area (Herdsman Fresh site). 

These local centres serve important 

functions in the Local Area. Such centres 

provide convenient retail goods and 

services and can serve as important 

community hubs. The most common 

non-residential use in the Local Area is 

convenience retail and shopping, and there 

are few office precincts within this Local 

Area. 

Given the Local Area is on the southern 

boundary of the City, it is expected that the weekly 

shopping needs of residents are best served outside 

the City’s boundaries, most likely at Floreat Forum, 

which is located within the Town of Cambridge to the south of 

the Local Area. Residents living in Woodlands may utilise the 

Innaloo Shopping Centre and the future Stirling City Centre for 

their weekly shopping needs. 

Part of the City’s role is to ensure that the location and function 

of the commercially zoned land not only works in harmony with 

one another but also integrates with the residential community 

surrounding it. These local centres can function as a focal 

point or meeting place for the community while also meeting 

the functionality of a localised shopping area, as well as being 

employment hubs. Many of these centres were first developed 

as a ‘corner deli’ and have expanded over time. Such centres 

present opportunities to increase the diversity of neighbourhoods, 

including the opportunity for more people to access such centres 

through increased residential densities in and around the 

centre. 

This Local Area plan aims to strengthen and consolidate the 

already established nodes of local centres within the Local Area, 

achieving connectivity and accessibility to these areas by the 

local community. 

Over 7,000 residents of the Local Area participate in the 

workforce, which is over 50 per cent of the total population. Of 

the workforce, 57 per cent are employed full-time and 38 per 

cent are employed part-time. The average income of residents 

of the Local Area is $744 per week, significantly higher than the 

City of Stirling average and the Perth region of $516 and $513 

respectively. 

The four highest employers by industry of residents within the 

Local Area include Health Care and Social Assistance (13.5 per 

cent), Professional Scientific and Technical Services (12 per 

cent), Retail (10.9 per cent) and Education and Training (7.9 per 

cent). The three dominant occupations within these industries are 

Professionals (33 per cent), Clerical and Administrative workers 

(14 per cent) and Managers (13.9 per cent). 

Analysis of the qualifications of the residents of the Local Area 

shows that there was a larger proportion of people holding formal 

qualifications (Bachelor or higher degree, Advanced Diploma or 

Diploma, or vocational qualifications) and a smaller proportion of 

people with no qualifications. Over 50 per cent of residents held 

educational qualifications and 35 per cent of residents had no 

qualifications. Of those who did have educational qualifications, 

31 per cent were Bachelor or Higher degree, 10.4 per cent 

were vocational and 9.9 per cent were Advanced Diploma or 

Diploma. 


The consultation relating to the economic environment did not 

reveal any substantial shifts from the status quo that presents 

itself within the Local Area. The several local centres located 

within the Local Area have already been significantly redeveloped 

with limited opportunities for the higher densities surrounding 

the centres, as per the principles of the State Government’s 

Directions 2031. Woodlands Village has been identified as a 

centre of priority, meaning a 200m development radius is applied 

to the centre, thus allowing the City to consider a higher density 

for those properties located within the catchment area. 

With respect to the generation of employment opportunities, the 

community was supportive of encouraging a mix of uses within 

the existing centres to attract employment for locals, noting 

that some key services had moved out of the area (such as the 

hardware and butcher shops vacating the Woodlands Village 

shopping centre). Despite workshop participants wanting to see 

a more diverse range of retail outlets and greater employment, 

about half (52 per cent) of survey respondents felt that the 


1. Support and maintain local community activity 

2. 

hubs. 

Facilitate diverse business and employment 

opportunities. 

3. Improve and revitalise local shopping centres and 

areas. 

opportunities to work within the Local Area were about right. 

When asked whether survey respondents felt there was sufficient 

support for business development in the Local Area, 31 per cent 

agreed whilst 48 percent was unsure. The majority of respondents 

indicating they are unsure demonstrates a lack of communication 

to the public on the resources available for the establishment of a 

business within this Local Area. Whether a local, state or federally 

funded program, some coordination is required to ensure both 

the message and the resources are provided to the community 

to assist this endeavour. 

Revitalisation of local centres 

A point that was echoed within both the consultation workshops 

and the survey responses was that of concern with the current 

state of the existing local centres. It was identified there is a 

strong need to re-energise the appearance of local centres within 

the Local Area. 

This is a view supported by the City and implemented in part 

through the City’s Local Centres Improvement Program. This 

program is City wide and commenced in 2000. 

The primary objective of this program is to nurture local centres 

and their capacity to provide accessible local shopping and 

services, local employment and a community focus by: 

• Improvements to the appearance, streetscape and image of 

centres; 

• Improvements to the layout and operation of centres; 

• Improvements to the accessibility of centres; 

• Identification and response to key issues facing centres. 

The City adopts an inclusive process to its urban design studies, 

involving both property owners and the local community. 

The City has identified various local centres across the City 

to participate in this program. The City is currently working in 

consultation with landowners of the Flynn Street shopping 



March 2013 

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March 2013



area in order to undergo substantial upgrades to stimulate the 

redevelopment of the centre. This will be discussed at length 

later in this document. The Wembley Downs Shopping Centre 

has also been subject to assistance through the program, in 

establishing redevelopment objectives and delivery of outcomes 

for the site. 

