The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) is responsible for keeping the Region Planning Schemes under review and initiating changes where they are seen to be necessary. An amendment to the Region Planning Scheme changes the zoning or reservation of land to allow for a different land use. The amendment process is regulated by the Planning and Development Act 2005 and the Planning and Development (Region Planning Scheme) Regulations 2023.
The Regulations introduce three streams for region planning scheme amendments (complex, standard and basic), and outline the advertising requirements and factors associated with the consideration of submissions for region planning scheme amendments and new region planning schemes. They apply to all region planning schemes in Western Australia.
An amendment is advertised inviting submissions before a final decision on a proposal is made. A submission is a chance for people to express their opinion and provide information. The number of submissions received for or against a proposal will not determine the result, rather it is the reasoned argument of why a particular thing should or should not be done.
Submissions assist the WAPC in reviewing planning proposals before proceeding. Advertised proposals can be modified in response to the public submission process.
| Stream | Wording in the Regulations | Key details | Reference in the Regulations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complex amendments (and new region schemes) | Non-minor | Description | Stream for new region schemes and intended for stream for complex amendment proposals that are considered to be of regional significance given the scale and complexity of the proposal and likely community interest. | N/A |
| Advertising timeframe | 60 days (minimum), Ability for the WAPC to extend advertising periods where appropriate. |
Regulation 4 | ||
| Advertising requirements | Public advertising via DPLH website and newspaper. Written notice to the relevant local government authorities, public authorities and landowners located in a new scheme’s area likely to be affected by a proposed amendment. |
Regulation 4 | ||
| EPA referral | Yes | N/A | ||
| Consideration and determination process | WAPC considers submissions and makes a recommendation. Minister presents to Parliament after Governor’s approval. |
N/A | ||
| Standard amendments | Minor (standard amendment) | Description | Intended stream for majority of region scheme amendments. It accommodates amendment proposals that are generally consistent with the State and Strategic Planning Framework but may have some impact of community interest. | N/A |
| Advertising timeframe | 42 days (minimum) Ability for the WAPC to extend advertising periods where appropriate. |
Regulation 5 | ||
| Advertising requirements | Public advertising via DPLH website, and newspaper if WAPC considers appropriate. Written notice to relevant local government authorities, public authorities and landowners likely to be affected by a proposed amendment. |
Regulation 5 | ||
| EPA referral | Yes | N/A | ||
| Consideration and determination process | WAPC considers submissions and makes a recommendation. Minister determines amendment. |
N/A | ||
| Basic amendments | Minor (basic amendment) | Description | Intended stream primarily for administrative changes (e.g. fixing typographical error) or proposals to create consistency with public planning documents which are highly unlikely to have adverse effects. | Regulation 6 |
| Advertising timeframe | 14 days (minimum) | Regulation 6 | ||
| Advertising requirements | Public advertising via the DPLH website. | Regulation 6 | ||
| EPA referral | Yes | N/A | ||
| Consideration and determination process | WAPC considers submissions and makes a recommendation. | N/A | ||
Understanding amendment documents
In the course of amending region planning schemes, the WAPC publishes information on each amendment.
Location Plan
This plan shows the location of each of the proposed amendments.
Amendment Report
This document is available from the start of the public advertising period for the proposed amendment. It sets out the purpose and scope of the amendment, explains why each proposal contained in the amendment is considered necessary and informs people how they can make submissions.
Report on Submissions
This sets out the WAPC report and recommendations in regard to the matters raised in submissions received. This document is forwarded to the Minister for Planning for consideration and, in turn, the published report conveys the Minister’s decision on the amendment. All submissions received are reproduced and published in the report on submissions as a public record.
Amending Plans
These plans depict the amendment as adopted by the WAPC and approved by the Minister for Planning or Parliament and incorporate any changes made to the amendment in response to matters raised in the submissions.
Detail Plans
These plans show the Region Scheme as it appears once the amendment has been approved by the Minister for Planning or Parliament and comes into effect.
