The Indian Ocean Drive, a scenic coastal road, is one of Western Australia’s principal tourist routes. Nearly 270km in length, it extends from Yanchep in the south, to Dongara in the north, passing through five local governments: Gingin, Dandaragan, Coorow, Carnamah and Irwin.
The Indian Ocean Drive planning guideline is an operational policy intended to guide the location, siting and design of various land uses and development in the locality of the road. It provides an integrated approach to land use decision making across the five local governments, with the purpose of retaining the rural and natural landscape and enhancing the provision of services and facilities available to all users of the road.
The guideline sets out issues to be considered at scheme amendment and development stages of planning. It does not apply to land use and development within the townships of Jurien Bay and Leeman, or to existing development precincts along the road. Outside the town sites, people are encouraged to consider the guideline when reconstruction, improvements or maintenance of existing development, or landscaping, is to occur.
Where land use and development has been approved prior to the Guideline being endorsed, landowners and proponents are to take cognisance of it when finalising structure plans or building design.
The guideline applies to both private and public land.
Useful links and contacts
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Advice can be sought from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions about planting appropriate species adjacent to conservation reserves along Indian Ocean Drive.
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Moora District: Jurien Bay (08 9688 6000)
Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC)
The WAPC’s 2007 publication, Visual Landscape Planning in Western Australia, a manual for evaluation, assessment, siting and design.
Main Roads WA
- Main Roads’ guide for Roadside Advertising:
- Main Roads’ guide for submitting application to work in road reserve
Local Main Roads offices should be contacted for further clarification and requirements:
Main Roads WA Mid West Region: Eastward Road, Geraldton (08 9956 1200)
Main Roads WA Wheatbelt Region: Peel Terrace, Northam (08 9622 4777)
Tourism WA
View the Tourist signage guidelines, developed by Tourism WA in conjunction with Main Roads WA below.
