THE West Australian Government has released details of the master plan for the Perth stadium and surrounding area, which will provide the planning framework for the new sport and recreation precinct at Burswood Peninsula.

Premier Colin Barnett last week provided a briefing on the key elements of the master plan that will deliver an integrated Burswood precinct, including a new pedestrian bridge to deliver fans from East Perth directly to the heart of the new stadium.

"The Burswood Peninsula location is a unique site that allows for the construction of the best stadium in Australia, along with an expansive sports and entertainment precinct for all West Australians," Mr Barnett said.

According to the government, the following key principles have been reflected in the master plan:

• Integrating land use and transport planning;
• Design flexibility, allowing for future major events at the new stadium;
• Stadium designed as a multi-purpose venue; and
• Further developing Perth as a 'river city'.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said the master planning process had included input from a wide range of stakeholders, including the sporting bodies that would use the stadium.

"With careful planning, the State Government is ensuring the delivery of a world-class stadium in a sports precinct, which will provide sport and recreational opportunities for the whole year, not just on major event days at the venue," he said.

The master plan includes a strategy to maximise public transport at major events, with a target of more than 80 per cent of spectators using public transport.

"We are building on the 'fan first' philosophy with a Public Transport Strategy that will ensure the efficient transport of 60,000 fans to and from the stadium," Mr Waldron said.

Expected to cost $700 million, the stadium will have a capacity of 60,000 seats, with the potential to increase to 70,000 seats. Pre-construction site works are set to start by mid-2013, with an operating stadium expected to be ready for the start of the 2018 AFL season.

The WA Government this month also announced that the Public Transport Authority had awarded contracts for a concept design for the railway station to service the stadium and for a series of environmental studies.

More information is available from the Perth Stadium website at <http://www.perthstadium.com.au/>.