Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage

Planning and managing land and heritage for all Western Australians. Planning for our future, respecting our past, creating opportunities for today.
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Announcements

News story

Amendments underway to support divestment of Aboriginal land

New legislation is being prepared to modernise the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 (AAPA Act), removing longstanding barriers to the divestment of Aboriginal land held by the Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) and the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority.
News story

Five graduates begin their career journey at DPLH

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has welcomed five new graduates to its 2026 Graduate Development Program, marking the start of an exciting year of learning, collaboration and professional growth.
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What we do

As the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, we bring all land use and heritage responsibilities under the one umbrella to shape the future of our cities, regions and towns. Responsible for state level land use planning, management, and oversight of Aboriginal cultural heritage and built heritage matters, the Department supports our Ministers and administers a wide range of legislations.

ABN: 68 565 723 484

Have your say, WA!

Help shape the State by having your say on matters that affect you.
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Aboriginal heritage

Learn more about regulatory and statutory approvals, search Aboriginal heritage sites in WA and find information about Aboriginal heritage laws and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Committee.
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Heritage conservation

Access Heritage Council WA information, programs and the State register of heritage places, or view heritage legislation, policies and guidelines.

Planning applications

Lodge development applications and documents with the WA Planning Commission.
Infrastructure development fund

Residential Design Codes

Find out about the planning and design provisions for residential development across WA.

Development Assessment Panels

Learn about the three independent panels and their role in evaluating development applications.
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Significant Development Pathway

Find out more about our streamlined application process for major development projects in WA.
Coastal Management Plan Assistance Program (CMPAP grants)

Land use and environmental planning

Learn about our land supply, greening strategy, land hazard management, and coastal management.
Karajini landspace

Land administration

View information on Crown land, pastoral land, Aboriginal land permits and Indigenous Land Use Agreements, the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline and land divestments.

State planning

Access details about the State planning strategy, policies and planning codes; position statements; development control policies and operational policies; and planning bulletins.

Regional planning

View information on region planning schemes, district structure plans, regional and sub regional strategies, as well as regional planning and infrastructure frameworks.
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Local planning

Access local planning strategies, schemes and structure plans listed by local government.

Services

Ministerial reporting

Corporate executive

Photograph of Kathy Bonus

Kathy Bonus

Chief Planning Advisor - Reform, Design and State Assessment
Photograph of Matt Darcey

Matt Darcey

Assistant Director General - Land Use Management
Kristi Clarke

Kristi Clarke

Assistant Director General - Heritage and Property Services
Santa Cardenia

Santa Cardenia

Assistant Director General - Business and Corporate Services

Contact

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Make a Freedom of Information request

Under the Western Australian Freedom of Information Act 1992, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has prepared a FOI statement that gives you the right to apply for access to documents held by the Department. 

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