These changes are part of the Streamline WA initiatives to reduce the administrative burden and focus assessment on planning schemes that have potential significant environmental impacts.
Until now, all regional and local planning schemes and amendments were required to be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for assessment about their impact on the environment.
In most cases, there is no environmental impact, or the potential environmental impacts are not considered significant.
If you are unsure whether your proposed amendment meets a prescribed class, you may still refer it to the EPA. However, best efforts should be made to confirm that the scheme does not require referral. You can lodge an enquiry at eosupport@dwer.wa.gov.au for further assistance.
Any proposed planning scheme with a potential impact on the environment must still be referred to the EPA for a determination.
This fact sheet provides information on the planning scheme amendments described in sections 33B and 33C of the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987.
- Section 33B relates to region planning schemes
- Section 33C relates to local planning schemes.
Please also refer to section 48AAA(2) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and sections 38(3) and 81(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2005.
