South West Design Review Panel (SWDRP) - Expressions of Interest
Expressions of Interest for membership of the South West Design Review Panel (SWDRP) for the May 2026 – May 2028 tenure have now closed.
The SWDRP is a collaborative initiative between the Cities of Bunbury and Busselton and the Shires of Augusta Margaret River and Capel, working together to provide independent, expert design advice across the South West.
The new panel membership is currently being finalised in collaboration with the participating Local Governments. Details of the appointed panel members will be published in the coming weeks.
In the interim, the existing panel will continue to operate to ensure continuity of design review services across the region.
What is the SWDRP?
The SWDRP is a collaborative initiative between the participating Local Governments to provide independent, expert design advice on development proposals across the South West. The Panel reviews a range of development applications and projects, with each local government determining which proposals require design review input.
Who should apply?
Applications are sought from experienced professionals in the following fields:
- Architecture
- Urban design
- Landscape architecture
- Heritage
- Sustainability and environmental design
- Town planning
- Arts and culture
Applicants may also nominate for the role of Panel Chair, which includes additional responsibilities in facilitating panel meetings and guiding discussions.
How does the Panel operate?
- The Panel meets monthly to review projects across the South West, however additional meetings may be required depending on the number of applications.
- Meetings are conducted via teleconference, enabling flexible participation.
- The Panel operates in accordance with an agreed Terms of Reference between the participating Local Governments.
- Advice is provided against the ten design principles outlined in State Planning Policy 7.0 – Design of the Built Environment.
Further information
- Details on selection criteria and how to apply are outlined in the Information Sheet and Nomination Form below.
- Information on panel operations, responsibilities and remuneration is available in the Terms of Reference.
Documents and Forms
Expressions of Interest – 2026–2028 Panel Membership:
SWDRP Expression of Interest Information Sheet
SWDRP Panel Nomination Form
Terms of Reference (includes panel operations, responsibilities and remuneration)
Panel Operations - Reference Documents
Proponent Application Form
Local Government Officer - Assessment Overview Form
SWDRP Agenda
SWDRP Review & Recommendation Summary
Local Government WALGA Showcase Presentation
How to apply
Expressions of Interest for the 2026–2028 panel have now closed.
Future opportunities to nominate for the SWDRP will be advertised on this page and through participating Local Governments.
Enquiries
For further information, please contact:
- Joanna Wilson, City of Busselton – (08) 9781 0475
- Matt Slocomb, Shire of Augusta Margaret River – (08) 9780 5238
- via email SWDRP@busselton.wa.gov.au
Please see Local Planning Policy 4.13 Design Review below for more information about design review for the City of Busselton.
The SWDRP is currently chaired by Craig Smith, with Malcolm Mackay as Deputy Chair. Both bring extensive experience in design review across multiple local government areas.
For each item, the Chair and Deputy Chair form the core of the panel, with the relevant local government selecting additional members from a broader pool of experts.
This panel pool includes professionals in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, heritage, sustainability and energy efficiency, and the arts. Current panel members remain in place pending finalisation of the 2026-2028 membership.
Current Member (2-year tenure May 2024 - May 2026)
Craig Smith - Architect/Panel Chair
Malcom Mackay - Urban Designer/Deputy Panel Chair
Jackson Liew - Architect
Jessica Beaver - Architect
Kent Lyon - Architect
Sam Brown - Architect
Marc Beattie - Heritage
Stephen Carrick - Heritage
Mia Aspland - Art
Gordana Nesic-Simic - Urban Designer
James Cross - Sustainability Consultant
Oliver Grimaldi - Sustainability Consultant
Katy Svalbe - Landscape Architect
Simon Kilbane - Landscape Architect
Each of the Local Government areas determines the types of applications that require design input.
The City of Busselton will present your application to the Design Review Panel for consideration at pre-lodgement or lodgement stage, where it meets the following thresholds as outlined in Local Planning Policy 1.4 Design Review:
(i) All applications that meet the mandatory or optional requirement for Development Assessment Panels applications, where there is a design element that may impact on the character, appearance, or streetscape of an area; or
(ii) Major development proposals where there is a design element that may have a significant impact on the character, appearance, or streetscape of an area at the discretion of the City; or
(iii) Any other planning proposal (e.g. Scheme Amendment, Structure Plan, Precinct Plan, Local Planning Policy, Local Development Plan, Design Guidelines; or City project) relating to the design of development and places may be referred to the Design Review Panel at the discretion of the City
The City encourages proponents to engage with staff early in the process to determine if design review is required.
A preliminary referral shall generally consist of the following:
- Completed application form
- Context/streetscape analysis which considers the site location and character and considers the desired future character of the area
- Concept/development plans
- Artist's impressions/colour perspectives of proposed development (if possible)
- Assessment against SPP 7.0 Design Principles
- Any additional information the City or applicant considers relevant
For the meeting, the proponent can prepare a short presentation for the South West Joint Design Review Panel
The City encourages proponents to come in at an early stage of the project where the design advice can be considered while the project is in formulation.
To incentivise this no charge will be incurred by the proponent for up to three design reviews, provided at least one of those occur prior to lodgement of a development application.
The SWDRP, Local Government staff and the proponent (including other consultants and landowner) attend the SWDRP meetings.
Members of the public or Elected Members are not permitted to attend.
The SWDRP will be held online via Teams and will allow up to 60 minutes for each item.
A longer duration can be allowed for more complex applications. The meeting will follow this agenda:
- Pre-meeting discussion (10 mins)
- Pre-review panel discussion and Local Government presentation
- Design review (30 mins)
- Welcome and introductions with proponent
- Proponent presentation
- Panel questions and clarifications
- Panel discussion
- Summary by chair
- Post meeting discussion (5-10 mins)
Expressions of Interest – 2026–2028 Panel Membership:
Panel Operations - Reference Documents