Responsibilities:

The Shire's Planning Services Division is responsible for coordination of the growth and form of the Shire 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 Shire. Planning decisions are made by the Shire based on the Shire 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 Shire on (08) 9781 0444 or alternatively from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure web site. Subdivision approvals are determined by the Western Australian Planning Commission based on comments from the Shire and other referral authorities.

Town Planning Issues:

The rapid growth of the Shire presents various challenges for planning in the Shire which are being tackled through the following initiatives:

• Implementation of the new District Town Planning Scheme in September 1999
• The implementation of the Rural Strategy for Rural Lands
• Preparation of a Heritage Inventory (CD-Rom available from Shire offices)
• The Dunsborough Townscape Study
• Busselton Urban Growth Strategy
• Special Character Area Policy Studies

Encouragement is given for community members to be actively involved in the planning of their Shire. The Shire advertises development and planning proposals in the local newspaper, on this website and also has information available at the Shire 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 Shire's Council for the Community pages.

Property Settlement Enquiry System:

If you are considering purchasing a property in the Shire 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 first to avoid delays. Please contact our consulting staff on (08) 9781 0469 or email joy.reading@busselton.wa.gov.au.

Fees & Charges:

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