Emma Cole appointed new Chairperson of Western Australian Planning Commission

The Cook Government has today announced the appointment of Emma Cole as the new Chairperson of the Western Australian Planning Commission – marking the first time a woman has held the role of WAPC Chair.
  • Emma Cole appointed Chairperson of the Western Australian Planning Commission
  • First woman appointed as WAPC Chair 
  • Ray Haeren appointed Deputy Chairperson, Amanda Sheers joins as new member

The Cook Government has today announced the appointment of Emma Cole as the new Chairperson of the Western Australian Planning Commission – marking the first time a woman has held the role of WAPC Chair.

Ms Cole is one of the longest-tenured members on the WAPC, having served for more than four years, including most recently as Deputy Chairperson. She was first nominated for the WAPC by the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) and was officially appointed to the Commission in January 2020 by former Planning Minister the Hon. Rita Saffioti.

As a former local government mayor, Keystart Board member and former Development Assessment Panel member, Ms Cole has a strong background in governance, decision making, planning and development.

Ms Cole holds a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

During her time as Mayor of the City of Vincent, Ms Cole oversaw significant reforms and streamlining of the City's local planning framework, resulting in a more contemporary local planning system.

Ms Cole is currently the Chair of the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC), which plays a pivotal role as a conduit between public sector leaders and the State's Hazard Management Authorities (HMAs). The SEMC also provides advice to the Emergency Services Minister on the compliance of State Government agencies in responding to hazards and emergency situations, as well as the preparedness of Western Australia to respond to emerging incidents and hazards.

Ms Cole was first appointed to the SEMC as an independent member and Deputy Chair in October 2020, and was later appointed SEMC Chair in October 2023.

Ms Cole has also been recognised by the Institute of Public Administration Australia (WA) as Leader of the Year in Local Government in December 2023.

Through her extensive experience in planning, Ms Cole also holds full membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.

Ms Cole's appointment follows the retirement of outgoing WAPC Chairperson David Caddy, with Ms Cole to officially begin her role as WAPC Chair from Wednesday, 1 January 2025 for a term of four years.

Former Planning Institute of Australia State President and recently appointed WAPC Board member Ray Haeren has now been appointed Deputy Chairperson of the WAPC.

Mr Haeren is a respected urban planner and planning consultant with technical experience working in both urban and regional areas and across local government and industry.

Mr Haeren is joined by the immediate Past Planning Institute of Australia State President Amanda Sheers as the newest Commissioner to be appointed to the WAPC Board.

With a strong background across the private sector and in local and State planning in both Western Australia and Queensland, Ms Sheers is a highly respected planning professional, who brings strategic and technical knowledge to the WAPC.

Following Ms Sheers' appointment, six of the nine WAPC Board positions are now held by women – the highest female representation in the WAPC's history.

Comments attributed to Planning Minister John Carey:

"I congratulate Ms Cole, Mr Haeren and Ms Sheers on their new appointments to the Western Australian Planning Commission.

"Ms Cole has extensive planning and leadership credentials and experience, including most recently serving as Deputy Chair of the WAPC.

"She brings a significant wealth of planning experience and pragmatic governance and decision making to this crucial role as Chair of the WAPC.

"As part of the Cook Labor Government's nation-leading planning reforms to accelerate the delivery of housing across WA, we've also implemented key reforms to create and enable a more streamlined and strategically focused WAPC.

"The focus of the Commission, led by Ms Cole, will be planning long-term development, economic and housing opportunities across the State, including the assessment of applications lodged through the significant development pathway.

"I look forward to working with Ms Cole and the WAPC, as the Cook Labor Government continues its efforts to bolster housing supply across the State, at this critical time."


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