Planning Better Places to Play

Western Australia invests hundreds of millions of dollars each year in places where people meet, play and stay active — from parks and playgrounds to aquatic centres, recreation facilities and sporting infrastructure. Getting these projects right takes good planning. That’s what the Community Infrastructure Planning Course (CIPC) is all about.

Last week, LIWA and partner Royal Life Saving WA (RLSWA) delivered their second CIPC course for 2026, welcoming delegates from Karratha, Geraldton and across metropolitan Perth. We’re proud that 36 people have now completed the course, which was developed with support from Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) and RLSWA.

Before the five-day program, participants met online and received a comprehensive learning guide, workbook and online resources for each module.

The beautiful Scarborough backdrop made a great start to the week. Wayne Stuart from Otium Planning facilitated the course and led much of the learning. Callum Warner from Callum Warner Consulting led Module 1: Introduction to Community Infrastructure Planning, exploring the planner’s role and how local government governance and planning frameworks shape infrastructure decisions. Philippa Baker from the City of Vincent presented Module 2: Project Planning & Administration, covering the stages of a project, key planning documents and project scheduling.

Simone Pastor from the City of Stirling shared the planning history of the Scarborough precinct and led a technical tour of this iconic destination and its surrounding playspaces. After a full first day, delegates had the chance to unwind and continue the conversation over drinks and dinner at The Sandbar.

Day two was hosted at Cannington Leisureplex. Matt Emmott and Blake Warner from the City of Rockingham presented Module 3: Project Budget Planning, where delegates looked at funding options, local government financial processes and how to prepare project budgets and cost estimates. Geoff Edwards and Michelle Risk from the City of Melville led Module 4: Stakeholder Engagement, exploring how to identify stakeholders and plan meaningful community engagement. David Lanfear presented Module 5: WA Planning System, introducing the planning framework and documents that can inform infrastructure projects. Michael Hayes from the City of Canning then led a tour of the award-winning facility.

Day three began at Royal Life Saving WA in Mount Claremont with Module 6: Asset Management. Delegates considered how asset management supports infrastructure planning and helps keep facilities fit for purpose over time. They then headed to Charles Stoke Park in Shenton for Module 7: Site & Facility Analysis, learning how to assess a site, identify constraints and determine when specialist advice may be needed.

The City of Bayswater hosted day four at The Rise. The group began Module 8: Strategic Planning & Documentation, looking at the studies and information used to guide infrastructure projects, and how to find and interpret relevant documents. Acting Manager Community Facilities Julia Henley then led a tour of the facility. The Rise is an incredible asset for the City and its community.

The final day was back at Royal Life Saving WA, where delegates completed Module 8 by considering how to analyse project information and build a useful resource library. They then moved on to what many considered the fun session: Module 9: Design Planning for the Built Environment. Delegates explored design stages and drawings, practised developing a design brief and reviewed plans for functionality and operational needs.

A big thank you to Royal Life Saving WA for partnering with LIWA, and to Wayne Stuart, who champions this course and continues to help the industry share knowledge and experience. A real strength of the program is hearing from presenters who share not only the theory, but also their own case studies, lessons, templates and examples. Thank you to all our presenters, tour hosts and host organisations for giving their time and sharing their expertise.

And finally, how good was the food? A huge thank you to Hannah and Jenni for the wonderful catering & organisation, and to everyone who helped make the week such a success. What a team.

The next CIPC course is planned for May 2027.  Contact lfradd@liwaaquatics.org.au for further information.