Two WA councils have been recognised for their town planning innovations. 

At the recent Planning Institute Australia’s National Awards for Planning Excellence, the Shire of Broome received the Great Place Award for its Town Beach (Guwarri) project. 

The development not only provided a multi-purpose landscape, that includes the world-renowned vista where the famous ‘staircase to the moon’ can be viewed, but also addressed a substantial environmental threat of the eroding Pindan Cliffs.

The Town of Victoria Park was successful in taking out the Strategic Planning Project Award for their new Integrated Transport Strategy and Parking Management Plan.

Town of Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon said that the important documents had already begun to influence the design and thinking behind many of the town’s future projects and initiatives.

“Having a comprehensive blueprint that takes into account our changing lifestyles, technological improvements and our evolving attitudes towards how we get around is integral to future-proofing our community infrastructure for our expanding population,” Cr Vernon said.

Shire of Broome President Harold Tracey said winning national awards was apt recognition for the success of the project and a massive achievement for the town.

“To see that vision turned into reality has been fantastic and is a credit to everyone involved in the project,” he said.