Responsibilities:

The City's Planning Services Division is responsible for coordination of the growth and form of the City via control and planning of residential estates, commercial centres, tourist development, rural and recreational areas. It does this through the preparation of Town Planning Schemes, assessing development, rezoning and subdivision applications and formulating policies and strategies for development and conservation.

Planning Approval:

All projects of a development nature require the planning approval of the City. Planning decisions are made by the City based on the City of Busselton District Town Planning Scheme No. 20 and often involves extensive consultation with the community, Council and relevant State Government departments. If planning approval is granted, it is usually subject to a range of conditions, which must be met before the issue of the building licence, prior to the occupation of the completed development or before commencement of use (download a Development Application from the download page).

Subdivision Applications:

Information and application forms for subdivision approvals can be obtained from the City on (08) 9781 0444 or alternatively from the Planning WA web site. Subdivision approvals are determined by the Western Australian Planning Commission based on comments from the City and other referral authorities.

Development Assessment Panel Applications:

Information and application forms for Development Assessment Panel applications can be obtained from Planning WA website or click here.

It is mandatory to have applications for proposals such as the construction of a commercial development/mixed use development or a housing development greater than 10 grouped dwellings and which have an estimated cost of development above $7 million, assessed under the Development Assessment Panel process.

Community Involvement:

Encouragement is given for community members to be actively involved in the planning of their City. The City advertises development and planning proposals in the local newspaper, on this website and also has information available at the City offices. Submissions on Development Applications may be made by way of a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer. All Council meetings are open to the public and able to be attended by anyone interested in items on the agendas.

The Submission Form (Form 4 see attachments below) is required to be used for the making of a submission on a Town Planning Scheme Amendment. Development proposals and scheme amendments advertised for public comment are included in the City's Council for the Community pages.

Property Settlement Enquiry System:

If you are considering purchasing a property in the City of Busselton, it is strongly suggested that you access this system. For a fee you can gain current information on rates, planning, engineering, health and building details concerning the property you are considering.

Consulting Staff:

Members of this department are freely available to consult with clients but it is necessary on most occasions to make an appointment if you wish to speak to a senior officer. please contact our consulting staff on (08) 9781 0396 or email angela.triglia@busselton.wa.gov.au

Fees & Charges:

Please refer to Fees & Charges for details of planning related charges.

Developer Contributions

Please refer to Developer Contributions for details relating to contributions and bonds.