Frequently asked questions

A region scheme provides a statutory mechanism to provide strategic direction, assist in the coordination of major infrastructure, and set aside areas for regional open space and other community purposes. A region scheme usually covers more than one local government area. The content of the scheme may vary for each region, but they generally set out broad land use zones or policy areas, and identify land required for regional purposes.

The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) prepares and administers region planning schemes for the effective planning and coordination of land use and development.

There are three region schemes in operation in Western Australia; the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS), the Peel Region Scheme (PRS), and the Greater Bunbury Region Scheme (GBRS).

The Planning and Development Act 2005 (the Act) is the head of power for region schemes and amendments. Part 4 of the Act outlines the formulation and considerations of preparing or amending a region scheme and sets out the submission and approval process.

The Planning and Development (Region Planning Schemes) Regulations 2023, made under the Act, outline the advertising requirements and factors associated with the consideration of submissions.

Brabham and Dayton within the City of Swan as shown on Amending Plan 3.2830.

No, there has been no previous consultation regarding this proposal.

There is no legislative requirement for the WAPC to pre-advertise a region scheme amendment. However, there are statutory advertising periods for all three amendment streams once the proposal has been initiated by the WAPC and determined by the EPA (if applicable).

The procedures for amending a region scheme are prescribed by the Planning and Development Act 2005 and the Planning and Development (Region Planning Schemes) Regulations 2023. In essence, the procedure for a basic amendment involves:

• formulation of the amendment by the WAPC
• referral to the EPA for environmental assessment (if required)
• completion of an Environmental Review (if required) in accordance with EPA instructions
• public submissions being sought on the proposed amendment (including Environmental Review if required)
• consideration of submissions
• approval, with or without any modifications in response to submissions, or refusal to approve, by the Minister
• the amendment takes legal effect with Gazettal of the Minister's approval.

If any additional time is required to lodge a submission, please contact regionplanningschemes@dplh.wa.gov.au

The region scheme amendment process is the start of the statutory planning process, and a number of subsequent planning steps are required to be undertaken prior to a subdivision or development being considered. 

This can include a local planning scheme amendment and local structure planning processes, each of which have separate public consultation and determination processes.

Landowners may find that an amendment seeks to rezone their property, for example, from rural to urban or urban deferred.

If the zoning is changed, landowners do not have to change their lifestyle or the way they use the land. However, depending on the new zone, there may be opportunities to change the land use, such as seek approval to subdivide or apply to develop it in some way that suits the new zoning.

An Urban zone under a Region Planning Scheme can accommodate a range of land uses apart from residential development, such as but not limited to public open space, conservation, drainage and wetland areas. 

These sites are given further consideration in the subsequent detailed planning stages, such as a local structure plan where consideration is given to the retention of these areas in accordance with advice from the Local Government and State Government environmental agencies.