FAQs

    What is a precinct?

    Precincts are areas that require a higher level of planning and design focus due to their complexity or strategic importance, whether through mixed-use components, ranges levels of density, character, heritage and/or ecological value.   

    What is a Precinct Structure Plan (PSP)?

    PSP is a detailed local planning framework instrument that guides the future growth and development of a precinct, making recommendations about zoning changes, subdivision of land, the scale of buildings and range of desirable land uses. Some recommendations may also be proposed for inclusion in the local planning scheme to provide a more robust statutory framework to guide development. 

    What is excluded from the PSP's scope?

    The PSP won't cover: 

    • Structural changes or works components.
    • Amendments to the City of Albany Local Planning Scheme No. 2 to modify zones or reserves.
    • Identify management and adaption measures for coastal processes. Please refer to the Emu Point Coastal Hazard Risk Management Adaptation Plan (2019) under Important Links for further information on coastal management and adaption.  


    When is a PSP required?

    In accordance with SPP 4.2, a PSP should be prepared in accordance with State Planning Policy 7.2 Precinct Design (SPP 7.2) and the SPP 7.2 Precinct Design Guidelines. The requirement to prepare a PSP should also be outlined in a local planning strategy and/or local planning scheme, as is the case for Emu Point which was identified as an investigation area in the endorsed City of Albany Local Planning Strategy. 

    Under Schedule 2, cl.15(c) of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015, the WAPC can consider that preparation of a structure plan is required for orderly and proper planning purposes. A structure plan in this context may be considered necessary because of the need to coordinate several factors that are essential considerations for the delineation of appropriate lot boundaries. For example, environmental factors, bushfire risk, landownership, road access, etc. 

    Who can prepare a PSP?

    The process for preparing, assessing and determining a PSP is outlined in Schedule 2 – Deemed Provisions of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (Deemed Provisions). 

    In accordance with the Deemed Provisions, a PSP may be prepared by a local government or a person (or an agent of that person) who is the owner of any or all of the land in the area to which the plan relates.

    The Emu Point PSP is being prepared by the Department of Planning, Land and Heritage in collaboration with the City of Albany, on behalf of the WAPC. 

    What are different engagement stages of finalising the Emu Point PSP?

    Different engagement stages of preparing the Emu Point PSP are given below.

    1. Preliminary Engagement (We are here!) - The Department is seeking input from community and stakeholders to inform the preparation of the draft PSP. 
    2. Once ready, the draft PSP including maps and technical reports will be formally advertised by the City of Albany. The formal advertising will offer another opportunity to community and stakeholders to have their say on the draft.
    3. After completion of the formal advertising period, WAPC will review and determine the PSP.

    Who is the decision-maker for the Emu Point PSP?

    In accordance with the Deemed Provisions, the WAPC is the responsible decision-maker for a PSP. At the conclusion of its assessment and consideration process, the WAPC may determine to approve the Emu Point PSP (with or without modifications) or refuse the PSP. 

    What is the role of City of Albany in drafting the PSP?

    The City is being consulted as the responsible local government authority for providing input in drafting the PSP.

    What will guide the consideration of the Emu Point PSP by the WAPC?

    The WAPC will consider any validly lodged and accepted PSP on its merits, having regard to all relevant planning matters, including its consistency with the relevant planning framework. 

    In the case of the Emu Point PSP, relevant planning framework instruments include: 

    • The City of Albany Local Planning Scheme No. 2 
    • The City of Albany Local Planning Strategy 
    • Great Southern Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework 
    • State Planning Policy 4.2 Activity Centres 
    • State Planning Policy 7.2 Precinct Design 
    • WA Planning Manual – Guidance for Structure Plans 

    Links to these documents can be found under ‘Important Links’ on the project page. 

    How will the Emu Point PSP be advertised?

    Following this preliminary phase of engagement, the City of Albany will advertise the draft PSP that has been lodged with the City in a form acceptable for the purposes of assessment and advertising.

    When advertised by the City, community and stakeholders will have another opportunity to comment on the draft PSP. 

    What is the role of the City of Albany following advertising?

    The City will consider submissions and provide its assessment and recommendation (including any proposed modifications) as part of its report to the WAPC, as per the Deemed Provisions of the Regulations. 

    Any concerns or recommendations raised by the City will be considered on their merits prior to determination of the PSP by the WAPC. 

     

    How will the PSP impact my property?

    The plan will apply to your property if your property is located within the PSP boundary.  

    Impacts on particular properties are not yet established until the draft plan is prepared in collaboration with the community and relevant State government agencies. The PSP does not mean you have an obligation to develop but will provide the framework for future subdivision and zoning, when a landowner chooses to develop/subdivide. There are opportunities throughout the project where you can help inform how the PSP is developed and provide feedback on the draft.

    What if I am concerned about change in my neighbourhood?

    If you are concerned about the possible changes, the best thing you can do is get involved and provide as much feedback as possible. You can follow the public engagement process, including completing the online surveys and can provide formal submissions to the project team, the Department or the City.

    What status will the PSP have once endorsed by the WAPC?

    Unlike a local planning scheme (scheme) which has statutory effect, a PSP is a guiding document that will be given due regard in decision making. Decision makers are not legally bound by the PSP but have an obligation to use it to determine proposals for subdivision or development. 

    The PSP will be considered to have achieved its purpose when PSP measures have been implemented, and the area has been largely developed in accordance with the subdivision and development intent and applicable controls. 

    Will my submission be shared with the City?

    Your submission and contact information will not be published and they will not be shared with the City. A summary of the feedback from all submissions, covering the themes and key issues raised, will be shared with the City so that the matters raised could be addressed. 

    Where can I get more information?

    If you need more information, please reach out to the DPLH Project team at emupointpsp@dplh.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9892 7333.

    How Emu Point Precinct Structure Plan is different from the Albany North District Structure Plan?

    The Emu Point Precinct Structure Plan is for a different location when compared to Albany North. Please see the map below. 


    The proposed PSP project boundary is located five kilometres northeast of the Albany Town Centre and extends over approximately 560 hectares in and around the Emu Point locality. It includes Emu Point area, Collingwood Heights-North Collingwood Road, and Collingwood Park-South Collingwood Road.

    The Emu Point was identified as an investigation area in the endorsed City of Albany Local Planning Strategy. When finalised, the PSP will guide zoning and possible subdivision across the precinct as well as the design of the built form and public realm.   

    The Albany North area includes land parcels zoned Urban Development in the City of Albany Local Planning Scheme No. 2 (LPS 2). 

    A DSP is a high-level, strategic document that consolidates and expands on fragmented local structure plans within Yakamia, Lange, Milpara, and Walmsley areas. 

    The DSP will provide guidance on future land use, residential density, and facilitate the staging of major infrastructure (like sewer and water), employment areas, parks and open space as well as environmental assets and buffers.