The City cannot, however, force landowners to upgrade their 

property or spend funds on private land, thus relying on the 

participation of the landowners to achieve the highest and best 

outcome. 

With the introduction of the City’s new Local Planning Scheme 

No. 3 in 2010, all non-residential land (i.e. commercial zoned 

land) is permitted to develop a residential component of high 

density. This is provided as an incentive to owners to explore the 

optimal use of the centre while assisting in delivering a quality 

asset back to the community. 

In addition to the Local Planning Scheme, the City is also preparing 

the Planning and Sustainability Strategy (PASS). The PASS is a 

land use planning strategy which will set out the principles of 

development across the City, over a specified period of time. It 

will also determine where future rezoning will be supported by he 

City. The Local Area Planning process aims to inform the PASS 

document as it is being prepared. 

In considering the 

redevelopment of local centres 

within the Local Area, the 

City encourages the general 

principles of mixed use 

development (i.e. commercial 

and residential land uses) 

as well as the increase of 

residential density in the area 

immediately surrounding the 

local centre (a 200 metre 

buffer is generally considered 

appropriate to encourage 

walkability to the centres). In 

determining the most appropriate 

density for residential land surrounding each identified centre, 

the City’s Planning and Sustainability Strategy (currently being 

prepared) will identify the principles or criteria that will assist this 

determination. This will take into consideration such factors as the 

existing residential density, the state of the current housing stock 

and where opportunities are to redevelop, as well as identifying a 

minimum lot size for potential development sites. 

Within this Local Area, Woodlands Village, the Flynn Street 

shopping area and The Wembley Downs Shopping Centre are 

identified as the Local Area’s primary local centres. These centres 

are considered to have some re-development potential. 

These centres are identified on the key opportunities map and 

include a 200m walking radius for potential increase in residential 

density. 

Further to the formal identification of these centres and the 

development radius around them, it is also proposed to identify 

the Woodlands shopping area, The Wembley Downs Shopping 

Centre and Flynn Street as town centres. 

There was equal support for and against the development of the 

local centre concept in the Local Area. Almost 57 per cent of all 

survey respondents support the development of a place or places 

within the Local Area where there are a lot of local services. 

On the other hand, approximately 43 per cent of respondents 

indicated that they would like the area to be a quiet place with 

little to no change. 

Meanwhile, almost 86 per cent of respondents indicated that 

an urban village feel to the area would be good, with greater 

provision for pedestrians and cyclist facilities in the area. 

Most survey respondents considered that most aspects and 

amenities in their Local Area were about right. The aspect that 

respondents most strongly felt needed to be increased was the 

number of evening and entertainment opportunities, with 19 per 

cent believing there is not enough range and 17 per cent feeling 

there is not enough at all. 54 per cent of respondents, however, 

indicated that this aspect was about right. 

It is envisioned that the continued and ongoing collaboration 

between the City and the landowners of the identified local 

centres would attract these types of uses to the area. The local 

centre zoning allows a great variety of land uses, but the City has 

no control over the business proprietors entering each available 

tenancy. This element largely relies on free market forces and the 

availability of tenancies at the centres. 

Centre Hierarchy 

The City of Stirling has different zones for commercial zoned land 

which has resulted in a hierarchy of centres. 

Directions 2031 supports the activity centre hierarchy defined by 

the State Governments Activity Centres Policy. 

Secondary Centers 

Secondary centres share similar characteristics with strategic 

metropolitan centres but serve smaller catchments and offer 

a more limited range of services, facilities and employment 

opportunities. In the City of Stirling, these are zoned ‘Regional 

Centres’. This Local Area does not have any of these centres. 

District Centres 

District centres have a greater focus on servicing the daily 

and weekly needs of residents. Their relatively smaller scale 

catchment enables them to have a greater local community focus 

and provide services, facilities and job opportunities that reflect 

the particular needs of that catchment. In the City of Stirling, 

these are zoned ‘District Centres’ and there are none located 

within this Local Area. 

Neighbourhood Centres 

Neighbourhood centers provide for daily and weekly household 

shopping needs, community facilities and a small range of other 

convenience services. In the City of Stirling, these are zoned as 

‘local centres’. This Local Area has three local centres located 

within them including, Woodlands Village, Flynn Street and 

Wembley Downs Shopping Centre. 

Flynn Street Redevelopment 

As mentioned, the Flynn Street shopping area has been identified 

by the Local Centres Improvement Program to be included as 

having ideal redevelopment potential. The project for this centre 

is already well underway, with the City and landowners of the 

centre currently in progressive discussions. 

The City has a position statement that has been endorsed 

by Council outlining the expectations of the City, prior to any 

discussions commencing. This statement has been made 

available to the landowners, and sets out the terms of references 

for all future discussions. The statement for this centre essentially 

outlined that before any rezoning or revitalisation of the centre 

could occur, a concept plan would need to be prepared and 

supported by all landowners, detailing specific outcomes to 

achieve at the site. 

