Remembering Bill Burrell: A Visionary in Urban Design
28 Jan 2025
The planning community is deeply saddened by the loss of Bill Burrell, one of Western Australia's most widely known and respected planners.
Bill passed away on Wednesday, January 15, following a brief illness, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that shaped the state's urban landscape. From his groundbreaking work in urban design to his enduring contributions to strategic planning, Bill's influence extended across decades. We are grateful to Lex Barnett for preparing this tribute, which honors Bill’s outstanding career, his unwavering commitment to the planning profession, and the lasting impact he had on the communities he helped shape.
Bill was a Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of WA and one of only a few recipients of the WE Bold Medal, the highest accolade in planning in WA. He will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in planning and urban design, from his arrival in WA in 1969 until his retirement in 2017.
As a talented and groundbreaking urban designer, Bill is credited with many of the state’s most well-known and awarded projects, including Ascot Waters, Harbour Rise Hillarys, Joondalup City North, Mandurah Ocean Marina, Port Geographe, Port Coogee, Mindarie Keys, WA’s first greenfield TOD - the Village at Wellard, and the currently developing Ocean Reef Marina.
In the regions, Bill contributed to the planning of pioneering towns in the northwest and led regeneration projects like Marlston Hill and Waterfront in Bunbury. Early in his career, he also carried out urban development studies for localities in Papua New Guinea.
Strategic planning highlights include Bill’s role as lead planner for the original Greater Bunbury Region Plan and co-authoring Perth’s Eastern Corridor Study with Russell Taylor. This study, prepared for the State Planning Commission, examined urban growth dynamics around Midland, Guildford, and the hills district.
Perhaps his most enduring legacy to the profession and the community is Bill’s co-authorship of the original Liveable Neighbourhoods Community Design Code. He understood the significance of this work and devoted countless voluntary hours to reviewing and providing feedback on its evolution over the years.
The many comments from colleagues in the planning community consistently highlight Bill’s passion, professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the principles of good planning. However, beyond his many professional accomplishments, Bill is most fondly remembered for who he was as a person: a gentleman, humble, perceptive, and with a quiet strength of will.
Bill was 84. He leaves behind his wife, Nola; his two adult children, Heidi and Stephen; and his granddaughter, Arelia.
Funeral and memorial:
Bill’s funeral will be held at the Fremantle Cemetery, West Chapel, at 2.30 pm on Tuesday 4th February 2025. The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person.
A memorial function will follow afterwards at the Royal Perth Golf Club from 4.30 – 6.30 pm. It will be an opportunity for all colleagues and friends to share memories and quirky stories about our experience with the great man. Hope to see you there. Please be aware there is a dress code at RPYG.
