State Development Areas

The Western Trade Coast is being declared Western Australia’s first State Development Area under the State Development Act 2025, to plan for the future of the State’s premier industrial region. Visit the Western Trade Coast State Development Area page for more details.

What State Development Areas are

State Development Areas (SDAs) are clearly identified areas of land intended to support WA’s strategic economic development. They are established under the State Development Act to coordinate planning, infrastructure delivery, and streamlined approvals for major projects.

SDAs may be:

• renewable energy precincts
• industrial circular economy hubs
• new project hubs supporting industry clusters
• common-user infrastructure corridors with environmental safeguards.

Benefits of State Development Areas

SDAs benefit from:

• strengthened oversight and whole-of-government coordination to facilitate whole of precinct approvals
• integrated planning of projects and infrastructure to deliver sustainable economic, social and environmental priorities
• signalled government commitment and intent to industry and investors
• prioritised networks and corridors for infrastructure and planning
• a framework for strategic industry and infrastructure investment.

State Development Area planning and delivery

Before an SDA is declared, the Office of the Coordinator General undertakes rigorous analysis and engagement to identify areas with strategic potential. Recommendations are then provided to the Minister for State Development, with final approval by the Premier.

Declaration of a SDA enables immediate whole-of-government coordination. From declaration, the Office of the Coordinator General works closely with industry, landowners and government agencies, ensuring integration of environmental, cultural, economic, and social considerations. Each SDA is supported by a legislated SDA Plan, which includes public consultation and ongoing engagement with the WA Planning Commission to maintain transparency and accountability.

Decision-making in SDAs 

The State Development Act introduces the SDA framework to align precinct planning with Government priorities. Public authorities must notify the Coordinator General of proposals within declared SDAs and consider SDA plans before making decisions.

The Declaration enables the Coordinator General to support consistent, coordinated outcomes and allows for SDA Plans and, if needed, Improvement Schemes. For more information, view the Coordinator General Guidelines.

Current State Development Areas

The Western Trade Coast is being declared as WA’s inaugural State Development Area. Visit the Western Trade Coast State Development Area page for more information.