Suburb Spotlight: Bibra Lake

Nature at its heart

Encompassed by an abundance of nature and wildlife, Bibra Lake is a suburb with something for everyone.

City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said suburbia establishment started in the 1980s, with light industrial development occurring a decade or so later.

“As the western portion of the suburb is a light industrial area, it is an important employment and service node,” he said.

“Twenty per cent of local jobs are concentrated in the Bibra Lake and Cockburn Commercial Park and Phoenix Business Park, which employ more than 6000 people.

“The Cockburn Commercial Park generates goods and services worth an estimated $1.2 billion per annum, while Phoenix Business Park has 78 industrial and mixed business lots.”

Mr Howlett said what made it a destination suburb was its natural and family entertainment attractions, with it also being a family-orientated residential area.

“Families and people who appreciate nature and the outdoors for passive or active recreation are attracted to Bibra Lake, as it has many facilities to cater to their interests,” he said.

Raspa Property Group Director, Licensee and Principal Lou Raspa said the most appealing aspects of Bibra Lake were its location, being within easy reach of both the Perth CBD, Fremantle and several beaches, which in turn made it ideal for families.

“It’s a great place for families, with several major recreational facilities, including Perth’s only theme park Adventure World, Cockburn Ice Arena, the $3.4 million Bibra Lake Regional Playground at the lake itself and, of course, the iconic bungee jumping tower,” he said.

“There are also several wonderful local schools in the suburb, including Perth Waldorf School and Blue Gum Montessori School.”

Mr Raspa said with the establishment of St Paul’s Estate on the western side of the lake in the late 80s and early 90s, there were now varied housing opportunities.

“This gives buyer’s a choice of older-style homes, as well as somewhat newer and more contemporary-style homes, with 85 per cent being owner-occupied,” he said.

“We are seeing more and more young families wanting to move into Bibra Lake, however it is not a high turnover suburb. People who buy in Bibra Lake tend to stay for a long time.”

With picnic areas, playgrounds, nature and wildlife, along with a 6km cycle and walk path, Mr Raspa said the lake was a very popular leisure area for people all over Perth.

These opportunities will continue to grow, with some recent developments already being completed. These developments include the $3.4 million Bibra Lake Regional Playground, which opened in 2016. It is a massive drawcard for families and people of all ages and abilities, according to Mr Howlett.

“It was designed to cater for people with disability, with Australia’s first wheelchair accessible barbecues and a variety of wheelchair accessible play equipment,” he said.

“It also has a Changing Places facility with tracking hoists, a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, automatic doors and enough space for two carers.”

More recently in August 2018, a $2 million skate park was opened on the eastern side.

The lake and its surrounds are of significant cultural value and importance to the Beeliar Noongar people.

Mr Howlett said it was a popular location for bush tucker and Aboriginal culture walks, along with bird watching.

To further expand on the recognition and significance of the area, there is current planning for a $6.5 million Aboriginal Cultural and Visitors Centre, with the architect expected to be unveiled soon.

Along the lines of future residential prospects, an upgraded community and environmental asset is currently underway, with the $6 million Cockburn Wetlands Precinct upgrade a few months away from completion.

Looking after your conveyancing needs

Founded by Shannon Del Valle, Real Asset Conveyancing is an independent, licensed settlement agency servicing Perth, with many clients buying or selling property in the Bibra Lake area.

Mrs Del Valle, along with Catherine Lightbody – now a senior conveyancer at Real Asset Conveyancing – initially worked for a law firm before the opportunity arose for Mrs Del Valle to start the business in 2013. This came with the encouragement of the firm, whom they still maintain a close relationship with.

Clients range from first homebuyers to

property investors and high-end developers, and as the director and owner of the business, Mrs Del Valle has extensive knowledge in

all areas of residential and commercial property conveyancing.

Based in West Leederville, Mrs Del Valle said they regularly acted for clients who were interested in property at Bibra Lake.

“We are able to provide personalised and

mobile conveyancing services to clients in

Bibra Lake,” she said. “The community spirit

in the suburb is strong and we have experienced this first-hand when we sponsored and joined in with our kids at the Raspa Property Group annual Easter Egg Hunt charity event held in Bibra Lake.”

For those looking for a settlement agent with experience in the Bibra Lake area, Real Asset Conveyancing are able to provide assistance,

with the business continuing to advance.

“We have established ourselves and have been exposed to opportunities which have enabled our business to grow,” Mrs Del Valle said.

“We are passionate about continually seeking ways to improve and innovate for the benefit of

our clients, as we are extremely grateful for

the loyal support of our clients that either repeat use us for their conveyancing needs or recommend us.”

Bibra Lake a desirable place to raise a family

Having lived in the suburb for more than 20 years, Raspa Property Group Director, Licensee and Principal Lou Raspa is proof that there is much to love in Bibra Lake.

“My wife Miriam and I live in Bibra Lake, and have done so for the past 26 years,” he said. “We absolutely love the suburb and I think this shows when we are talking to sellers and, more importantly, buyers.

“My son Simon and I formed Raspa Property Group on July 1, 2018, however I first started selling real estate in Perth’s southern suburbs way back in 1989 with my wife Miriam.

“We pride ourselves on the fact that we are a boutique agency and, more importantly, a family business with over 60 years of combined real estate experience between the three of us.

“The majority of our business comes from repeat and/or referral business and even though most of our listings are in the City of Cockburn catchment area, our clients will often refer family members or friends who live outside our core area to us.”

Within easy reach of the Perth CBD, Fremantle and beaches, along with parks, recreational activities, schools and shopping centres, Mr Raspa said Bibra Lake really was a family-friendly area, with young families increasingly interested in the area.

He said the suburb’s natural surrounds was what attracted many people and made it a desirable place to raise a family.

With a median house price sitting at $520,000, the suburb boasts new, modern homes, as well as older-style homes.

Just a leisurely 20-minute drive from the Perth CBD, Bibra Lake is one to consider for growing families seeking to live amongst nature.