Local Convos
The City’s Local Convos series helps the community gather to discuss local needs, build connections, and set priorities.
Toggle quick links
CLose quick links On this page
The local community describes Watermans Bay as a seaside, small and peaceful neighbourhood. To better understand what is means to be ‘a local’ our suburb profile seeks to understand the local stories Koora (past), Yeyi (present), Boordawan (future) and respond to Ngalang Maya (our place). This snapshot identifies the unique character of Watermans Bay’s neighbourhood and helps the City rethink how we deliver services with a local focus.
The suburb of Watermans Bay was originally known as Waterman Bay and named after Alfred Waterman, a fisherman who built the first house in the area (called 'Zephyr') in 1908.
What it means to be a 'local'
The suburb of Watermans Bay was originally known as Waterman Bay and named after Alfred Waterman, a fisherman who built the first house in the area (called 'Zephyr') in 1908. The bay was a well-known fishing spot. The Postal District of Watermans Bay was approved in 1954 and in 1962 the name "Watermans Bay" was shortened to "Waterman".
Local residents requested that the named be changed back to Watermans Bay in 1964 however the request was rejected because it did not comply with the State Government policy at that time. In 2003 the Trigg, North Beach and Waterman Community Association conducted a survey of residents to determine the level of community support for a change of name. Of the 564 households surveyed, 502 responses were received with 491 in support and only 11 households objecting to the proposal. In November 2003 the State Government's Geographic Names Committee finally agreed to a City of Stirling proposal to change the name of the suburb from Waterman back to Watermans Bay.
Watermans Bay was originally part of the estate that the Hamersley family acquired in 1837. The area was subdivided as the Mt Flora Estates in 1918; however initial development was largely limited to holiday shacks. The pace of growth in Watermans Bay increased after World War II, and by the late 1960s the area had reached its development potential. In recognition of this growth, the townsite was gazetted in 1964. Some redevelopment began in the 1970s, with new homes replacing holiday shacks. Many of the street names in Watermans Bay honour members of the Hamersley family including Ethel, Margaret, Mary and Ada.
Anzac Day
- The North Beach RSL Sub-Branch dawn service
- Scarborough RSL Sub-Branch commemorative service.
Neighbourhood catch-ups
- Street parties
- Neighbourhood BBQs
- Watching the sunset with neighbours.
Local community groups
Local Facebook groups
What you have told us so far
These are the top local priorities you've told us about what's important for Watermans Bay:
Conservation - "Erosion on Watermans Bay beach."
Parking - "Parking on verges at intersection of Mary St and Flora Tce is a major traffic and safety hazard. No parking on verge signs would help on the 4 corners of that intersection. Street parking is also a major safety issue."
Conservation - "Watermans Bay dune restoration, protection and amenity."
Public amenities - "Fix the showers at Watermans Bay."
Footpaths - "Safety for walker on the shared path along West Coast Drive."
The City has created Locally-led Stirling to drive deeper connection at a local suburb level to listen and respond with a local focus. At the heart of this Locally-led approach is an understanding that local people know what they need and a vision for everyone to get involved in shaping what it means to be “a local”.
We want to bring neighbours together, invest in local stories and inspire opportunities to work together. To find out more about Locally-led Stirling, visit Shaping our City. If you're looking for ways to get involved in your local area, please contact one of the City’s Community Engagement Officers by emailing getinvolved@stirling.wa.gov.au.
Facts
Watermans Bay population
0
Average number of people per household
0
The average age in Watermans Bay is 49 years old
0
Top five birthplaces
Australia (73%), England (9%), South Africa (4%), New Zealand (3%), Ireland (1%)
Median weekly household income
0
86% of residents are satisfied with liveability
0
Local plans
The suburb of Watermans Bay was originally known as Waterman Bay and named after Alfred Waterman, a fisherman who built the first house in the area (called 'Zephyr') in 1908. The bay was a well-known fishing spot. The Postal District of Watermans Bay was approved in 1954 and in 1962 the name "Watermans Bay" was shortened to "Waterman".
Local residents requested that the named be changed back to Watermans Bay in 1964 however the request was rejected because it did not comply with the State Government policy at that time. In 2003 the Trigg, North Beach and Waterman Community Association conducted a survey of residents to determine the level of community support for a change of name. Of the 564 households surveyed, 502 responses were received with 491 in support and only 11 households objecting to the proposal. In November 2003 the State Government's Geographic Names Committee finally agreed to a City of Stirling proposal to change the name of the suburb from Waterman back to Watermans Bay.
Watermans Bay was originally part of the estate that the Hamersley family acquired in 1837. The area was subdivided as the Mt Flora Estates in 1918; however initial development was largely limited to holiday shacks. The pace of growth in Watermans Bay increased after World War II, and by the late 1960s the area had reached its development potential. In recognition of this growth, the townsite was gazetted in 1964. Some redevelopment began in the 1970s, with new homes replacing holiday shacks. Many of the street names in Watermans Bay honour members of the Hamersley family including Ethel, Margaret, Mary and Ada.
Star Swamp Reserve is of regional significance and occupies a large portion of Watermans Bay. This area provides the local and wider community with a unique recreational area, containing a diverse range of indigenous flora and fauna. The Star Swamp bushland was declared an 'A' Class Reserve by the State Government in 1987 and covers an area of about 96 hectares.
Watermans Bay has 2ha of public open space which includes three small parks and recreation areas, including Watermans Beach and Laurie Strutt Reserve. The latter contains the Water Tower Museum, which is located at the highest point of the suburb and was built in 1940 to provide scheme water to the surrounding areas. After the tank became redundant it was converted to a museum and lookout in 1986 and now details the region's history.
Commercial development in Watermans Bay is limited to a small retail outlet on West Coast Drive that provides convenience goods for local residents. The suburb also contains the Euroka Village, which cares for senior citizens.
Significant landmarks
Ada Street Beach is located in Watermans Bay and features a shaded play area and water fountains.
News
Local events