At the landowner workshop facilitated between the City and 

landowners, three major landowners agreed to fund the 

development of a concept plan for their lots, with the intention of 

seeking rezoning of their lots to local centres. A shared, mutually 

acceptable concept plan is vital for enabling a cohesive design 

for the centre, as well as enabling ongoing support of the project 

from all landowners. City officers have been consistently clear 

about various requirements for the centre, in particular the need 

for a ring road through the centre to allow safe access where traffic 

is currently congested and vehicle and pedestrian movement is 

considered unsafe. Subsequent landowner proposals have not 

always reflected these requirements, and a joint concept plan 

is being developed at the time of preparing this Local Area plan. 

Whilst the details of the redevelopment plans are not yet available 

for public comment, the revised layout of the centre will address 



March 2013 

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March 2013



many of the current issues facing the centre, including parking, 

by adding a significant amount of bays. 

Connectivity of local centres 

One interesting issue that was presented to the City during the 

consultation program was the connectivity of the local centres. 

This issue is also discussed at length within the Movement 

and Transport section of this plan. The improved connectivity 

mostly extends to the expansion and improvement of public 

transport and pedestrian/cycle paths within the Local Area. The 

improvement of such infrastructure, however, also increases the 

connectivity of the community at large and the facilities provided 

within the Local Area, creating a benefit to the economic future 

of the Local Area. 

The City assists in the connectivity of each local centre as well 

as their ongoing sustainability. Whilst competition is encouraged 

between centres, the use and function of each centre is carefully 

considered. 

There are various ways in which this competitiveness is balanced 

by the City. Perhaps the most substantial is the introduction 

of permitted residential uses in non-residential zoned land 

(excluding mixed business). A redevelopment of a local centre 

with a residential component may provide the required returns 

for the landowner and assist in supporting the commercial uses 

at the site, without having to increase retail floor space to recoup 

revenue from the redevelopment. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 


To continue to implement the Local Centres Improvement 

Program, including the progression of discussions 

with landowners of Flynn Street shopping centre of 

redevelopment concepts. 

To identify local centres of priority on the key opportunities 

map. 

The identification of a 200m development buffer around 

these centres. 

To utilise local centres for more community based events 

and activities. 

To utilise support for small businesses establishing in 

the area from the Small Business Centre Stirling, the 

provider of small business advice and training in the 

City. 

The City investigates an amendment to procurement 

policy that local businesses receive additional weighting 

when being considered to undertake work for the City. 

This Local Area is unique because it is located on the south 

western border of the City. Weekly shopping needs are likely 

serviced outside the City’s boundaries at the Floreat Forum. The 

City is committed to providing an efficient movement network for 

residents within the City, but with the absence of a district centre 

within this Local Area residents are encouraged to utilise those of 

neighbouring Local Areas. 

As already mentioned, the daily shopping needs of residents are 

serviced by The Wembley Downs Shopping Centre, Flynn Street 

and Woodlands Village. These three local centres are considered 

to adequately and equally service the Local Area with respect to 

daily shopping needs, but their proximity to one another presents 

some challenges with respect to connectivity, especially by foot. 

Whilst connectivity by foot between the centres is limited, the 

benefit is each centre, in its current location and size, does little 

to undermine the other centres. 

Participants at the workshops also expressed the increasing 

relevance of home-based businesses within the community and 

the more dynamic role the workforce was taking (such as the 

mixture of part-time work and the increasing number of people 

working from home). Approximately 25 per cent of the survey 

respondents indicated they felt that Council should make it easier 

for home businesses to operate in the Local Area; conversely 25 

per cent of respondents disagreed with this notion. 31 per cent 

were unsure. 

The City’s home office approval process supports people 

locating their businesses within their homes provided they do 

not substantially impact on the amenity of the neighbouring 

properties. 

Promotion of small business development 



March 2013 

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March 2013

movement & transport 



The movement network within this Local Area 

comprises mainly of a network of local roads. The 

Mitchell Freeway intersects the Local Area north to 

south while Hale Road intersects on an east to 

west alignment. Jon Sanders Drive runs north to 

west and bounds the Local Area. 

The two regional roads, Hale Road and Jon 

Sanders Drive, are high frequency vehicular 

routes and the busiest in the area. There is in 

excess of 35,000 vehicles travelling on each 

of these roads every day. 

The Mitchell Freeway is managed by Main 

Roads WA while the remainder are maintaned 

by the City. 

The 2006 Census data reveals that a total of 

8.2 per cent of residents of the Local Area who 

worked used public transport (train, bus, tram, 

ferry) in comparison to 68.8 per cent who used a 

private vehicle (car as driver or passenger, motorbike or 

truck) as the primary method of getting to work. 

Public transport 

The Public Transport Authority is the government agency 

responsible for the provision of public transport. The Local Area 

is served by limited bus services. Glendalough Train Station is 

located to the east of the Local Area, with several bus services 

connecting train services to the Stirling City Centre, Scarborough 

Beach and various other locations in and around the Local Area. 

Integrated transport strategy 

Council has adopted an Integrated Transport Strategy, which 

encourages a more sustainable, efficient, accessible and equitable 

transport system. The strategy promotes intensified development 

of activity centres and the linkage of these with public transport, 

as well as pedestrian and cyclist network improvements. 

TravelSmart 

The TravelSmart program was first developed by the Government 

of Western Australia in the mid-1990s. Its success has earned 

support from the Australian Government and led to jurisdictions 

across Australia adopting TravelSmart programs. 

