During the decade leading up to 2011, Ellenbrook had the largest population growth of anywhere in WA.
In 1992 an area was rezoned from rural to urban deferred to allow for residential development and in 1994 the first bulldozers moved in to create at the time the largest new town project in Australia. 20 years on Ellenbrook has nearly 30,000 residents in about 8000 completed homes.
The villages;
1995 -Woodlake Village estate launched
1997 – The Bridges launched
1999 – Coolamon launched
2000 – Morgan Fields launched
2003 – Charlotte’s Vineyard launched
2006 – Malvern Springs launched
2011 – Lexia launched
2013 – Annie’s Landing launched
The original objectives for the area were to provide affordable housing, a harmonious social environment and ready or ‘walk-able’ access to community facilities. Thus villages were designed with the intention of trying to return to traditional neighborhood design principles. Although this has been successful with Ellenbrook winning 30 industry awards, there is some current criticism that more rapid transit services are required in order for it to remain sustainable. Developers are currently looking into ways of partnering Government with the private sector to make rapid transport to work centers more likely.
Source; Ellenbrook Advocate Wed 12th Nov 2014