A new planning policy released today by the McGowan Government will require developers to provide telecommunications infrastructure as part of their plans for a new subdivision.
In the current economic climate, the provision of internet services to homes is essential and homeowners expect 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.
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.
Until now, a loophole has allowed small housing subdivisions in Western Australia 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. It works in tandem with State Planning Policy 5.2 – Telecommunications Infrastructure to address the need for effective internet services and roll-out of networks.
The position statement is available online at https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
“This policy provides clear direction to developers of new subdivisions that they must incorporate fibre ready, pit and pipe infrastructure at the earliest possible stage of planning.
“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.
“Through increased infill development, creation of METRONET precincts and emerging technologies, we must create vibrant, connected communities that respond to current consumer demands, residential and business needs.
“It is not unreasonable to expect the required infrastructure for internet services to be in place when you purchase a new home, and this revised policy will provide that guarantee in new subdivisions across the State.”
As stated by Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman:
“The internet is a primary means of communication and is widely used to access community, health and education services or to connect with family and friends. This has never been more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This policy fixes an anomaly in our planning system and affirms the principle that all Western Australians are entitled to be connected to our wider online community.
“Inner-urban suburbs like Balga, Koondoola, Girrawheen and Mirrabooka provide great opportunities for first homebuyers to find a new home, often through infill development on larger quarter acre lots.
“While there may be existing connections for internet services, this policy will ensure the required infrastructure is directly connected to their property as opposed to stopping at the kerb, requiring considerable investment to retrofit.”
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