The Swan Valley is Western Australia's oldest wine region, with world-class wineries, breweries, distilleries, gourmet artisan goods, handcrafted wares, bustling markets, and endless experiences, just 25 minutes from the Perth CBD.

The Swan Valley local area encompasses the area of the Swan Valley Planning Act 2020, including Belhus, Baskerville, Henley Brook, Millendon, Herne Hill, West Swan, Middle Swan and parts of Caversham, Brigadoon and Upper Swan.

The first Swan Valley Local Area Plan (LAP) was adopted by Council at the November 13, 2024 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Swan Valley LAP priorities and initiatives

The community priorities for the Swan Valley Local Area are:

  • Advocate for compliant land management that conserves the rural character and heritage of the Swan Valley
  • Advocate for protection of the natural environment complimentary with priority agriculture in the Swan Valley, including local native habitat and vegetation, and groundwater access and quality
  • Address pollution, including roadside rubbish, caused by tourism.
  • Advocate for complementary development that does not detract from principal land uses, including horticulture and viticulture
  • Advocate for tourism development consistent with the Swan Valley Planning Act acknowledging the economic pressures on agricultural production
  • Advocate for improved service connections to support tourism development. Service connections include internet accessibility, wastewater management and innovative water solutions for sustainable agriculture.
  • Advocate for expanded public transport and cycling connections to schools in the Swan Valley
  • Improve hiking and biking tracks throughout the valley and along the river foreshore
  • Increase bridle trail network and improve road safety for horse riders.
  • Improve signage and address speeding on local roads
  • Advocate for safer conditions for heavy vehicles and high traffic volumes on state and local roads
  • Improve street lighting maintenance on local roads.
    • Increase accessibility to fire safety education for fire prevention and preparedness
    • Investigate the impacts of the emergency services levy on landowners in the Swan Valley Planning Area.

    Profile of the Swan Valley local area