The final piece of the McGowan Government's new planning legislation for the Swan Valley comes into full effect today.
The new Swan Valley Planning Scheme is now operational and will guide planning and development decisions for the area under the Swan Valley Planning Act 2020, which took effect on August 1, 2021.
The legislation will ensure the area's distinctive rural character and land uses are maintained in balance with appropriate development.
The Swan Valley Planning Act 2020 also provides for the Western Australian Planning Commission's Swan Valley Statutory Planning Committee which will determine development applications in accordance with the scheme.
A new community-based advisory body, the Swan Valley Strategic Leadership Group, will support the Minister for Planning on matters relating to the protection, promotion, marketing and enhancement of the region.
The legislation was prepared in response to an independent review which identified the need to support growth in tourism and hospitality in the area while protecting its agricultural and viticultural activities.
The final planning scheme and map were informed by community consultation which attracted 139 submissions.
For more information, visit https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/swan-valley
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Swan Valley Planning Act 2020 is now in effect and is an important milestone in the future planning and development of the Swan Valley and the protection of this beautiful and unique region.
"Together with the new Swan Valley Planning Scheme, we have developed a contemporary planning framework with a single decision maker that will protect and guide a sustainable future for the State's first viticultural area, while ensuring it remains a thriving and accessible tourism attraction.
"I thank the Swan Valley community for participating in creating this new planning framework and pay tribute to the late Hon John Kobelke for his leadership in the important early stages of the process."
