The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has developed a policy that requires developers to provide telecommunications infrastructure as part of their plans for a new subdivision.
Minister for Planning, Rita Saffioti said that in the current economic climate, the provision of internet services to homes was essential and homeowners expected this infrastructure to be provided.
“The Fibre Ready Telecommunications Infrastructure Position Statement outlines measures to designate and provide fibre-ready connections to new housing, business, commercial and industrial lots across the State,” Ms Saffioti said.
“The policy is part of a series of reform measures designed to streamline the State planning system, create more connected communities and support homeowners and small business.”
She said that until now, a loophole had allowed small housing subdivisions to be built without ready connection to telecommunications infrastructure, resulting in significant additional costs to homeowners to retrofit pipework to access broadband services.
“The new policy closes the loophole, requiring telecommunications infrastructure for new lots to be incorporated at the earliest stages of the planning process,” Ms Saffioti said.
“Internet access is an essential requirement in a modern, connected community and our planning system must ensure Western Australian families and business owners have reliable access to such infrastructure.”
She said through increased infill development, creation of METRONET precincts and emerging technologies, there was a need to create vibrant, connected communities that responded to current consumer demands, residential and business needs.
