The Western Trade Coast has been 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 webpage 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
An SDA Declaration enables the Coordinator General to support consistent, coordinated outcomes. Following SDA Declaration, the Office of the Coordinator General will prepare an SDA Plan, and, if required, an SDA Improvement Scheme. For more information on decision-making in SDAs, see the Coordinator General Guidelines.
Under the State Development Act, public authorities must notify the Coordinator General of proposals within declared SDAs. This notification requirement was developed to ensure the approach to planning in SDAs is consistent across Government. In addition to notification requirements, public Authorities must also consider SDA Plans before making decisions where these are in effect. For more information on notification and referral requirements, view the State Development Area Notifications and Referrals Guidance Note.
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