Frequently asked questions

The Part 17 Significant Development Pathway was a temporary initiative introduced by the State Government in 2020 to encourage major developments as part of its COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery program. Applicants with proposals valued at $20 million or more in the metropolitan area and $5 million or more in regional areas were able to apply to be determined by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). In making its decision, the WAPC is able to apply additional discretion. For more information about the pathway, please visit the Part 17 page (External link: Part 17 Significant Development Pathway (planning.wa.gov.au)), including FAQs.

The proposed development is located within the City of Busselton local government area.

Yes, consultation with the City of Busselton will occur, as the responsible local government authority for comment on the application, along with relevant State agency stakeholders.

Under local planning scheme No. 21, the site is zoned ‘Rural Landscape’ under the Scheme and is located within a ‘Landscape Value Special Control Area’. The City’s local planning strategy is to be read in conjunction with regional level planning strategies and policies such as the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge State Planning Policy and the Leeuwin Sub-Regional Strategy.  The strategy reflects the outcomes of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Sub-Regional Strategy, identifying the main strategic directions and planning for tourism. 

The local planning strategy can be viewed at local-planning-strategy-(2019)

A summary of the feedback from submissions, including the themes and key issues raised, will be shared with the City to consider in its response to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (Department).

The proposed development has been reviewed by the State Design Review Panel (SDRP). The report from the final SDRP review will be included in the agenda for the meeting where the application is determined by the WAPC.

The Department will assess the application and prepare a report, along with a recommendation, for the WAPC’s consideration. This assessment will focus on matters such as strategic planning and potential impacts on the landscape value, environment and bushfire management, and will also take into account submissions received during the advertising period. The report will either recommend that the application be approved (with or without conditions) or be refused.

The WAPC is the decision-maker for Part 17 Significant Development Applications. A meeting date for the WAPC to determine the application will be scheduled once feedback has been received from the public and other stakeholders, and an assessment is complete.

There are no statutory timeframes to assess a development application under the temporary Part 17 Significant Development Pathway, however applications are required to be determined as soon as is reasonably practical. Once a meeting date is confirmed, any person who made a submission on the development application will be advised by WAPC officers and offered the opportunity to attend the meeting either in person or online. They can also apply to make a presentation (deputation) to the WAPC.

If you agree to be contacted when you make your online submission, you will be notified of the application outcome.

While public advertising is open, the development application can be viewed online on this web page or in person at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, Level 2, 140 William Street, Perth (by appointment) or at the City of Busselton offices at 2 Southern Drive, Busselton.

Local residents: If you wish to meet with planners from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage who will be in the region from April 7–9, please visit this page for details and to make an appointment. For more information or assistance with your submission at any time during consultation, contact Department officers via the details on this page.