Western Australian Planning Commission board and committees

On 1 July 2024, changes to the WAPC's board composition and its constitution were introduced through the Planning and Development Amendment Act 2023.

The changes clarified the role of the WAPC as an expert advisor and independent decision-making body, streamlining the membership from 16 to a maximum of nine members. These changes created a more strategically focused and contemporary board, supported by a number of committees to help deliver its broad functions.

Communications with the Commission or Committees should be through Commission Support only. Please do not contact Commission or Committee members directly.

Contact the WAPC

WAPC Commission support

For matters relating to the WAPC and its Committees. For all development related enquiries please contact the DPLH General enquiries line.

Phone
(08) 6551 9910
Email
[email protected]

WAPC Board and Committees

Select the accordion panels below to view board and committee members, contact details and to view or download agendas and minutes.

These members are appointed by the Minister for Planning who ensures they possess requisite skills, knowledge, expertise and experience in urban and regional planning, subdivision of land, property development, infrastructure planning and management, and economic, social and environmental policy, along with public sector governance and administration.

The board sets strategic direction, maintains responsibility for strategic planning, policy development, governance and oversight as well as some critical statutory decisions including major region scheme amendments and certain applications.

Deputations

Please note, requests for deputations can be made to the WAPC Chairman via [email protected]. Further information regarding applications to make a deputation can be found here.

WAPC meeting agendas and minutes

Commission Membership

Communications with the Commission should be through Commission Support only. Please do not contact Commission members directly.

Ms Emma Cole - Chairperson
Mr Ray Haeren - Deputy Chairperson
Ms Jane Bennett - Member
Ms Helen Brookes - Member
Ms Megan Adair - Member
Mr Ryan Hall - Member
Mr Paul Lakey - Member
Ms Bianca Sandri - Member
Ms Amanda Sheers - Member

WAPC Secretary - Ms Sam Boucher

From 1 July 2024, its functions have expanded and now include: making recommendations on minor region scheme amendments and local planning schemes, and determining local planning strategies, structure plan proposals, subdivision applications and most development applications requiring WAPC approval.

WAPC Statutory Planning Committee Terms of Reference 2024

Deputations

Please note, requests for deputations can be made to the WAPC Chairman via [email protected]. Further information regarding applications to make a deputation can be found here.

Statutory Planning Committee agendas and minutes

Committee Membership

Communications with the Commission should be through Commission Support only. Please do not contact Commission members directly.

Ms Emma Cole - Chairperson, Western Australian Planning Commission
Ms Helen Brookes - Western Australian Planning Commission Member
Ms Megan Adair - Western Australian Planning Commission Member
Ms Claire Franklin
Ms Rebecca Moore
Cr Caroline Knight
Mr Chris Harman

This committee undertakes the statutory planning functions of the WAPC for the Swan Valley area including maintaining and implementing the Swan Valley Planning Scheme and determining subdivision and development applications within the area. The SVSPC comprises members of the Statutory Planning Committee as well as representatives of the Swan Valley community, businesses and local government.

WAPC Swan Valley Statutory Planning Committee Terms of Reference 2024

Swan Valley Statutory Planning Committee agendas and minutes

Committee Membership

Communications with the Commission should be through Commission Support only. Please do not contact Commission members directly.

Ms Emma Cole - Chairperson, Western Australian Planning Commission
Mr Ray Haeren - Deputy Chairperson, Western Australian Planning Commission
Ms Helen Brookes - Member, Statutory Planning Committee
Ms Claire Franklin - Member, Statutory Planning Committee
Cr Charlie Zannino - Representative of the Swan Valley Local Government
Ms Sue Hart - Representative of Swan Valley Residents and Businesses
VACANT - Representative of Swan Valley Residents and Businesses

Much of its work is centred on monitoring WAPC projects and budget expenditure, the acquisition and disposal of property, and associated capital works.

WAPC Executive Finance & Property Committee Terms of Reference 2024

Committee Membership

Communications with the Commission should be through Commission Support only. Please do not contact Commission members directly.

Ms Emma Cole - Chairperson, Western Australian Planning Commission
Mr Ray Haeren - Deputy Chairperson, Western Australian Planning Commission
Ms Rachel Chapman
Ms Samantha Edmonds

Deputations

Please note, requests for deputations can be made to the WAPC Chairman via [email protected]. Further information regarding applications to make a deputation can be found here.

Committee Membership

Communications with the Commission should be through Commission Support only. Please do not contact Commission members directly.

Ms Emma Cole - Chairperson, Western Australian Planning Commission
Mr Anthony Kannis - Director General, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage
Mr Tony Blackwell - Professions Representative
Vacant - Community Representative
Mr Dean Mudford - Chief Executive Officer, DevelopmentWA
Mr David McFerran - Chairperson, Swan River Trust
Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas - Lord Mayor, City of Perth
Ms Lisette Traves - Nominee of the Director General. Department of Communities
Mr Peter Woronzow – Director General, Department of Transport
Mr Darren Foster - Chairperson, Heritage Council
Ms Emma Williamson - Government Architect

It comprises 70-80 experienced design professionals from different backgrounds from whom project panels are formed to provide advice on proposals to optimise design outcomes.

WAPC State Design Review Panel Terms of Reference 2024

Find out more about the State Design Review Panel.