Decisions to initiate future urban rezoning amendments to the Metropolitan Region Scheme will be deferred until the end of January 2010. Urban Rezoning requests to the Peel Region Scheme are also being deferred.
WAPC Chairman Gary Prattley said the lack of a strategic planning framework in the past has caused unnecessary delays in the processing of rezoning proposals and a coordinated approach is now a major priority.
“In order to provide direction the WAPC has made a decision to defer future urban rezoning amendments until 2010 on the basis that by then the strategic planning framework will be substantially completed and provide direction on sustainable development planning in the sub-areas” he said.
“There will be some exceptions made which will include some minor amendments, proposals to transfer land from urban deferred to urban and proposals in areas identified in endorsed WAPC strategies which can demonstrate that issues of strategic significance have been resolved to the satisfaction of the WAPC.
“With regard to the Peel Region Scheme, the Peel Regional Planning Committee resolved that, except for three urban rezoning proposals in the Shire of Murray, to not progress any urban rezoning proposals pending the release of the draft Murray drainage and water management plan.
“Given the need to provide additional industrial land in the Peel region, the WAPC may consider initiating Peel Region Scheme amendments for industrial rezoning proposals at Nambeelup which meet particular criteria and where relevant matters have been adequately addressed.
“The urban growth monitor has revealed that there is an adequate supply of land zoned for urban development in the Perth and Peel regions in the medium term and therefore the WAPC is in a good position to provide clear direction for growth.
“The document notes that it should not be assumed that areas will be rezoned until their sustainability in terms of location, existing and future infrastructure requirements, employment potential, environmental and social impact has been assessed.
“By January 2010, the public response to Directions 2031 will be known and the WAPC will be better informed about the strategic context for each of the proposals following the completion of the strategies and development program.
“The decision to defer future amendments in Perth and Peel will enable us to provide a more coordinated and sound strategic context for statutory decision-making, Mr Prattley said.
Media contact: Melanie Conn 9264 7503