New Western Australian Planning Commission appointed

• Reformed Western Australian Planning Commission to commence from 1 July
• Six new members join Chairman David Caddy and two continuing members
• WAPC repositioned as a strategic board to lead integrated State planning

The State Government has today revealed a new-look Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC), marking the next major milestone in its successful planning reform program.

Laws passed by Parliament late last year clarified the role of the WAPC as an expert advisor and independent decision-making body and changed the membership to create a more strategically focused and contemporary Board.

The six new members appointed to the WAPC are:

• past Commission member and former local government Mayor, Emma Cole joining as Deputy Chairperson;
• experienced urban planner, former Statutory Planning Committee and Development Assessment Panel member, Megan Adair;
• past President of the Planning Institute of Australia, respected planning consultant and former Development Assessment Panel Presiding Member, Ray Haeren;
• qualified engineer, experienced development professional and former Development WA Board member, Paul Lakey;
• experienced regional urban planner, Ryan Hall; and
• experienced urban planner, former local government Councillor and Development Assessment Panel member, Bianca Sandri.

Bringing a wealth of decision-making and Board experience across all parts of the State's planning framework, these six members will join returning Chairman David Caddy, and continuing Commission members - environmental scientist Helen Brookes and experienced urban planner and Board member Jane Bennett.

The reduced Commission has streamlined the Board from 16 members to a maximum of nine members.

Directors General of various Government agencies will remain as observers and advisors, not voting members, ensuring coordination across Government to support informed decision-making.

Remaining Part 17 applications pending a development decision will continue to be determined by the reconstituted WAPC.

A revised Statutory Planning Committee, reporting to the Commission, will be charged with responsibility for determining significant development applications lodged under the new permanent pathway.

The newly appointed WAPC will finalise appointments to its Committees, and undertake administrative functions over the coming weeks in order to be ready for their first meeting next month.

For more information, visit https://www.planning.wa.gov.au/wapc.

Comments attributed to Planning Minister John Carey:  

"The Cook Government continues to rollout important reforms at all levels of the Western Australian planning system, creating a contemporary and more efficient system including a modernised WAPC.

"A more strategically focused WAPC was a key theme in feedback from our review process and a smaller Board will provide the agility, skills and expertise to provide leadership in integrated land use planning.

"I thank everyone who nominated for positions on the reformed WAPC and appreciate the strong interest in leadership roles in our planning system.

"I congratulate the new and returning members and look forward to working with the WAPC as we continue to plan for long-term development, economic and housing opportunities for all Western Australians."