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Our History

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The Split: Facts and Figures

The Town was established on 1 July 1994 following the restructure of the City of Perth by the Richard Court State Government, with the aim of delivering more localised governance for suburbs outside the CBD.

The first election was held on 6 May 1995. It was a full postal ballot (which was considered an experiment by the WAEC) and resulted in a record participation rate of 55.44% (compared to the City of Perth 1993 elections at 17%).

The first Council was:

  • Ross Willcock, Mayor
  • David Berry, Deputy Mayor (Wembley Ward)
  • Robina McConnell (Wembley Ward)
  • Pauline O’Connor (Wembley Ward)
  • Corinne MacRae (Wembley Ward)
  • Marlene Anderton (City Beach Ward)
  • Kerry Smith (City Beach Ward)
  • Anthony Moore (City Beach Ward)
  • David Johnston (City Beach Ward)

The State Government provided more than $12 million in infrastructure funding to support the establishment of the Town.

Temporary office accommodation was set up in West Perth while the main Administration Centre was being built. The new facility at 1 Bold Park Drive officially opened on 10 June 1996, with administration staff relocating shortly after.

The Town commenced operations debt free, with $1 million in reserves.

Key Projects and Milestones

  • 1994 – The Town of Cambridge is established through the State Government's restructure of the City of Perth - split along with the Town (now City) of Vincent and the Town of Victoria Park.
  • 1997 – The Town assumed control of the Quarry Amphitheatre (from Kevin and Diana Waldron).
  • 1997 – Rehabilitation projects were commenced at Lake Monger (Galup) and Perry Lakes. Rehabilitation projects continue in both places today.
  • 1997 – The Tuart Course at the Wembley Golf Course was redesigned and reopened.
  • 1997 – Bold Park Aquatic Centre pool was heated for the first time. The Centre underwent a refurbishment in 2016. The pool was established in 1976.
  • 1998 – Town’s first Local Planning Scheme was gazetted.
  • 1999 – Works began in the City Beach restaurant precinct at $2.3 million. Precinct opened in May 2001.
  • 2000 – Floreat Sporting Precinct created. Works completed and opened in 2006. Total value $6.5 million
  • 2002 – The Cambridge Library and Boulevard Centre open – value $6 million.
  • 2003 – The Local Studies collection commenced at the Library; Oral Histories program commenced in 2004.
  • 2005 – Perry Lakes Stadium and Ark Reserve resumed from the Town by the State Government.
  • 2009 – $13 million upgrade to Wembley Golf Course commenced. Included the two tier automated driving range.
  • 2010 – Introduction of FastTrack planning approvals process. Applications which comply with R-codes would be approved within 5 business days.
  • 2010 – Upgraded 240L recycling bins provided free of charge. The Town did not charge for recycling until this year. 2024/2025 saw the introduction of a $50 per recycling bin charge implemented for the first time.
  • 2011 – Wembley Sports Park construction commenced (value $13 million). Alongside the State Government’s $25 million development of the State Netball Centre at the Matthews Netball Centre site.
  • 2015 – Town Planning Scheme Amendment 31 first advertised. Changes made due to consultation. Amendment sent to WAPC for consideration.
  • 2015 – State Government’s amalgamation plans do not proceed. Initially Town of Cambridge looked to amalgamate with City of Subiaco and take in Wembley Downs, Churchlands, and part of Woodlands to become the City of Riversea.
  • 2016 – Wembley Golf Course new restaurant and function centre commenced operations – valued at $11 million. Included $3.5 million Mini Golf Course and playground.
  • 2016 – Scheme Amendment 31 rejected by the Minister (at request of the Town and WAPC).
  • 2016 – Bold Park Aquatic is redeveloped with major upgrades and new facilities – valued at $12.5 million.
  • 2017 – Successful aware of three underground power projects in Floreat plus some areas of Wembley / West Leederville – would mean all power underground within the Town by 2019.
  • 2022 – New sports pavilion at Alderbury Reserve in Floreat is unveiled – valued at $1.4 million.
  • 2024 – The Town celebrated its 30th anniversary with a year-long programme of recognitions and events.
  • 2024 – FOGO three-bin system rollout to all single-unit dwellings across the Town, helping meet the State Government's household waste targets and avoiding associated greenhouse gas emissions.

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