A dedicated unit in the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is part of initiatives derived from the 2019 Action Plan for Planning Reform.
In a statement, the Department said the initiatives included improved co-ordination, consistency and transparency of Developer Contributions as well as a centralised Developer Contribution policy and referrals to State Government Agencies and Departments.
The Department said the dedicated unit would assist with the streamlining, assessment and implementation of the process and ensure the plans were well formulated, accurate, fair and reasonable.
“A streamlined process will support planners in assessing proposals and assist applicants to respond to specific matters arising from new development proposals, which could include environmental, traffic, health and design considerations,” the Department said.
“A further initiative will provide for a more strategic approach to planning our communities through Government-led structure planning, precinct planning and for large land areas where there are significant constraints to development, or fragmented land ownership.”
Minister for Planning, Rita Saffioti said the reforms aimed to create a contemporary planning system that would underpin the future growth of Western Australia.
“We’ve introduced new planning policies, improved engagement and consultation practices and implemented new regulations reducing unnecessary red tape and exempting some development proposals from requiring planning approval,” Ms Saffioti said.
“By centralising and coordinating key elements of our planning system, we will ensure clear and consistent guidance is provided to users of the system and ensure a strong focus on good design and housing diversity with good amenity is at the centre of future planning and development.”
Further details on the achievements to date, and future reforms, can be found online at this PS News link.
