The McGowan Government is progressing major initiatives through its planning reform agenda to streamline the planning system, slash red tape and support local jobs.
Public consultation has opened today on a series of proposed changes to simplify and improve the Development Assessment Panel (DAP) system.
The proposed changes include:
- reducing the number of panels from five to three – one covering the Perth CBD and inner metropolitan area, another one to cover the outer Perth metropolitan area and Peel region, and a final panel to cover all other regional areas;
- establishing a Special Matters DAP, which will consider developments of State or regional significance;
- scrapping mandatory thresholds for District DAPs; and
- establishing fixed-term appointments for the presiding, deputy presiding and specialist members for three to five years.
There are no proposed changes to the appointment of local government representatives.
Once consultation has closed on the draft regulations and any modifications made to those regulations, both the District DAPs and the Special Matters DAP will commence as soon as practicable.
A best practice guide on community and stakeholder engagement on planning matters has also been released today, marking another planning reform initiative.
The Guide to Best Practice Planning Engagement in Western Australia has been informed by consultation with planning practitioners across industry, State and local government, and community groups, with aims to foster better planning outcomes by encouraging greater community and stakeholder participation.
Through a set of guiding principles, a six-step process, and various tools and templates, the guide is designed as a supporting resource to improve consistency and effectiveness of engagement processes and enhance opportunities for community members to contribute to planning proposals.
Public comment on the regulatory changes on DAPs is open until midnight, Friday April 22, 2022. To have your say, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-planning-lands-and-heritage/development-assessment-panels-reforms
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Since our historic 2020 reforms to the planning system, a huge amount of work has been undertaken to progress this key McGowan Government priority.
“We have three fundamental goals – to create great places for people, to make planning easier to understand and navigate, and ensure planning systems are consistent and efficient.
“The initiatives announced today mark a step towards achieving these goals and creating a contemporary planning system for Western Australia.
“We are committed to a range of changes to streamline the planning system and improve processes to be more consistent, transparent and outcomes-focused.
“These changes have been designed to deliver long-awaited reforms that retain local input in the planning system and realise our Government’s vision to create vibrant, well-designed communities that offer growth and opportunity well into the future.”