By working with individuals and in partnership with organisations 

and institutions, the TravelSmart program aims to lead to 

changes in travel behaviour and the physical environment, which 

contribute to healthier communities that are more accessible, 

active and robust. 

TravelSmart also works with local communities, including local 

governments, schools, universities, hospitals and workplaces, 

to help them self-manage the process of change. In this way, 

TravelSmart helps to build the capacity of organisations and 

institutions to influence the travel behaviour of their staff and 

customers. 

The City of Stirling joined the TravelSmart program in March 2006, 

with the appointment of a TravelSmart Officer and the initiation 

of the TravelSmart Household Program. The City received seedfunding 

from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure to 

cover 50 per cent of the costs relating to the employment of the 

TravelSmart Officer for a 29-month period, and delivery of the 

TravelSmart Household Program to 13,000 households at 10 per 

cent of the program’s true cost. 

A number of TravelSmart innovations were developed between 

2006 and 2009, including: 

A technique to map the home locations of students attending any 

given school, allowing schools to better identify opportunities to 

encourage walking and cycling to school. 

Novel signage to educate parents on travel times to their local 

school; this signage has since been adopted by the Department 


1. Enhance community connections. 

2. Enhance local safety. 

3. Advocate for improved transport solutions. 

of Transport and is used in all school projects run by them. 

The redevelopment of the Cycling 100 program. The new model 

has since been adopted by several other local authorities. 

Perth’s first regular adult cycle training classes. These are 

specifically targeted at women, and have been so successful that 

many other local authorities and the Department of Transport are 

now attempting to replicate them. 

Bikeplan 

The City is currently preparing a cycling strategy called ‘Bikeplan’. 

This is a Local Government initiative which assists the State 

Government agency ‘Bikewest’ in promoting the usage of bicycles 

as an alternative mode of transport to the motor vehicle. 

As a tool, Bikeplan will plan the development of cycling 

infrastructure to provide another transport optiopn as well as 

recreational, leisure, tourism and health opportunities. Bikeplan 

aims to double the amount of bicycle users within five years. 

The Perth Bicycle Network is a framework that identified preferred 

routes for cyclists on a metropolitan scale. Local Governments use 

this framework as the basis of their strategic plan for cyclists. 

The City’s Bikeplan will identify improvements to the planned 

network providing recommendations to Council for the continuing 

and efficient rollout of the City’s bicycle user network. 


The community consultation highlighted a range of views about 

movement and transport. Several themes were uncovered at the 

community workshops. 

Survey respondents were asked to consider how they felt about 

the transport options within their Local Area on a good, fair or 

poor basis. Walking (69%) and driving (68%) received the highest 

levels of satisfaction of residents stating it to be ‘good’, 48 per 

cent of respondents declared accessibility to a train as poor. 



March 2013 

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March 2013



When asked to consider what transport infrastructure respondents 

would most like to see improved within the Local Area, the 

response indicates that residents are seeking improvements 

in cycling infrastructure and bus services (27 per cent and 31 

per cent respectively). The desire for improved motor vehicle 

infrastructure received the lowest portion (7 per cent) of 

responses. 

The community identified the connectivity of footpaths and 

cycleways and improving road safety and parking as important 

issues. Participants also indicated a desire for a greater variety 

of transport modes to be available in the Local Area. 

Stephenson Highway 

future planning. In 2011, the Stephenson Highway Reservation 

(between the Mitchell Freeway and Jon Sanders Drive) was 

removed from the Metropolitan Region Scheme as part of the 

progress of the Stirling City Centre Structure Plan. The dissolution 

of the reservation removes the statutory reservation of the land 

and enables it to be wholly included into the structure plan area. 

It is still intended to provide a connection to the Mitchell Freeway 

as indicated in the draft structure plan, but the legal mechanism 

has now changed. 

These changes mark significant progress for the work undertaken 

by the Stirling City Centre Alliance. The formerly reserved crown 

land can now be included in the land holdings which will create 

the Stirling City Centre to provide an integrated development 

outcome. 

One issue that was repeatedly raised was that of the Stephenson 

Highway reservation and the future plans for either its development 

or dissolution. The community presented polarising views on this 

project. 

The Stephenson Highway reservation was originally set aside 

(reserved) by the Metropolitan Region Scheme in the 1950s for 

the purposes of connecting the northern suburbs with Fremantle. 

The original purpose of this reservation has been diluted 

somewhat as the years have progressed and the reservation 

has sat idle since its inception. It is currently proposed that the 

reservation will form part of the Stirling City Centre. 

The dissolution of the reservation between the Mitchell Freeway 

and Jon Sanders Drive leaves the remaining reservation between 

Jon Sanders Drive and The Boulevard (in the Town of Cambridge) 

still in force. At this stage, budget for the construction of the road 

does not have priority from either the State Government or from 

the City of Stirling. 

The workshops conducted by the Stirling City Centre Alliance 

have culminated in an agreed long-term regional transport plan 

to support the development of the proposed city centre and its 

area of influence. This plan has been incorporated into the draft 

structure plan. 

