New WA Local Planning Scheme Regulations: No plan, no development contribution

Introduction

Further reform to the WA planning system will commence on 19 October 2015 when the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (WA) take effect. The Regulations, which were Gazetted last week, will introduce a new Model Scheme text and 'Deemed Provisions' which will automatically form part of every local planning scheme. The changes will also see the structure plan approval process streamlined and the local scheme amendment process simplified.

Another significant change is the obligation on local governments to prepare a development contribution plan for each area identified in a local planning scheme as a development contribution area. Currently, there is no obligation to do so unless the local planning scheme provisions require the making of a development contribution plan.