Settlement history

European settlement of the Belmont area dates from 1831, with land used mainly for farming. Horse racing was established in the late 1840s. Growth was minimal until the 1880s and 1890s, when many market gardens were established. The population grew gradually in the early 1900s, rising from about 1,100 in 1911 to about 4,000 in 1947. Significant development occurred in the post-war years, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, aided by the construction of public housing. The population peaked in 1971 at about 32,000 people. The population then gradually declined to the early 1990s. The population increased gradually from the mid 1990s, rising from about 27,000 in 1996 to about 30,000 in 2006. Growth then increased, with the population reaching over 35,000 in 2011. Most of this growth was in Redcliffe and Ascot, due largely to redevelopment, and more recently in Belmont and Rivervale.

Land use

The City of Belmont is a residential, industrial and commercial area. The City encompasses a total land area of 40 square kilometres, including significant river foreshore areas.

Transport

The City of Belmont is served by the Great Eastern Highway, the Leach Highway, the Tonkin Highway, the Graham Farmer Freeway and the Perth Domestic & International Airports.

Major features

• Major features of the City include Ascot Racecourse,
• Belmont Forum Shopping Centre,
• Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre,
• Tomato Lake,
• Adachi Park,
• Faulkner Park,
• Garvey Park,
• Ascot Waters Marina,
• Kewdale Freight Terminal and the Swan River.

Included areas