As one of Australia’s fasted growing metro areas, the Town of Victoria Park has transformed in recent years into a highly desirable inner-city location set apart by its multitude of offerings for residents, including its proximity to the CBD, access to the Swan River foreshore and the entertainment precinct of Burswood Peninsula.
It has seen increased mixed-use living opportunities, well designed transient-oriented development along its heritage train line and already boasts the Albany Highway strip with more than 300 pubs, cafés and restaurants, not to mention the appearance of small, boutique bars and microbreweries that also continue to pop up.
“We are acutely aware of the need to keep our community connected, while also preparing for the Town’s population growth, set to double in the next 30 years,” said Mayor Karen Vernon.
“We have a strong resolve to ensure Vic Park continues to become a premier place for entertainment and entrepreneurship, but also want to make it greener, more sustainable and more liveable.
“Our challenge is to ensure the Town’s social infrastructure keeps pace with population growth, while retaining the close-knit community vibe we know our residents, and visitors to the Town love.”
The Town plays host to major events and attractions with strategic partners, including Optus Stadium, Curtin University, the West Coast Eagles, Technology Park, Perth Racing WA, Crown Perth, Burswood Park Board and Tennis West.
Collaborating and working in partnership is key to achieving great outcomes for the community as whole, especially as it continues to grow so rapidly.
One such partnership between The Town, the West Coast Eagles, Wirrpanda Foundation, and Perth Football Club, has not only resulted in the redevelopment of Lathlain Park, but also aims to drive significant social, economic and leadership benefits for the whole community, under a jointly developed Community Benefits Strategy. The co-designed strategy included engagement of a 30 member community panel, who made the final recommendations on the four priority projects to be rolled out in the first five years.
The Town’s Urban Forest Strategy is another example where community members initiated the need to expand and better manage trees within the Town, on both public and private land. This aims to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community with a tree canopy target of 20%, to be achieved by protecting and saving existing trees, and embarking on a mass tree planting program, now in action with a dedicated community working group and Town urban forest officers.
