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

    Swan Valley Local Area Plan annual update 2025

    The City continues to advocate the State Government for increased compliance regarding signage and amenity for land within the Swan Valley Planning Scheme area.

    Strategic Planning prepared a Council report in response to the WAPC’s Draft Swan Valley Planning Strategy.

    The report recommended the 10–15 year strategy be supported by robust technical analysis and closely integrated with the City’s planning for surrounding areas.

    The City is now awaiting the WAPC’s decision on the draft strategy.

    In the 2024/25 financial year, the City rehabilitated the West Swan Road/Gnangara Road roundabout to address pavement issues like cracking, rutting, shoving, and delamination.

    The shared path on the south-west corner of the intersection was also reconstructed and a section of the shared path along West Swan Road, north of the West Swan Road/Benara Road roundabout was rehabilitated.

    These works help maintain the condition of the road and path network, supporting safe and efficient travel for the community.

    The City has worked with Main Roads WA to amend the speed zoning on Campersic Road and Oakover Road to 70km/h to ensure consistency across the local area and to ensure a safe environment for all road users.

    These amendments were implemented by Main Roads WA in July 2025.

    In the 2024/25 financial year, the City undertook several fire prevention works to support the City’s and local fire brigades’ response in the event of a fire.

    This included the construction of a 400m, 3m-wide firebreak at Wandoo Heights Reserve, the full replacement of the fire tank at Askrigg Road in Gidgegannup, and the installation of three new fire water tanks at Farm Trail, Reserve Road, and Copley–Dale Road in Gidgegannup.

    The three new tanks were donated by the local community, with the City arranging their installation, including site preparation and sand pads.