What is it?
The completion of a Scheme Review is a significant initiative involving formulation of a 'Local Planning Strategy' leading to a new ‘Local Planning Scheme' over a 3-5 year time frame. Given the timeframes involved in preparation and finalisation of the Scheme, the Scheme Review Process is likely to extend from 2007 - 2011.
Achievement of this will require an increased focus on strategy preparation and the Scheme review during this period. For the development industry this means that, while applications for rezoning and development guide plans etc will be processed within statutory time frames, they will not be given priority over strategic planning tasks.
Why do it?
The Shire has experienced one of the highest ongoing rates of population growth in regional Australia with almost 5% average annual growth since 1981. It is clear that the rate of demographic change and development in the Shire of Busselton and in the region is unlikely to diminish significantly in the short term. In conjunction with increasing complexity in the planning process this requires a high priority to be placed on strategic planning if the Shire's decision-making is to be consistent with community needs and expectations. Many of the Shire's policies and strategies will require review or replacement in order to remain valid and useful.
One of the Shire's roles is to formulate and review planning statute and policy to provide for more sustainable development outcomes and reflect the Shire's Strategic Plan. This requires analysis of community needs and the formulation of strategy, policy and town planning scheme outcomes that guide land use and the form of development over strategic time frames (5-50 years). It requires a balance between retention of the character and lifestyle values of the Shire and management of the high rate of demographic change.
What's changed over the years?
The Shire currently operates under Town Planning Scheme No.20 (TPS No.20) which was gazetted in September 1999. Since gazettal of the Scheme, the State Government introduced the Model Scheme Text format that provides a consistent approach for preparation of schemes across the State, and since gazettal, the Shire of Busselton has processed 120 amendments. The Shire is reviewing and updating the Scheme text to ensure that it reflects current practice. This review is designed to achieve increased efficiency, clarity and effectiveness in the operation of the Scheme.
An efficient process has been developed by the Shire in consultation with the Department for Planning and Infrastructure for reviewing TPS No.20. The Shire will resolve to prepare two schemes under section 72 of the Planning and Development Act 2005 at relevant times. The first Scheme (‘Model Scheme Text Scheme') will be solely for the purpose of consolidation of approved amendments and consistency with the Model Scheme Text only. This process has commenced and it is anticipated a ‘Model Scheme Text Scheme' will be advertised for public comment during 2008.
A more comprehensive Scheme (‘Review Scheme') will be progressed shortly thereafter. The Shire of Busselton will resolve to prepare the more comprehensive Review Scheme in 2009 following preparation of the Local Planning Strategy.