The WAPC seeks to minimise the loss of farmland and agricultural activities to maintain and encourage rural production and employment. The WAPC considers the highest and best use for rural land to be agriculture and horticulture.

Currently the way in which rural land use is classified differs across state and local governments. The wide variation of terminology and definition has resulted in inconsistent approaches to rural development, particularly in the consideration of applications for rural-residential and small rural subdivisions.

Approximately 20 per cent of all land currently zoned ‘rural’ (about 80 per cent of all rural lots) under the Metropolitan Region Scheme is comprised of small land holdings of less than four hectares (similar situations are evident in other centres across the State). Given the significance of this trend, the provision of rural land for predominantly residential purposes must be managed, particularly as there is already sufficient land to accommodate the State's forecasted residential growth beyond 2031.

The WAPC is particularly concerned that, notwithstanding the existing supply, a large number of applications for the small-lot rezoning or subdivision of rural land, predominantly for residential purposes, continue to be received. The WAPC does not support this trend for the following reasons:

  • resultant development causes extensive land fragmentation, land use conflict, urban sprawl and lack of coherency with the urban-rural interface;
  • the displacement of rural industries (such as agriculture) on the urban-rural fringe, which undermines their importance to Western Australia’s economy and long term sustainability;
  • resultant significant infrastructure inefficiencies in terms of capital and operational expenditure; and
  • resultant inflexible land use pattern which hinders long term sustainable planning.

The WAPC considers agricultural land and the resources that sustain it to be a finite State resource that must be conserved and managed for the future.  Farming and agricultural land needs to be protected from land uses and development that lead to its alienation or fragmentation resulting in diminished productivity.

It is however recognised that over time there will be a change in agricultural patterns and practices and that the WAPC may consider proposals for small production lot sizes where they are required to deliver a specific production outcome and supported by the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Notwithstanding the above, State Planning Policy 2.5 Agricultural and Rural Land Use Planning (SPP 2.5) provides for the planning and provision of rural settlements where it can be demonstrated that they benefit and support the social and economic base of existing communities and have access to appropriate services and infrastructure.

However, proposals for the development of any rural settlements providing for rural living development will only be considered where demand can be demonstrated and they are consistent with the broader regional framework and local planning strategies and are appropriately zoned under the local planning scheme and supported by appropriate scheme provisions.

The WAPC and Department of Planning, together with other key stakeholders, are currently preparing more detailed policy to guide rural settlement and land use.  This may also involve a review of DC 3.4 and SPP 2.5.  A draft policy for public consultation is expected to be available by early 2010.

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