Balga

Image of Balga Friday Markets

The local community describes Balga as high urban density, multicultural and friendly community. To better understand what is means to be ‘a local’ our suburb profile seeks to understand the local stories Koora (past), Yeyi (present), Boordawan (future) and respond to Ngalang Maya (our place). This snapshot identifies the unique character of Balga’s neighbourhood and helps the City rethink how we deliver services with a local focus.

Balga, from the Aboriginal word for an indigenous tree, was originally used for market gardens and poultry farms, before large-scale development of Balga began in the late 1950s.

What it means to be 'a local'

What you've told us so far

Local issues

Local focus

These are the top local priorities you've told us about what's important for Balga: 

  • Community wellbeing  - "More community events, food markets, stuff to do with kids. More social interaction to get people talking and feeling of togetherness."
  • Community wellbeing - "Murals & street art in common or high traffic spaces."
  • Crime prevention  - "Make security better by having more preventative measures in place to discourage crime."  "Increased security patrols."
  • Development - "Spend money on infrastructure/resources/shopping centres/roads/parks/etc." "Dog park - lights and maintenance."
  • Waste - "Have a better recycling and sustainability program."

The City has created Locally-led Stirling to drive deeper connection at a local suburb level to listen and respond with a local focus.  At the heart of this Locally-led approach is an understanding that local people know what they need and a vision for everyone to get involved in shaping what it means to be “a local”.

We want to bring neighbours together, invest in local stories and inspire opportunities to work together. To find out more about Locally-led Stirling, visit Shaping our City.  If you're looking for ways to get involved in your local area, please contact one of the City’s Local Engagement Officers by emailing getinvolved@stirling.wa.gov.au.

Local plans

Residential development

Balga streets began to be laid out in 1959 with the majority of housing constructed between 1964 and 1970 the area is largely characterised by single-storey residential dwellings with lot sizes averaging 700 m2.

Most dwellings in Balga are made of brick and tile, reflecting the period of development and, while most residences are detached, there are some examples of grouped dwellings and flats throughout the suburb.

Public open space and community infrastructure

Balga contains 26 local open spaces and six district open spaces made up of parks and recreational reserves. The largest is Princess Wallington Reserve. Offering a broad range of recreational facilities, including an aquatic centre, tennis courts, cricket club and soccer club, its central location provides an important focal point for the Balga community. Fletching Climping Reserve is also identified as a Local Significant Natural Area. 

Numerous other small parks and reserves, such as Heritage Park and Celebration Park, can be found across the suburb.

Balga also contains two local shopping centres, both of which provide a range of retail services to fulfil local needs:

  • Fieldgate Square, on the western boundary of the suburb
  • Westminster Plaza, centrally located.

Several primary schools, as well as Balga Senior High School and the North Metropolitan TAFE, serve education requirements in Balga. Established in 1972, the Balga campus of TAFE provides a diverse range of part-time and full-time studies with courses ranging from business studies and hairdressing to carpentry and plumbing.

External projects

Council investment

Financial year 2023 - 2024

  • Balga Football/Cricket Club kitchen and patio upgrades
  • Exercise equipment at Des Denman Reserve
  • Princess Wallington Reserve floodlighting design

Projects

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