Kent Street Weir Precinct

The Kent Street Weir Precinct, situated on the banks of the Canning River (Djarlgarro Beeliar) is one of Canning’s most well-loved reserves.

The gateway to the Canning River Regional Park, the Kent Street Weir Precinct boasts a rich history, significant environmental value and strong cultural significance to the Whadjuk Noongar people, who would camp on its shores and rely on it as a source of food, water and resources.

Now the reserve continues to be a place where people come together, play, enjoy the river and admire the natural beauty of the area.

An initial plan for the precinct’s redevelopment was first developed in 2013 after extensive community consultation. Following further consultation and updates, a masterplan for the reserve was endorsed in 2015.

The implementation of the Precinct Plan will ensure that the reserve remains a favourite destination for local families for generations to come.

Recent upgrades

The new Kent Street Weir Pump Track opened in September 2022 and is ready for use by BMX riders, skateboarders and scooter riders of all skill levels.

Unlike the previous track, the new red asphalt track caters for users from the beginner level right through to experienced riders. It also features a jumps line designed for more advanced and adventurous riders looking to get some serious air.

The track was built by Common Ground, one of the premier track builders in Australia. As experienced BMX and mountain bike riders, the Common Ground team rides the track as they build it, shaping it to ensure the track flows, and that the jumps and lines provide the best riding experience.

Learn more about the new pump track.

Community Engagement Update

The City completed community engagement for this project in January 2021. For more information, download the Summary Report (PDF 1.2MB) or visit the Your Say website.

The City is now undertaking an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the site to further recognise the sites Aboriginal cultural heritage and inform the final detailed design works.

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1. Wetland Buffer

The Plan focuses on retaining and increasing native vegetation, including an enhanced buffer to the Wilson Wetland area.

2. Events Pavilion

A dedicated events pavilion will be built here.

3. Events Area

The large turf area will provide expanded and flexible spaces for events.

4. Wetland Area

Opportunities for visitors to gain knowledge of the environmental value of the area will be included, while providing drainage to prevent waterlogging of the adjacent turf area. 

5. Dog Exercise Area: Active Dogs

There will be two areas for dogs of different temperaments. 

6. Dog Exercise Area: Passive Dogs

There will be two areas for dogs of different temperaments. 

7. District Level Play Area

Here will be a new district level play area, around ten times the size of the existing playground and will include a range of equipment for children of all ages and abilities.

8. Junior Play Area

There will also be a junior nature-based play space, catering for smaller children.

9. New Toilet / Amenities Building

A new toilet block will be built and a new sewer system installed, which along with the drainage upgrades, will greatly reduce nutrients entering the Canning River (Djarlgarro Beeliar). 

10. New Walking Tracks

Opportunities for further recognition of Aboriginal heritage and culture will be included across the reserve, acknowledging the area’s important cultural significance to the Whadjuk Noongar people.

11. Community Space / Pavilion

A large pavilion suitable for community gatherings, school excursions and other events will be built here.

12. Upgraded and Expanded Pump Track

We’re creating an expanded and upgraded pump track and cycle facilities, catering to a wider range of skills and ages than the current track.

13. Canoe Wash Down Area

An area for canoe wash down will be provided here. 

14. Canning River Canoe Club Boat Storage

A boat storage area for the Canning River Canoe Club’s club boats will be located here. 

15. New Car Park Area

Where possible, expanded car parking facilities will use sustainable materials and incorporate water-sensitive design principles.

16. Overflow Car Park Area

Where possible, expanded car parking facilities will use sustainable materials and incorporate water-sensitive design principles.

17. Expanded Car Parking Area

Where possible, expanded car parking facilities will use sustainable materials and incorporate water-sensitive design principles.

18. Biofilters

Vegetated biofilters will capture stormwater runoff from surrounding surfaces and then use natural processes to clean the water and process nutrients, while providing cooling shade.

19. New Canoe Drop Off Loop

A re-aligned canoe drop-off loop will be provided to allow easy access for users of the reserve to drop off canoes. 

20. Canning River Cafe

The plan includes an expanded Canning River Café area, to be the subject of further community engagement and consultation. 

21. Canning River Eco Education Centre

The plan includes an expanded Canning River Eco Education Centre, to be the subject of further community engagement and consultation.