The Banks Reserve Master Plan outlines a vision for the City’s waterfront reserve in Mt Lawley. Adopted in 2019, the plan includes improvements to its connection with the Swan River, play spaces and active recreation, accessibility, environmental outcomes and community facilities.
About Banks Reserve
Banks Reserve sits on the Swan River foreshore in Mt Lawley. It covers approximately 3.5 hectares and is bound by Joel Terrace, the Old East Perth Power Station, and the Tony Di Scerni wetlands. Banks Reserve is a place of natural beauty, Aboriginal cultural significance, and is the City’s only riverside reserve.
Projects happening now
Interpretation node
A River Journeys Interpretation Node is being built along the Derbarl Yerrigan at Banks Reserve to provide a peaceful and scenic lookout and interpretation space.
This is a joint project from the City of Vincent and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). It is part of DBCA’s River Journeys program.
The wheelchair accessible space will be a rest point for visitors and locals, providing the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural landscape and learn about the unique site through the interpretative elements.
Constructed of aluminium and timber, the space will be built next to Walter’s Brook.
It takes inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape, including the beautiful native Melaleuca trees, which will be highlighted as part of the design.
The artwork, which will be sandblasted into the structure, is provided by Vaughn McGuire, a Whadjuk Noongar man.
Visitors will be able to engage with displays outlining Aboriginal cultural heritage and stories, as well as information about the local ecology and history of the site.
An Aboriginal business, Labyrinth Constructions, will be commencing works in early March 2024.
During construction, there will be minimal noise and no impact to parking.
Concept design
Proposed renaming
The City will be seeking approval from Landgate on the renaming of Banks Reserve to its Aboriginal name, Warndoolier, after receiving the green light from its Boordiya Reference Group.
At the 13 February 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council voted to endorse Warndoolier to replace Banks Reserve subject to consultation with the Boordiya Reference Group.
Mayor Alison Xamon and CEO David MacLennan met with the group on 14 February to discuss moving ahead with the proposal. The Elders gave their full support for the single naming of Warndoolier.
Vincent will now make an application to Landgate, who will make the final decision on behalf of the Minister for Lands.
Milestones
Since the Master Plan was endorsed in 2019, the City has implemented the following:
- shared path lighting upgrade
- eco-zoning adjacent to the shared path
- temporary public toilet installation
- Summers Street car park upgrade
- construction of the ‘Active Zone’ including the nature playground
- pavilion demolition
- construction of new picnic shelters, public toilets, and other landscape improvements
Latest updates
Posted 06 March 2024
Works on interpretation node at Banks Reserve to start
A River Journeys Interpretation Node is being built along the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) at Banks Reserve.
Posted 16 February 2024
Vincent to seek approval for Banks Reserve renaming to Warndoolier
Vincent will make a submission to Landgate to revive the Aboriginal name of Banks Reserve, Warndoolier.
Posted 30 October 2023
Feedback sought on proposal to rename or dual name Banks Reserve
The City of Vincent is seeking feedback on renaming or dual naming Banks Reserve in Mount Lawley.
Posted 30 August 2023
Feedback sought on reviving Noongar park name
Banks Reserve could be the first park in the City of Vincent to have its Noongar name Warndoolier revived.
Posted 06 December 2022
Vincent to create Aboriginal-inspired interpretation node at Banks Reserve
An interpretation node highlighting Aboriginal culture will be coming to Banks Reserve next year.
Posted 04 April 2022
Banks Reserve Now Home to New Picnic Tables and Seats
Nature lovers can now enjoy a new picnic shelter with tables and seats while enjoying the pristine views of the Swan River at Banks Reserve.
Posted 29 July 2021
Banks Reserve Pavilion to make way for Plaza
Banks Reserve Pavilion will soon be replaced with green open space in preparation for a community plaza which will open up views to the Swan River and give locals and visitors a contemporary place to gather
Posted 05 July 2021
Public notice of Banks Reserve Pavilion demolition
Banks Reserve Pavilion is scheduled to be demolished from 20 July 2021
Posted 11 June 2020
Nature play taking shape at Banks Reserve
A nature play area that blends into the landscape and encourages creative play is taking shape on the banks of the Swan River.
Posted 11 February 2019
Upgrade of Banks Reserve Recreational Shared Path
As part of its Capital Works projects, the City of Vincent will be upgrading the Recreational Shared Path at Banks Reserve, between Summers Street and the Windan Bridge in East Perth.
Posted 16 November 2018
Draft Banks Reserve Master Plan - Have your say
A draft master plan for Banks Reserve acknowledges and respects the traditional owners and custodians of the land and aims to enhance and protect the natural beauty of the reserve.
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