State Referral Coordination Unit

Purpose

The State Referral Coordination Unit (SRCU) leads a forum that brings together 15 State government agencies that provide strategic advice on projects of State significance and considers proposals from a state-wide perspective.

Initially formed to support the permanent significant development pathway established under Part 11B of the Planning and Development Act 2005, the SRCU coordinates State government agency referral advice and provides a single, coordinated whole-of-government response on applications through individual case management of referrals to State agencies – to ensure timely determination of proposals.

The role and function of the SRCU is not limited by any legislation, and accordingly, its scope has broadened to promote inter-government collaboration on other various State significant projects. Government agencies can contact the SRCU for assistance on any State significant projects regardless of whether or not they seek determination under the Part 11B pathway.

State significant projects outside of the Part 11B process may be defined by their social, economic or environmental value to the state or region; and/or involve referral to multiple State government agencies that would benefit from cross-agency coordination.

The SRCU is supported by the State Referral Group (SRG) to help resolve any substantial development issues or potentially conflicting State agency advice. The SRG membership includes representatives from the following State Government agencies and service providers:

• Main Roads Western Australia
• Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
• Department of Fire and Emergency Services
• Department of Health
• Department of Education
• Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
• Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration
• Western Power
• The Water Corporation
• Public Transport Authority
• Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure
• Department of Energy and Economic Diversification
• Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport
• Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (including advice from the Regional Development Commissions)
• Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

Other referral bodies or stakeholders can be invited to participate in SRG meetings where appropriate for the proposal.

Benefits for utilising the SRCU

• Development applications are case managed by SRCU officers and are tailored to suit the needs of each individual application.
• Centralised coordination of:
  • Referral agency advice on Part 11B Development Applications.
  • Referral agency and internal DPLH advice on State Significant Development Applications or projects outside of Part 11B – subject to agreement.
  • An optional, transparent and tailored process for Government Agency advice and coordination of State significant planning proposals.
• Regular recurring meetings to ensure timely responses.
• A process and timeframe for managing issues, agreed by respective agency representatives, supported by a conflict resolution process to resolve issues and find a way forward.
• Clear expectations to ensure participation is pragmatic and solution-focussed, with representatives empowered by their agency to make decisions.
• Central management of State Government agencies’ and utility providers’ advice – working through conflicts and providing a whole-of-government response (report) within 60 days.

For more information or to request our services, contact us at [email protected]

State Agency Contact Emails