The Stirling City Centre Alliance has been leading the 

investigations and undertaking the consultation with numerous 

landowners regarding the development of the Stirling City Centre. 

The Stirling Alliance is co-funded by the City of Stirling and the 

Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). The Alliance 

is a public private community collaboration comprising the two 

project ‘parents’ (City and WAPC), other government stakeholders 

(including the Department of Transport, Main Roads Department, 

Public Transport Authority and LandCorp) and members of the 

local resident and business community. Assembled by the then 

Minister for Planning Alannah McTiernan in 2008, the Alliance is 

designed to map the future of Perth’s ‘second CBD’. 

Following extensive consultation with landowners and facilitating 

State Government agencies, a draft structure plan detailing the 

indicative future layout of the city centre was released in July 

2011. 

The Stephenson Highway reservation in its original form dissected 

the city centre and was one of the greatest challenges facing 

The transport planning process has been both extensive and 

inclusive. The application of the Alliance’s collaborative decisionmaking 

model successfully culminated in a consensus across the 

public, private and community stakeholders. 

The former Stephenson Highway reservation is to be incorporated 

into a city centre boulevard inclusive of cycle lanes and a 

proposed light rail. As stated, the proposed transport link will 

provide access to and over the Mitchell Freeway. High density, 

mixed-use developments are proposed to front the road, and a 

green corridor (linear parkland) and urban stream (re-engineered 

drainage system) will also be provided within the deleted road 

reserve. 

The design philosophy is rooted in the principles espoused by the 

New Urbanist design movement. As such there is an emphasis 

on legibility and permeability of the road network. These terms 

refer to the ease of finding one’s way around the city, and to the 

ability to travel from one point to the other in a direct fashion, 

while retaining a multiplicity of route options (typically achieved 



March 2013 

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March 2013



by a grid pattern). There is also an emphasis placed in the draft 

structure plan on pedestrian comfort and safety. This is to be 

achieved by providing awnings over footpaths and planting street 

trees adjacent to these paths, for both for weather protection and 

the encouragement of slow moving traffic. 

Despite the opinions for and against the development of the 

highway, many at the meeting simply wanted relevant information 

relating to its future, particularly relating to the southern section 

of the reservation. 

At the time of this Local Area Plan being prepared, the City of 

Stirling has no plans to remove the reservation. The surviving 

reservation remains within the jurisdiction of the Department 

of Planning and is still intended to be constructed as a Main 

Roads development. At this stage, there are no planning 

studies or otherwise that contradict the original justification for 

the reservation. The southern reservation will remain in the 

Metropolitan Region Scheme but construction of the highway is 

not funded. 

Bus routes and shelters 

The public transport network within this Local Area comprises of 

just four routes which serve the local community. Service number 

92 traverses Hale Road, terminates/begins just short of West 

Coast Highway and continues south on Pearson Street, where it 

joins other services including numbers 98, 99 and 401. Service 

91 traverses the southern boundary road, Empire Avenue, and 

runs east to west, before veering south past the Churchlands 

Green development. The 412 travels on the northern boundary 

of Cobb Street. 

An analysis of the public transport bus network indicates a 

shortfall of north to south connections within the Local Area. This 

was a concern raised several times by the community, and is 

possibly the reason why the survey results indicated that only 40 

per cent of residents felt that the bus services were fair. A further 

23 per cent felt they were poor. 

The suburban nature of the Local Area and its lower densities 

reduce the viability of high frequency bus services. In addition, 

the 2006 Census results revealed that only 8.2 per cent of 

residents use public transport to get to work, while 68.8 per cent 

used the private vehicle as the driver or passenger. It is hard to 

say whether such low patronage of public transport is a result of 

limited bus services, or whether there are limited bus services 

due to the residents prioritising the use of their car, resulting in 

low patronage. 

The outcomes of the consultation indicated a high level of 

dissatisfaction with the connectivity of the Local Area, particularly 

by public transport and in a northeast to southwest (and vice 

versa) direction. This also suggests that the community would 

utilise alternative public transport connections if they were 

offered. 

Another issue relating to public transport infrastructure identified 

at the workshops, is the state of and/or the provision of bus 

shelters within the Local Area. 

Prior to the Public Transport Authority (PTA) Act 2003, local 

governments throughout the metropolitan area frequently 

improved the location of bus stops and provided and maintained 

bus shelters. Within the City of Stirling, the PTA provided 1,366 

bus stops with approximately 450 having bus shelters. 

Since 2002, under the Transport Standards 2002 (introduced 

under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992), the provider of bus 

stops was required to bring all bus stops to comply with Disability 

Discrimination Act standards within 20 years. The standards also 

set five-year milestones for compliance (25 per cent by the end 

of 2007 and 55 per cent by the end of 2012). Under the 2003 

act, the Public Transport Authority was confirmed as the provider 

of all public transport infrastructure and was therefore the body 

responsible for meeting Disability Discrimination Act compliance 

for their bus stops. 

The City’s policy is that the upgrading of bus stops and bus shelters 

should be in partnership with the Public Transport Authority and 

not the responsibility of the Local Government. 

Discussions are continuing between the Public Transport 

Authority and Western Australian Local Government Association 

to determine the degree to which Local Government should be 

involved in the provision of bus shelters. A proposal is imminent 

and formal agreement possible by the end of this year. 

