Published on Thursday, 29 May 2025 at 10:37:18 AM
At its Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 May 2025, Council approved its draft Local Planning Scheme No. 22 (LPS22) for consent to advertise. In line with the Council Plan 2024-2034, the draft scheme supports the City’s ongoing commitment to plan for sustainable growth and development, while retaining and enhancing our unique character, identity and lifestyle.
Initially presented to Council in October and December 2024, the draft Scheme underwent further refinement through a series of workshops with Elected Members to ensure it reflects the current and future needs of the Busselton community. The draft Scheme will now be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) for review and approval, a statutory process which is expected to take a minimum of three months.
Mayor Phill Cronin said: “The updated Scheme is an essential tool to guide the City’s growth over the coming years. To best address the challenges of the future, the City requires a modern and flexible planning framework able to respond to the evolving needs and growth of the community.”
Local planning schemes serve as the ‘rule books’ for land use and development within local government areas. While the proposed changes in the LPS22 will not directly affect most residents and businesses, any landowners directly impacted will be notified by the City. Notifications will include details of the proposed changes, the rationale and instructions on how to make a submission to the City.
Once the draft Scheme receives consent from the Minister for Planning, it will be formally advertised for public comment for a minimum of three months. This will allow the City to undertake extensive community consultation, providing opportunity for community to be informed and provide their valuable feedback.
Following community consultation, the revised LPS22 incorporating community feedback, will be presented to Council for determination. Following Council’s decision, the LPS22 will be sent to the WA Planning Commission and will need approval from the Minister of Planning before implementation, which is expected to take place in late 2026.
At its Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 May 2025, Council also approved the next stage of consultation on the following Local Planning Policies, which will be consulted on in line with LPS22:
- Local Planning Policy 3.2 – Yallingup Special Character Area
- Local Planning Policy 3.3 – Eagle Bay Special Character Area
- Local Planning Policy 3.4 – Old Dunsborough Special Character Area
- Local Planning Policy 3.5 – Quindalup Special Character Area
- Local Planning Policy 3.7 – Cape to Cape Track Visual Protection Area
Timing of any consultation is subject to the WAPC. Further information can be found here: Local Planning Scheme No. 22 | Your Say Busselton
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Place – Responsible planning is helping the region to experience sustainable growth with retention and enhancement of our unique character, identity and lifestyle.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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