What is local area planning?
Covering approximately one fifth of the Perth metropolitan area, the City of Swan is home to a culturally rich and diverse population living in a variety of situations including high density activity centres, hills and rural lifestyles, and agricultural activities. Our Place Management approach to service delivery recognises that the City is made up of many local communities (Places) so planning for such a diverse area requires creative solutions.
Local area planning involves community members working together with the City to identify specific issues affecting their community and produce a plan that provides solutions to meet the specific needs of their local area and support its unique character.
Local Area Plans (LAPs) provide the opportunity to recognise the unique character and needs of our diverse communities. They focus on planning for the management of future growth as well as offering community service provision. Each LAP identifies a broad range of issues that affect the local area and, in consultation with the local community, establishes a vision and objectives for the area, consolidating strategies and actions already identified in City-wide strategic documents such as the Strategic Community Plan (SCP) and Local Planning Strategy (LPS). Community workshops help to identify further strategies and actions, and prioritise them in accordance with the vision and objectives.
LAPs are integrated with the SCP and LPS in order to inform the City's corporate business planning for the delivery of services to the community. LAPs are therefore important documents for the City to plan for infrastructure and services and manage change at a local level. There are twelve local areas that are addressed in LAPs. They are Altone, Ballajura, Bullsbrook, Ellenbrook, Gidgegannup, Guildford/Hazelmere, Malaga, Midland, Swan Valley, Swan View, Upper Swan and the Urban Growth Corridor.
The City appreciates the support and contribution made by community members and other stakeholders in developing their LAPs.