A framework to identify key issues facing the South-West region was released today for discussion and public comment.

WAPC Chairman Jeremy Dawkins invited community groups, industry, members of the public and government agencies to contribute information, comments and ideas on the framework and to contribute to its further development.

"A regional framework provides a big-picture view of the long-term future of a region and focuses on the major challenges facing the region and the main opportunities to guide the region towards a desired future," Mr Dawkins said.

It seeks consensus - or at least clarity - on the principle policies which will be needed to achieve this future.

Equally, it is recognised that better information is also needed on a range of critical issues.

The DPI is actively seeking data on a range of issues including the impact associated with climate change, the risk of inundation along sections of the coast due to sea level rise, the distribution and quality of native vegetation, high capability agricultural land, water resources, needs of industry, infrastructure requirements and ways to better integrate planning across local government boundaries.

"Input on these matters is sought to assist in further development of the framework," Mr Dawkins said.

The document's vision describes a region that 'generates diverse economic activities and high standards of social amenity whilst protecting the natural environment'. It discusses this vision in relation to eight themes:

  • settlement strategy
  • population growth
  • climate change
  • inclusive communities
  • economy and employment
  • sustainable environment
  • natural resources and agriculture
  • transport and infrastructure coordination.

"The South-West region is one of the fastest-growing in Western Australia with an expected population of 190,000 by 2031 which brings with it a major challenge for government and the community to ensure sustainable population and economic growth together with protection of the environment," Mr Dawkins said.

"The framework has been developed with the assistance of an interagency taskforce comprising members from state government agencies, local government and non-government organisations. 

"They brought a wide array of disciplines to the process and applied a whole-of-government approach to the challenges faced by the South-West region.

"The taskforce also worked to ensure that the framework accurately reflected the priorities and strategic programs for key agencies and stakeholders in the South-West," Mr Dawkins said.

The South-West Framework is available on the WAPC website or printed copies may be obtained from DPI Bunbury or from local government offices in the South-West.

Contributions to the development of the framework - ideas, information, data - should be addressed to the Bunbury office of DPI.

South West Framework
Department for Planning and Infrastructure
Level 6, 61 Victoria Street
Bunbury  WA  6230

Email: bunbury@planning.wa.gov.au
Fax: 9791 0835

Submissions on any aspect of the framework are invited from the public. Submission forms may be downloaded from here.

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Media contact:  Natasha Farrell (08) 9264 7518 / 0408 955 604