Perth Suburb Profiles

Balga

Situated 11km from the Perth GPO.

The name "Balga" was adopted in 1954 and derived from an Aboriginal word for the indigenous grass tree Xanthorrhoea, commonly known as the "Black Boy". Before large scale development of Balga began in the late 1950's, the area was used primarily for market gardens and poultry farms. The laying out of streets in Balga commenced in 1959 and the majority of housing was constructed between 1964 and 1973. The area is largely characterised by single storey residential dwellings with lot sizes averaging 700m2. The brick construction materials of most dwellings in Balga reflect the period during which development occurred. Historically, the area contained a significant concentration of public housing. Since, 1999 the "New North" project has transformed the area and has encouraged a shift to private ownership. The original street planning has resulted in a large number of parks and recreational reserves. The largest of these is Brian Burke Reserve, which contains an aquatic centre, recreational centre, tennis courts, cricket club and soccer club. When the suburb was divided by the REID Highway, the southern section was renamed Westminster.