Major milestone in Planning Reform

The WA Government has reached a major milestone with nation-leading planning reforms aimed to cut unnecessary red tape to streamline and accelerate the delivery of housing throughout Western Australia coming into effect 1 March 2024.

These reforms are the result of the Planning and Development Amendment Act 2023 which was passed by Parliament last year, and remaining parts of the Planning and Development Amendment Act 2020.

The improved planning system will benefit thousands of landowners and applicants each year, with the latest tranche of planning reforms including:

• Reforms to Development Assessment Panels (DAPs) with the new Metro Inner, Metro Outer, and Regional DAPs now operational;
• The new Significant Development Pathway (SDP) now operational;
• Projects valued at $20 million or more in the Perth metropolitan area and Peel region and $5 million or more in regional areas able to be lodged with the Western Australian Planning Commission for determination;
• A new online system for lodgement and tracking of applications, and;   
• A new user-friendly website available to help community members, applicants, and stakeholders navigate and understand State planning processes.

The development application process now offers greater flexibility and choice with improvements to Development Assessment Panels (DAPs) and introduction of the new Significant Development Pathway (SDP).

The SDP is supported by proactive case management of referrals to State agencies through the new State Referral Coordination Unit and a timeframe for a decision of 120 days.  

Local governments will continue to provide input through the referral process and the community can have their say on applications during the public consultation process.

With the removal of mandatory thresholds, the DAP pathway is now entirely opt-in for most development proposals worth over $2 million and community housing projects of any value.

One of three newly formed DAPs - Metro Inner, Metro Outer and Regional - will determine the applications, retaining enhanced expertise and consistency in decision-making and a balance between technical advice and local knowledge.

These application processes have become easier with the launch of the Planning Online website – a one-stop shop about planning in Western Australia.

The website provides easy-to-understand guides to help community members, applicants, and stakeholders understand planning processes, and simplifying lodgement and tracking of applications.

The next tranche of planning reforms will take effect over the coming weeks through publication and Gazettal of the revised R-Codes (including the Medium Density provisions), and from 1 July 2024 with the reform of the Western Australian Planning Commission and changes to planning approval requirements for compliant single house dwellings.

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