- Rollout of nation-leading planning reforms continues with reforms to local government decision-making for single houses now in effect
- Changes to save Western Australians wanting to build, renovate or undertake small residential projects time and money
- Most residential developments will now be determined by authorised local government staff rather than the elected members of Council
The Cook Labor Government's successful rollout of its nation-leading planning reforms has reached another milestone, with changes to local government decision making for single houses and simple residential projects taking effect from today.
This reform makes it easier for all Western Australians to build their new home, extend or alter their existing house or complete smaller residential projects such as a patio, carport or fence.
Developments of this nature can no longer be referred to or 'called in' for determination by a Council's elected members, except where a property is on a local or State heritage list or in a designated heritage area.
This streamlined process will save Western Australians time and money, with referral to full Council often adding up to two months onto the process and in some instances resulting in expensive appeals to the State Administrative Tribunal.
While many local governments currently delegate the majority of decision making to
their Chief Executive Officer or planning staff, this reform ensures consistency across the board.
This reform empowers the planning experts within local governments to make the final decision enabling Councils and elected members to focus on strategic planning for their communities.
This important change forms part of the Cook Labor Government's suite of landmark planning reforms that boost the delivery of housing by streamlining planning processes and cutting unnecessary red tape.
For more information visit planning.wa.gov.au
As stated by Planning Minister John Carey:
"The Cook Government continues to deliver its nation-leading planning reforms that boost housing supply across Western Australia by cutting unnecessary red tape and streamlining planning processes.
"These changes to local government decision-making for single houses will make it easier and quicker for Western Australians building a new home, extending or altering their existing house, or completing smaller residential projects.
"They will provide consistency across all local governments and enable Councils to focus on ensuring their local planning frameworks are contemporary and fit for purpose.
"Our planning reforms align with the National Planning Reform Blueprint agreed to by National Cabinet and complement our Government's unprecedented $3.2 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures."
