Western Australia’s local governments are expected to see significant planning efficiencies following reforms to the State’s Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS), which came into effect this week.
The WA Government has modernised the 60-year-old MRS as part of its broader push to cut red tape and speed up housing delivery.
Under the updated scheme, more than 80 per cent of duplicate approvals previously required under the MRS are now no longer necessary. The changes are expected to ease the administrative burden for councils, homeowners and businesses by eliminating the need for two separate planning application forms and removing overlapping approval processes.
The reforms also introduce new powers for the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) to prepare and approve key regional-level planning documents, such as district structure plans. These are aimed at improving coordination of infrastructure and land use planning to support future housing and business growth.
Guidance materials for the preparation, assessment and approval of district structure plans have also been released to support local governments and planners in navigating the new system.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said the reforms bring WA’s planning framework into the modern era.
“This is a significant moment for WA’s planning system, as it is the first time the some 60-year-old Metropolitan Region Scheme has had a significant update, with these changes ensuring it remains contemporary and fit-for-purpose,” Carey said.
“The changes significantly reduce the paperwork and approvals required for more than 80 per cent of development applications, reducing the burden on homeowners, businesses and local governments.
“Our planning reforms align with the National Planning Reform Blueprint agreed to by National Cabinet and complements our government’s record investment of more than $5 billion in housing and homelessness measures.”
The WA Government says the reformed MRS is one of several planning initiatives the it is pursuing in an effort to accelerate housing supply and infrastructure delivery across WA.
More information is available on wa.gov.au.
