Image: The stadium will be located at Burswood

Western Australia's (WA) Liberal-National state government has set out the masterplan for Perth's new stadium and a surrounding recreation precinct on the Burswood Peninsula.

International design firm Populous has already been appointed to work on the design of the complex, with the state investing AU$375m (US$3890m, EUR309m, £246m) of funding.

The masterplan will provide a planning framework for the precinct and reflects a number of key principles, including the integration of land use and transport planning.

Other elements incorporated into the masterplan is a flexible design to allow for the hosting of major events and the development of Perth as a "river city".

At the centre of the development will be the third largest stadium - in terms of capacity - in Australia and the second largest Australian Football League home venue.

It will feature an initial capacity of 60,000 but can be expanded to 80,000 if needed. Events to take place at the stadium will include Australian Rules football and rugby among others.

Around the venue will be spaces for supporters to have a pre-game "kickabout", while the plaza is designed as an "active place" hosting a range of food and beverage options.

WA premier Colin Barnett said: "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."

Pre-construction site work is expected to commence by mid-2013, with the new stadium due to open in time for the 2018 Australian Football League season.

Click here for more information on the Perth stadium precinct masterplan.

• The WA state government has also announced the start of work on the redevelopment of land surrounding Claremont Football Club's home ground at Claremont Oval.

Lands minister Brendon Grylls said: "Claremont Football Club will benefit from a new facility as a result of the government's support of AU$16.5m (US$17.1m, EUR13.6m, £10.8m) towards rebuilding."

Click here for more information on the Claremont on the Park scheme.