Community bus 

A strong community sentiment that emerged as a result of the 

consultation was the introduction of a community bus service to 

service the residents of the Local Area. There were some views 

that the existing public transport system did not adequately 

service the needs of the community. With particular concern over 

the lack of connectivity between the east and west parts of the 

Local Area, a community bus service was one solution offered. 

The provision of a community bus service within the Local Area 

presents a number of challenges, despite it being a very popular 

suggestion. There are a number of key stakeholders that would 

need to be involved in the process of setting up, delivering and 

maintaining the service. Finding a community based leader for 

this cause is imperative to the success of the project should it 

proceed. 

There may be an argument that the model used for the City’s 

Community Food Gardens Grants scheme be applied to a 

community bus service. This scheme requires that an incorporated 

community group take the responsibility for the management of 

the operations. This often includes forming a committee to make 

decisions and to share the responsibility for operations and 

finances. The City’s role is twofold. Firstly, to provide the land 

and some assistance in preparing the site for use, and secondly 

to issue a cash grant to the successful organisation that has 

made application to the City and been selected as the nominated 

trustee of the operation. 

Such investigations should take place if there is sufficient 

community participation. 

Parking at activity hubs and schools 

Many participants at the workshops expressed concern with the 

limited parking for various schools and shopping areas within the 

Local Area. Specifically, there were complaints about Wembley 

Downs Shopping Centre car park continually being full, as well 

as parking management issues during peak periods for pick up 

and drop off at schools. 



March 2013 

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March 2013



Such issues are common in a Local Area that has a variety of 

land uses that are popular with residents. The management of 

local traffic and parking is a complicated issue. Balancing the 

functionality of high use amenities must be weighted against 

ensuring the surrounding residents are not unduly impacted. 

With respect to the parking at Wembley Downs Shopping Centre, 

the perceived lack of parking has recently been compounded 

by the new development adjoining the centre, which has come 

to an agreement with the centre to also utilise its car park. 

Whilst the operators of both centres do not technically comply 

with the minimum parking requirements under the provisions 

of Local Planning Scheme No. 3, the purpose of the centre is 

predominantly to service the daily needs of the Local Area and 

for the residents of the Local Area to access the centre by foot. 

Whilst this is not always possible, the nature of the uses within 

the centre allows a high turnover of vehicles. 

Similar issues occur at the Flynn Street shopping area in relation 

to parking and access. The City is currently working with all the 

landowners of this centre on a revised concept, expansions and 

redevelopments with significant parking increases to counteract 

the current shortfall. The Local Centres Improvement Program 

has identified this centre as having priority for assistance and the 

cooperation of the landowners. More information in relation to 

this project can be found in the Economic Environment section of 

this plan and at the City’s website, www.stirling,wa,gov.au. 

Despite the community suggesting the number of schools located 

in the Local Area is an asset, in operation there can be conflict 

between the schools and the surrounding residential land uses. 

Pick up and drop off times present the greatest frustrations, 

with a high volume of traffic in a very short period of time. The 

movement of children in and around the traffic also presents 

great challenges. 

Ultimately the individual school is responsible for safety and traffic 

management within their grounds. Safety outside the school 

grounds is the joint responsibility of the school, State and Local 

government. The State Government has implemented 40km/h 

school zones surrounding every school in Western Australia, 

ensuring that all drivers exercise caution during school set down 

and pick up times. These measures are heavily enforced by WA 

Police. The Local Government, is responsible for road design 

and maintenance. 

There are several other strategies that can be employed to reduce 

the pressure on the local road network during peak periods. One 

is the spacing out of drop off times. Individual schools would 

have to take ownership of such an incentive and an education 

program would be needed for parents. For example, students in 

higher grades would be required to be dropped off earlier whilst 

parents of younger children should be encouraged to drop them 

off closer to the start time of the school day. The school could set 

recommended times for when each year group (or several at a 

time) should be dropped at the school. 

‘Walking buses’ is another strategy that may alleviate traffic 

volumes on the local road network. Utilised heavily by the 

Travelsmart program run by the City, it encourages local students 

to walk to school rather than be dropped off and presents many 

benefits to all parties. To counter the obvious safety concerns of 

children walking the streets alone, the walking bus encourages 

groups of children to walk together, all lead by a parent (or several 

parents). The City encourages walking buses to inform the City 

that they operate so as to monitor their success. 

The City is continually monitoring local traffic within all Local 

Areas, particularly those ‘hotspots’ that are regularly cited as 

being problematic. The City will continue to monitor all school 

areas within this Local Area on the basis of the concern expressed 

by the community. 

Improve connectivity for the pedestrian and cycling 

network 

One of the priorities identified from the community workshop 

sessions was for improved connectivity between the different 

transport networks and end of use facilities. 

Survey results indicate that there were generally high levels 

of satisfaction with transport provision for walking, while there 

was dissatisfaction with cycling accessibility, reflecting the lack 

of cycling amenities in the area. When survey participants were 

asked what they would like to see improved, cycling facilities was 

one of the top priorities. 

In the community consultation sessions, pedestrian access 

to train stations and connections for cycling to public transport 

services were highlighted as needing improvement. Increasing 

the provision of dual use paths and bicycle parking facilities were 

also identified as areas for improvement. 

