The land use planning and land development system coordinates land use and development through the implementation of plans, policies and statutory processes which enable sustainable growth.

Land use planning policy and decision-making are largely the responsibility of the Western Australian Planning Commission, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, local governments and redevelopment authorities.

Planning in Western Australia takes into account community, economic, environmental, infrastructure and regional development principles as set out in the Western Australian Planning Commission State Planning Strategy 1997 and State planning policies.

Our Role

The Department of Environment and Conservation has an important role in influencing and advising land use planning decision makers on environmental matters, to ensure environmental protection is adequately integrated into the State's policy, strategic and statutory land use planning processes. This function is provided primarily through the Department's regional offices (see the list of regional contacts below).

It is important to note that the Department's advisory role in the land use planning system is linked closely, and complemented by, the formal referral and assessment processes of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The EPA maintains its independent role (under the Environmental Protection Act 1986) in assessing planning proposals and schemes that are likely to have a significant impact on the environment.

More information on the role and function of the EPA in the planning system can be found at www.epa.wa.gov.au.

Advice on protecting the environment during planning and development is set out in the EPA’s Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development Guidance Statement No. 33.