Ellenbrook, Western Australia

] . Bus services link Ellenbrook with Morley and Bassendean train station. A journey to the CBD by public transport takes approximately 40-50 minutes []

Natural Features

Conservation category wetlands are situated within Ellenbrook. Over 300 hectares to the north were ceded for conservation prior to the commencement of the development. Wetlands have also been incorporated into public open space in the Charlotte’s Vineyard village so that they are protected from any negative impacts of urban development. Further sensitive wetland areas will be protected in future villages. A "Flora to Fauna" program was developed to encourage local fauna to breed and shelter in the area surrounding Ellenbrook following a reintroduction program. The neighbouring Gnangara pine plantation includes pleasant walks and picnic facilities accessible directly from Ellenbrook.

The nearby "Ellen Brook Nature Reserve" is home to one of the last remaining wild populations of the critically endangered "Western Swamp Tortoise" [http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/p-umbrina/pubs/p-umbrina.pdf Western Swamp Tortoise Recovery Plan, Andrew A. Burbidge and Gerald Kuchling, CALM] .

Primary Education

Ellenbrook has five primary schools. These are:

* Ellenbrook Primary School (Woodlake)

* St. Helena's Catholic Primary School (Woodlake) - private

* Arbor Grove Primary School (Charlotte's Vineyard)

* Ellen Stirling Primary School (Coolamon)

* Ellenbrook Christian College, kindy to year 12 (the Bridges) - private

"Swan Valley Anglican School", a private anglican school, is located in the neighbouring suburb of Aveley.

Senior and Tertiary Education

Ellenbrook contains two High Schools, " [http://www.ellenbrook.wa.edu.au/ Ellenbrook Christian College] ", a private school which caters for students from Kindergarten to year 12; and "Ellenbrook Secondary College", a state school currently serving years 7 to 9 with plans for year 10 in 2008.

The nearby "Swan Valley Anglican School" plans to provide up to year 12 by 2011. In addition, a private catholic high school, "Holy Cross", is in the early stages of construction on a 13.8 Ha elevated site in Coolamon. Holy Cross is planned to open to years 7 and 8 in 2010.

In December of 2007, the state government announced plans to turn Ellenbrook Secondary College into a senior high school by 2010. [] Construction will start in 2009 enabling the college to offer Year 11 courses in 2010 and Year 12 courses in 2011.

The new building works will comprise two new buildings which will include:

* eight science laboratories with associated preparation rooms, stores and computing area;
* materials technology area including woodwork and metalwork studios, machine room and technical graphics studio;
* 10 general upper school classrooms;
* education support classroom;
* lecture theatre;
* resource/activity area;
* three computer laboratories; and
* fitness centre and health education classroom.

External works will include four new tennis courts while additions and refurbishments will also be made to the existing buildings, including new textiles and visual arts studios.

Sporting Facilities

There are three ovals (playing fields) in Ellenbrook. The main oval at Coolamon has clubroom and changing facilities and is the home of Ellenbrook Dockers Junior Football club (Australian Rules). The Ellenbrook Dockers is an official partner of the Fremantle Football club, one of Western Australia's two Australian Football League clubs.

Other features include:

* Dual-purpose tennis/basketball courts at Woodlake Park.
* Cricket nets on Woodlake oval.
* A skatepark at Woodlake oval.
* Tennis/netballcourts at Woodlake and Arbr Grove primary schools.

The town is also home to a junior soccer club, Ellenbrook United FC.

Telecommunications/broadband

Ellenbrook has an extensive cable network delivering television and broadband. Originally run by iiNet [cite web|url=http://archive.iinet.net.au/about/mediareleases/99mediarelease2.html|title=iiNet Limited - Internet first for WA|date=1999-08-18|publisher=iiNet Limited|accessdate=2008-07-14] , the network was sold to E-wire, who later sold it to Telstra who manage it under their " [http://www.telstrasmartcommunity.com/ Telstra Smart Community] " brand. Newer villages can receive "Telstra Velocity" which delivers to the home. Most houses can also make use of ADSL2 or mobile broadband services from a variety of internet service providers.

References

External links

* [http://www.ellenbrook.net Official Site]
* [http://www.udiawa.com.au/default.aspx?id=3102&file=4E3CE723CFAC1E68FB01353D8E90F532.pdf UDIA Case Study]
* [http://www.ellenbrook.net.au/index.htm Ellenbrook Dockers Junior Football Club]
* [http://www.goellenbrook.com/ Community Website]