The City can assist in improving the connectivity of the transport 

network through the provision of continuous pedestrian paths 

and cycleways in the Local Area. The City is in the process 

of finalising a Footpath Policy and Bikeplan to oversee the 

management of footpath and cycling infrastructure and address 

gaps in the City’s pedestrian and cycling network. 

Wembley Downs Shopping Centre 


1. To continue to implement the principles of the City’s 

Integrated Transport Strategy. 

2. The City’s Travelsmart officer to continue to provide 

advice and programs promoting and encouraging 

sustainable transport use within the Local Area. 

3. Continue to liaise with the Public Transport Authority, 

providing input and advocating for community needs. 

4. To encourage patronage of public transport in and 

around local centres by promoting redevelopment 

and investigating the increase of density immediately 

surrounding the centres where appropriate. 

5. Continue to develop a pedestrian and cycle path network 

to ensure key linkages between existing sections of the 

current network and to major destinations. 

6. To work together with the State Government on any 

investigations or research required for the future use or 

development of the Stephenson Reservation. 

7. To continue negotiations with the Public Transport 

Authority through WALGA to resolve the issue regarding 

the ongoing provision and maintenance of bus shelters. 

8. To work in partnership with local schools in developing 

strategies for reducing the impact of traffic at school set 

down and pick up points during peak hour. 

38 39

uilt environment 

built environment 


This Local Area Plan is a 10-15 year strategic 

document informing future land use planning 

decisions taken by the City. 

In understanding how these decisions are 

made, it is important to understand the 

legal mechanisms which implement these 

decisions. 

How a piece of land can be used or 

developed in the City of Stirling is 

determined by the City’s Local Planning 

Scheme No. 3 (LPS 3). Zones applied by 

this document, such as residential, local 

centre, business and industry, together 

with the scheme text, sets out what a piece 

of land can be used for and how it can be 

developed. This document is supported by the 

City’s Development Policy Manual, which sets 

out standards for height, parking, landscaping 

and so on. LPS 3 was adopted in March 2010 

and replaced District Planning Scheme No. 2, which 

came into effect in 1985. 

The Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) is the State Government 

land use plan. Local Government town planning schemes are 

required to be consistent with the MRS. 

Development and land use in the City is also influenced by 

other State Government policies, including Directions 2031 

and Beyond, the Residential Design Codes and various state 

planning policies. 

The Local Area predominantly consists of residential zoned land, 

with Residential R20 being the primary density coding. Meaning, 

lots must be a minimum of 500sqm. 

The only significant departure from this density within the Local 

Area is the housing on the south eastern boundary of the Local 

Area. This area is zoned R60, resulting in a high proportion of 

apartment buildings along Herdsman Parade. 

The most common non residential land uses are schools and 

educational facilities found within the Local Area. Comprising of 

both public and private schools, the local residents have gone so 

far as to state the Local Area is known for its many schools. 

The Local Area also has a number of activity areas, servicing 

the community’s daily and weekly shopping needs. Woodlands 

Village, Wembley Downs Shopping Centre and the Flynn Street 

centre all contribute to such activities. Their ongoing role within 

the community should continue to be supported. 

Housing stock 

The housing stock within this Local Area is prediminantly low 

density single residential. The historical development has been 

to cater for traditional families on large lots of land. There are 

differences in housing styles. The Local Area is an eclectic mix 

of original 1970s and 1980s era homes, as well as the recently 

redeveloped homes featuring modern architectural styles. The 

Local Area is built on sand dunes, and this undulating terrain 

has been utilised to the advantage of various building designs. 

This, coupled with the large amounts of vegetation (both natural 

vegetation and re-growth) contributes to the strong identifiable 

character of the Local Area. 

The Herdsman Parade of high density development has an 

interesting history, with the State Government supporting a 

higher density in exchange for large parcels of land. These now 

form Moondine Drive and part of the Herdsman Lake reserve (as 

depicted below), transferred to the Crown. 

Despite the area being significantly higher density than the rest 

of the Local Area, it is well serviced by Herdsman Parade, which 

also delineates it from the lower density housing surrounding it. 

The hexagon apartment buildings were mostly built in the 1970s, 

while the other more traditional apartment buildings were built in 

the 1990s. 


Survey respondents and workshop participants were presented 

with a range of questions testing their values and attitudes 

towards various propositions regarding density. 

Workshop participants held slightly different views to survey 

respondents in their responses. The participants had the benefit 

of City officers briefing them at the workshops, explaining and 

helping participants to understand the rationale behind decision 

making and the City forming a view on the requirements for 

rezoning. Officers were able to explain the requirements of the 

State Government as well as other opportunities and constraints 

facing the City and residents alike, which allowed participants to 

provide a much more informed position to the project. Whilst both 

surveys and workshop participants outlined a very conservative 

view on density changes, workshop participants were more likely 


1. Maintain density, identity and character. 

2. Provide housing choices. 

3. Support sustainable building designs. 

Figure One 

The R60 density was granted to landowners in exchange 

for the transfer of land to the Crown, now forming part of the 

Herdsman Lake reserve and Moondine Drive. The former 

lots remain as depicted in this figure. 

to consider changes within the Local Area, particularly around 

activity centres. 

