Frequently asked questions

Located on the Burswood Peninsula, the Perth Park project proposes development on land owned or managed by several entities, including the Burswood Park Board and Town of Victoria Park.

The proposed Perth Park site is subject to separate planning and legal frameworks. 

The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) is the responsible authority for the development application on the part of the project site that is subject to the Metropolitan Region Scheme including:

• Lot 2001 – within the Optus Stadium Precinct
• Lot 2006 – Camfield Drive, road reserve
• Victoria Park Drive, road reserve.

Proposals outside of this area (please see the map) are considered under the Casino (Burswood Island) Agreement Act 1985. The WAPC has no role with development on land affected by the Casino (Burswood Island) Agreement Act 1985.

The WAPC will assess the following proposed works and their alignment to the objectives of the Regional Open Space reserve under the Metropolitan Region Scheme: 

• demolition of roads, footpaths and infrastructure
• earth and drainage works
• construction of part of a multi-use track
• landscaping and public space improvements, and
• roadworks and utilities upgrades.

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (the Department) administers the development application process on behalf of the WAPC, which includes receiving the application, conducting public consultation and undertaking a planning assessment which considers planning policy, technical inputs and feedback from consultation.

After completing its assessment, the Department will make a recommendation to the WAPC, including conditions and restrictions the WAPC could consider applying if it decides to approve the proposal.

The Town of Victoria Park is invited to provide comment and recommendations to the WAPC on the development application. The Town’s advice will be considered as part of the assessment process.

Submissions assist the assessment process by providing different perspectives and information that can be considered in applying the State planning framework.

Submissions can be most helpful to the WAPC in making an informed decision when they clearly:

• raise planning related issues
• refer to relevant local conditions
• outline site-specific impacts
• explain concerns or suggestions and why they should be a consideration
• include relevant facts, studies or local knowledge

 A summary of the submissions, the issues raised, and how these have been considered is provided to the WAPC to inform its decision-making.

In determining applications under the Metropolitan Region Scheme, the WAPC must have regard to the planning framework and will consider a wide range of planning matters – issues that relate to land use, development, transport, environment and planning policy and the realisation of strategic plans. Its decision making takes into account:

• planning rules and policies – alignment with State planning objectives, requirements, policies and plans (and an appropriate balance between competing objectives where these occur).
• advice provided by responsible agencies and local government – submissions from local government, State agencies or utilities providers relating to infrastructure delivery, servicing, environmental constraints or implementation responsibilities.
• matters raised during community consultation – public submissions can help identify local factors and perspectives to inform decision making.  

Some matters raised in submissions may not be a planning matter/judgement and are outside the WAPC’s role or decision-making remit (for example, issues covered by other laws). These are still noted, but they may not influence the final decision as the WAPC is restricted to planning considerations.

The following matters are acknowledged for transparency, but they do not usually influence a WAPC decision:   

• number of objections or submissions of support alone
• campaign‑style or duplicate submissions that do not raise new planning-related matters
• issues unrelated to planning control
• matters already determined under separate approvals

The business case supporting the project is also a matter for Government, not the WAPC.

For more information about public consultation, including tips on making a good submission, please visit: Public consultation in the WA planning system.