The most recent version of the Guildford Hazelmere Local Area Plan was adopted in March 2020 and is planned to be reviewed in 2026.

The plan highlights the priorities of the community identified during the consultation period. It also creates a roadmap for the City to plan for and deliver outcomes that meet the aspirations and needs of the community.

Current priorities and initiatives

  • WA’s historic 10th Light Horse Regiment sculpture was unveiled in mid-March 2023 in Stirling Square. Update Brochures detailing the history of the horse were produced to support the opening.
  • The City hosted the first Guildford Heritage Reference Group on 14 March 2023. The purpose of this group is to provide a forum for key stakeholders to discuss heritage in Guildford and the implementation of the Guildford-Mandoon Heritage Area Local Planning Policy.
  • The City has engaged an artist to develop concept designs for Whadjuk artwork in Stiling Square.
  • The City continues to promote Guildford on www.swanvalley.com.au promoting the historical precinct by providing visitors
  • The Guildford Library hosts a range of programs. The attendance numbers of these programs so far in 2023 is as follows:
    • Children’s programs – 2,097
    • Adult and Multicultural Programs - 187
    • Youth and Technology Programs - 227
  • The Guildford-Mandoon Heritage Area Local Planning Policy acknowledges the dual naming of the area and includes a map of known registered Aboriginal sites to raise awareness.
  • The City offers a wide range of grant and sponsorship options for community groups and community events. Community grants awarded in the Guildford area in 2022 and 2023 included the Swan Audiowalks and the Guildford Songfest 2023.
  • As part of the Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchange Project, a new principal shared path (PSP) will extend from Roe Highway and Great Eastern Highway to join the section of PSP north of Kalamunda Road. This will greatly improve cycle and pedestrian connectivity.
  • An action outlined within the Local Planning Strategy is to implement the recommendations of the City’s Cycle Strategies to improve the bicycle network. An example of this is the proposed extension of the PSP to Midland as part of the Midland Train Station development. This will improvement the PSP connectivity for the Guildford-Hazelmere LAP area.
  • The City of Swan is investigating the implementation of a ‘Safe Active Street’ along Helena Street in Guildford. Helena Street is identified in the City’s cycle strategy, as well as the Department of Transport’s Long Term Cycle Network as being an important local route for active transport. The City is currently developing a concept and will consult with residents in 2023.
  • The Guildford-Mandoon Heritage Area Local Planning Policy identifies mature trees as being an important part of the heritage fabric and protects them by requiring development approval for their removal.
  • Adoption of Urban Forest Plan in 2022 led to the City commencing work on a local policy guiding tree retention and management through all stages of planning and development.
  • The City of Swan is running its biggest ever giveaway of 45,000 free trees and plants in 2023.
  • Strategic community plan 2021-2031 has an objective to protect and retain the green environment. This involves increasing the urban street canopy by 1% per year.

Profile of the Guildford/Hazelmere local area

Area wide updates

  • Priority 1 Update

    The City assisted with the delivery of the annual Swan Open Studios in April 2024, with a number of local Guildford artists and businesses participating in the 10-day event. The annual initiative invites the public to explore workspaces and purchase local artwork directly and showcases local creative work and engagement with new audiences.

  • Priority 1 Update

    The City’s Place Activation team are also reviewing the Guildford banners in 23/24 and considering new designs for 2025 in collaboration with the City’s Community and Engagement team.

  • Priority 2 Update

    The City offers a wide range of grant and sponsorship options for community groups and community events. Community grants awarded in the Guildford area in 2023 include:

    • Swan Aboriginal Community Christmas Celebration – Ngala - Swan Communities for Children
    • Accessioning Project - Guildford Association Inc
    • Guildford 2024 dance rehearsal and social connectivity space
    • Growing your Brighter Future - Casson Homes Incorporated.

  • Priority 4 Update

    Council resolved to approve the Tree Protection and Management Policy for advertising. The policy aims to encourage and facilitate the retention and maintenance of the urban tree canopy cover throughout the city. The policy is planned to be advertised in late 2024 and will facilitate a level of protection for trees and vegetation outside the heritage listed sites.

  • Priority 4 Update

    In 2023, the City of Swan gave away more than 900 free seedlings to 137 residents to increase the urban tree canopy within the Guildford/Hazelmere area. Residents can also collect up to half a cubic metre of free mulch from the Bullsbrook Recycling Centre.

    Read more here