When the questionnaires presented residents with the proposition 

of how distinctive they felt the Local Area is, 63 per cent felt 

that the area was moderately distinctive with 24 per cent of 

respondents feeling that the area is highly distinctive. These 

results are considerably higher than in some other Local Areas 

within the City and demonstrate the high level of satisfaction with 

the current distinctiveness of the area. 

All the Local Areas within the City of Stirling have very different 

characteristics and for this reason the Local Area planning project 

identifies the priorities of the local community. Whilst some Local 

Areas are inherently higher density and will continue to operate 

in such a way, some are suburban in nature with residents 

preferring it to remain that way. In this Local Area, the City does 

not propose any substantial amendments to the zoning. The 

City will, however, consider some minor changes to density 

if presented by landowners in the areas indicated on the key 

opportunities map, with most of these occurring in and around 

existing activity centres. 

Trying to balance the differing views of the community in 

relation to density, coupled with delivering on State Government 

requirements, forms the most challenging element of the Local 

Area plan. This section discusses the main issues that arose from 

the consultation and provides certainty as to how such issues will 

be approached by the City and residents alike. 

Housing density 

The community consultation indicated the current housing density 

in the Local Area was considered acceptable. 40 per cent of the 

survey respondents said that changing the zoning of the area 

where you live to slightly higher density was not at all attractive. In 

contrast, when asked whether density increases around activity 

centres was quite attractive, 30 per cent of respondents agreed. 

Community workshop participants were more supportive of the 

idea of developing the activity centres within the Local Area. 

This Local Area Plan does not recommend any broad brush 

zoning amendments within the Local Area; it does, however, 

identify the local centres and the land immediately surrounding 

them as having increased residential density potential. The Key 

opportunities plan at the back of this Local Area Plan depicts 

this. 



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March 2013

uilt environment 

built environment 

Any non-residential zone (with the exception of mixed business) 

is permitted a residential component of up to R80 under the 

provisions of Local Planning Scheme 3. The Local Area plan has 

identified a 200m walkable catchment around these identified 

centres as having increased density potential. A redevelopment 

of any of the centres, incorporating residential development, 

would be supported by the City, as well as considering any lots 

within the 200m walkable catchment for an increase in density 

that was appropriate. This element was partially supported by 


Housing diversification 

The community identified housing diversification as a priority 

when considering the future of the Local Area. Housing type 

throughout the Local Area remains fairly consistent, being single 

residential dwellings with the exception of the apartments on 

Herdsman Parade. 

Diversity of housing stock, however, is linked to density. it is 

impossible to create housing diversification without providing for 

a range of densities. 

Code of Australia on new buildings, as well as Design for Climate 

Requirements provisions that are required to be satisfied within 

the R Codes. 

These controls regulate the environmental performance of 

buildings. The City does not regulate design for climate. 

Such a policy framework would be led by the State Government, 

as it is a statewide issue and not just specific to the City of Stirling 

through the inclusion of relevant provisions in the R Codes. The 

City will continue to encourage and be a party to any discussion 

led by the State Government in implementing such design 

principles for all residential development. 


1. To include the recommendations of the key opportunities 

map into the preparation of the City’s Planning and 

Sustainable Strategy. 

2. Continue to implement the recommendations of the 

City’s Local Housing Strategy. 

3. In conjunction with the community, investigate density 

solutions that allow for an increase of density in selected 

locations. 

4. Continue to work with State Government to inform 

discussions about the most appropriate environmentally 

sustainable design framework for housing 

development. 

The Local Area does contain some variety of housing types. 

The apartments on Herdsman Parade and the retirement village 

on Leige Street do offer alternative types of accommodation 

within the Local Area. In addition, identifying the 200m walkable 

catchments around activity centres for increased density potential 

may offer such opportunities without compromising the character 

of the Local Area. 

The issue of affordable housing was not highlighted in either the 

survey responses or the workshops. 

Sustainable building design 

Throughout the consultation with the community, the theme of 

sustainable building design was emphasised by many of the 

participants. 

Another issue that was raised related to streetscapes, specifically 

the selection of street trees and the removal of existing 

trees degrading the street and having impact on the natural 

environment. This issue is discussed in the Natural Environment 

section of this plan. 

There are currently various controls in place that regulate 

minimum energy efficiency standards enforced by the Building 



March 2013 

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March 2013

what now? 

key opportunities 

This Local Area Plan is intended to be an 

accurate representation of the extensive 

community consultation that was undertaken 

as part of the Local Area Planning process. 

The ‘Vision Statement’ and the 

‘Community Priorities’ identified in 

this Plan are direct extracts from 

the community workshops, with the 

resulting discussion and the proposed 

Actions representing the diverse views 

taken from the community through 

both the surveys and the community 

workshops. 

The City has also integrated its own 

strategic objectives and planning 

approach into the plan, finding the 

common ground between the community 

aspirations and the City’s objectives. 

The next stage is for the City to prepare the 

Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan 

is a document allocating responsibility for each of the 

proposed Actions to a Business Unit of the City of Stirling for 

implementation. 



March 2013 

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March 2013

Wembley Local Area Plan - City of Stirling

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