- Bill represents a 60-year-first and is the latest milestone in the Cook Government's drive to boost housing supply
- Under new Metropolitan Region Scheme approximately 80 percent of development applications will no longer be required
- New provisions streamline and simplify development approval processes by cutting unnecessary red tape and double handling of applications
The Cook Government's nation-leading planning reforms have reached another milestone with the passing of the Planning and Development Amendment (Metropolitan Region Scheme) Bill 2024 through State Parliament today.
The Bill modernises the 60-year-old text of the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) to cut unnecessary red tape and removes significant duplicate processes from the planning system.
It is estimated that more than 80 per cent of duplicate approvals currently required under the MRS will no longer be required.
Other key changes include provisions for the Western Australian Planning Commission to prepare and approve key regional level planning documents, including district structure plans, focused on accelerating the delivery of housing supply
The modernised MRS text will become operational following a transition period to 31 March 2025 allowing local governments and industry stakeholders to prepare for the changes in their planning processes.
More information about the MRS is available at Metropolitan Region Scheme (www.wa.gov.au) .
As stated by Planning Minister John Carey:
"The passing of this Bill is a significant moment for WA's planning system, as it is the first time the some 60-year-old Metropolitan Region Scheme has had a significant update, with these changes ensuring it remains contemporary and fit-for-purpose.
"We're modernising the Metropolitan Region Scheme to streamline and simplify approval processes, removing unnecessary red tape and burdensome administrative process from the planning system.
"The changes significantly reduce the paperwork and approvals required for more than 80 per cent of development applications, reducing the burden on homeowners, businesses and local governments.
"The Cook Government continues to deliver nation-leading planning reforms that boost housing supply across Western Australia by cutting unnecessary red tape and streamlining planning processes.
"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."
