Department of Planning

The state government has streamlined the planning approvals process, rolling out consistent regulations across local governments, introducing online application systems, and removing the requirement for single homes that meet R-Code regulations to have to go through the planning approvals process.

A proposal to limit medium-density housing has not been well received by the residential development industry.

The proposed rail link to Perth Airport is anticipated to drive business development in the eastern suburbs.

Construction and contracting firm Decmil Group will build the pedestrian bridge for the island at Elizabeth Quay, under a $19.9 million deal announced today, while the state government is also seeking artists to provide artwork across the public space of the $2.6 billion project.

The state government has been urged to take a whole-of-state approach to infrastructure planning after it emerged a new tax was being considered to help develop roads, railways and other major projects in regional areas.

A fresh food market, an amphitheatre and a playground set among native gardens are among the amenities the state government revealed today for Perth’s newest public plaza, Yagan Square.

The state government’s latest round of approvals reforms has been hailed by the housing construction industry as a game-changer for affordability and another step towards the ultimate goal of private certification for planning and building.

David Hatt has been appointed the new president of Hockey Australia, following the resignation of Stuart Grimshaw who left the position in September to relocate overseas.

The state government has rezoned almost 200 hectares of land to industrial uses in Hazelmere, north east of Perth Airport.

Population growth is slowing, but Perth is still expanding and the challenges of a maturing city mean land developers are in for another busy year. The annual Special Report also includes an updated list of WA's biggest land developers.

Significant hurdles remain in meeting both government and consumer demand for urban infill developments.

The Springs in Rivervale is just the start for high-density apartment projects on the Burswood Peninsula.

Plans are advancing for a major redevelopment at Westfield Whitford City, including 739 apartments along with 27,000 square metres of new retail space.

Developers are bringing the main street back to the suburbs by integrating them, as well as housing, into new shopping centre builds.

Changes to residential development guidelines – designed to ensure density is built in appropriate locations – have the potential to drive up the price of housing, put pressure on existing infrastructure and encourage urban sprawl, according to prominent industry players.

Perth residents want to live in apartments, and not just in the inner city, however, a leading industry lobby group believes the state government’s planning regime is leaving them with little choice than to buy houses and land.

An inquiry into Western Australia’s development assessment panels has recommended a more transparent process to deal with complaints regarding decisions, but has ruled out allowing third-party appeals.

The state government has named a global team to undertake foreshore improvements at Scarborough Beach, while at the same time putting out the call for an architect to provide a design for the redevelopment of the surf club into a beach hub.

Planning is under way to allow residential development around the historic Bristile Kilns in Ascot, with the state government releasing minor changes to planning guidelines for public comment today.

A new town centre has been flagged to be built at Herne Hill in the Swan Valley, under draft planning guidelines released by the state government for public comment today.

Bassendean Oval will be Perth’s latest sporting facility to get a residential revamp, with 11 hectares of land around the oval to be set aside for housing and community facilities.

Planning Minister John Day has moved to allow up to five storeys of apartments to be built at the Guildford Hotel, gazumping the City of Swan which had moved to impose a two-storey limit on the site earlier this year.

Western Australia’s first micro-lots will be built at Ellenbrook, with a concept expected to be ready for the public in the second half of next year.

A public sector wage freeze, amalgamations of major departments and a reform of health would be key moves to fix the state government’s worsening debt position, according to Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA’s pre-budget draft submission.

Six years of surveys, community consultation and planning have come to naught in the Town of Cambridge, after Planning Minister Donna Faragher rejected proposed changes to the area’s town planning scheme.

The bulk of Perth’s local governments are missing the mark on long-term strategic planning, according to a new Property Council report into the sector.

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti has recruited experienced town planner and urban designer Evan Jones to head a review that she hopes will deliver a more strategic and streamlined planning process.

Our weekly appointments wrap includes Kim Beazley, Nick Castleden, Gail McGowan, Simon Thwaites, Belinda Murray, Jamie Cann, Ben Morton, Jay Weatherill, Richard Walley and Sandeep Biswas.