Annual Report 2008-2009 - Department of Transport

Town Planning Regulations and Model Scheme Text review
As part of a series of reforms to improve and streamline the planning
process, the Department has undertaken a review of the Town Planning
Regulations 1967 and the Model Scheme Text.
A discussion paper outlining the results of the review was released in May
2009. It proposes a new framework of regulations, consisting of:
• local planning scheme regulations which set out the process for making
or amending a scheme and the template to be used (the Model Scheme
Text); and
• general scheme provisions regulations which apply to all planning
schemes throughout the State.
A more streamlined version of the Model Scheme Text is proposed, with
greater focus on local content.
The submission period for responses to the discussion paper closes in July
2009. It is intended that drafting instructions for the new regulations will be
completed by August 2009.
The Planning Schemes Manual is also being revised. This manual provides
guidance to local government in the preparation and review of local planning
strategies and planning schemes.
www.planning.wa.gov.au/Plans+and+policies
Housing the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)
The Department’s State Land Services Business Unit continues to be
involved in innovative and world-class projects with key involvement in the
Australian bid to house the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a new generation
telescope that has a discovery potential 10,000 times greater than modern
day instruments. The telescope will give astronomers remarkable insights
into the formation of the early universe, including the emergence of the first
stars, galaxies and other structures. Australia has been short-listed, along
with South Africa, to host this revolutionary global facility, and State Land
Services has negotiated land tenure arrangements which include leasing
the site in the remote Mid-West of the State to CSIRO.
Residential Design Codes – Multi Unit Housing Code
Residential development in Western Australia is largely regulated through
the application of State Planning Policy 3.1 – Residential Design Codes. The
codes are adopted, through reference, in local town planning schemes.
While the codes have generally been regarded as effective in relation to
single and grouped dwelling development, there have been concerns about
their perceived failure to effectively deliver satisfactory diversity and choice
in housing, particularly in relation to the design of multi unit and mixed-use
developments.
Consequently, development of a Multi Unit Housing Code was initiated in
August 2008 to provide incentives for multi unit housing and housing diversity
in accordance with form-based guidelines, improve the standard of design
for multi unit housing, and provide guidance and assistance to regulators and
industry in the interpretation and application of performance-based criteria
and the promotion of multi unit housing and mixed-use developments.
It is intended that the Multi Unit Housing Code will be given effect through
an amendment to State Planning Policy 3.1.
www.planning.wa.gov.au/Plans+and+policies
Goal 2
55