Cradled by the Murray River, Pinjarra is an idyllic town with a rich heritage and abundance of country charm.
Pinjarra is the ancestral home of the Bindjareb people of the Noongar Nation and is one of Western Australia's earliest colonial settlements (dating back to 1834).
It’s a special place where for thousands of years people have lived, worked and visited.
As the Peel Region's secondary centre, it serves an important role in the region. Couple this with a growing population, unique environment and economic diversification, and Pinjarra's local businesses and existing community face an exciting, but also challenging, opportunity.
Our much-loved town is growing and as it does, planning for this growth is critical in preserving the characteristics that make Pinjarra special.
We want to ensure its rich history and unique character is retained and new development celebrates the town’s identity.
So, we’ve refreshed Planning Framework to explore how Pinjarra can grow thoughtfully reach its fullest potential. This includes a refreshed Pinjarra District Structure Plan (DSP), Pinjarra Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) and amendment to Local Planning Scheme No. 4 (LPS4).
The Framework delivers a contemporary guide for future zoning, subdivision and development of Pinjarra. Throughout the document, the Shire has placed significant focus on the town’s identity and how it will be retained as Pinjarra grows.
Imagine charming neighbourhoods connected through green open spaces, a vibrant town centre, pedestrian-friendly streets, convenient public-transport and well-considered traffic networks getting people from A to B.
Imagine the daily needs of community met with services such as schools, sports facilities, shopping centres and so on, all within walkable distances.
It’s an exciting time for Pinjarra, and we want to get this right.
The Shire is now seeking community feedback on the Framework's direction and vision, giving stakeholders the exciting opportunity to shape the future of Murray’s primary centre.
We invite you to view the detail on this webpage and engage through the various methods available.
What is the Pinjarra Planning Framework?
The Pinjarra Planning Framework comprises a refreshed Pinjarra District Structure Plan (DSP), Pinjarra Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) and amendment to Local Planning Scheme No. 4 (LPS4).
- The Pinjarra District Structure Plan considers the entire Pinjarra townsite and articulates how it can grow in a well-coordinated manner.
- The Precinct Structure Plan focusses on central Pinjarra and provides detailed guidance on development and subdivision.
- An amendment to LPS4 will give status to the Pinjarra Town Centre as a ‘Centre’ Zone.
What is open for feedback?
The Shire is seeking feedback on the Pinjarra Planning Framework.
The PPF is broad and will impact various stakeholders in varied ways. As such, the Shire is running a detailed consultation process inclusive of opportunities to submit feedback online, or directly with a Shire Officer.
The Framework balances the forecast grown of the town with the preservation and enhancement of Pinjarra’s character, heritage and natural environment. Key principles include:
- Environmentally sustainable urban design
- Protection of natural areas and heritage places
- Provision for a range of land uses and job opportunities to meet community needs
- A shift towards sustainable transport modes.
The Framework emphasises the creation of high-quality public spaces, improved accessibility, and transit-oriented development, ensuring that future growth supports both economic vitality and social well-being.
The PPF is broad and will impact various stakeholders in varied ways. Generally speaking, the Shire is keen to understand whether the Framework's vision, planning objectives and key outcomes represent community sentiment.
More specifically, the Shire is inviting input from individual landowners on items that may impact them and their properties directly.
What is the vision?
Pinjarra is a distinct and important place within the Peel Region, a place where people want to live, work, meet, relax and visit.
The town is made up of charming, walkable neighbourhoods that are well-connected, easy to get around and offer a variety of housing options. Pinjarra maintains its historic, country feel and deep ties to the Murray River. Even as it grows, it holds onto its rich history and unique character, with new development blending seamlessly into the town’s identity.
The lively yet relaxed atmosphere of the town caters to businesses, residents, visitors and workers alike, providing everything from local services and job opportunities to recreational and social spaces, all in a setting that feels both fresh and familiar. Pinjarra is not just a town of growth but of balance, with open spaces that celebrate the natural landscape and protect the environment, reinforcing Pinjarra’s strong connection to nature.
Moving around Pinjarra is a pleasure, thanks to its pedestrian-friendly streets and network of high-quality cycling paths. Access to the riverfront and various parts of town is easy and convenient, making it a great place to explore. Public transport also links Pinjarra frequently with Mandurah and other key towns in the region, ensuring both locals and visitors can enjoy everything it has to offer.
What are the planning objectives?
The Pinjarra Planning Framework places high priority on urban ecology, urban structure, public realm, movement, land use and built form.
Urban ecology
Integration of environmentally sustainable practices, such as reduced resource use, climate-resilient green spaces, and the protection of wetland, bushlands and river foreshores.
Urban structure
The town will evolve around compact, walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods, with higher-density development in key areas, supporting efficient land use, connectivity and transit-oriented growth.
Public realm
A network of interconnected open spaces, parks, and green corridors to create social and recreational opportunities while enhancing the town's character and ecological connectivity.
Movement
Promotion of sustainable transport through the establishment of the Pinjarra to Mandurah Transit System (PMTS), pedestrian-friendly streets, a permeable street network and the diversion of heavy vehicle and through traffic from the town centre.
Land use
Diverse housing, commercial and community activities, with development focusing on activating street frontages and public spaces.
Built form
High-quality built form that reflects the town's rural charm.
Read more detail about the planning objectives, including more detail on each
What are the key outcomes?
The Pinjarra Planning Framework articulates key outcomes that align to the community vision for Pinjarra. Read more about these below.
Open space
An interconnected green space network containing a range of public open spaces offer varied functions. It will protect and enhance the landscape and environment, provide for active and passive recreation spaces, and enable the safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists.
Read more and view the proposed open space map
Schools, recreation and health infrastructure
Larger scale community infrastructure will meet the needs of a growing population. The DSP proposes:
- Four new primary schools and one additional high school
- Development of the Sir Ross McLarty Sports Precinct
- Two new neighbourhood sport and recreation precincts
- A health hub precinct located alongside the Murray Districts Hospital
Read more and view proposed locations of new infrastructure
Public transport and movement network
An integrated public transport network will provide a convenient and affordable travel option. A comprehensive network of streets will allow for bypass routes, intersections, green streets, a pedestrian bridge, and comprehensive footpath network.
Read more and view traffic and transport maps
Activity centres
Activity centres provide for daily convenience needs of the community within walkable distances. The Framework proposes:
- A Pinjarra Structure Plan be prepared for the Pinjarra Secondary Activity Centre
- An additional three local activity centres of differing scale
- A connected network of residential neighbourhoods
Read more about these and view the map
How can I have my say?
The DSP is broad and will impact various stakeholders in varied ways. As such, we are running a detailed consultation process inclusive of opportunities to submit feedback online, or directly with a Shire Officer.
Complete the online survey
Speak directly to a team member
Attend a community drop-in session
Book a 1:1 meeting with the Planning and Sustainability team
Sign up to Murray News for ongoing updates
When will consultation finish?
The consultation period runs from 3 February until 16 March????