Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister for Planning John Carey MLA represented the interests of Western Australia at the National Planning Minister's forum in Sydney yesterday.
Attended by Federal and State Government Ministers and Members of Parliament - representatives discussed the challenges associated with planning for growth and the opportunity for national and State co-operation and information sharing between Planning Ministers.
The McGowan Government is committed to encouraging greater planning opportunity across WA and has introduced a number of reforms to encourage vibrancy and growth, both in the city and our suburbs.
Design WA was acknowledged during national discussions regarding a WA policy that supports apartment design and gives guidance for precinct and medium density development - creating increased opportunities for the community.
Last month Planning Minister Rita Saffioti launched the Planning Reform Action Plan, to cut red tape and encourage growth.
The plan outlines 19 initiatives to improve Western Australia's planning system; support vibrant communities; and encourage new businesses - whilst removing superfluous processes and red tape.
The reform reflects the McGowan Government's priority to deliver transformational projects such as METRONET and ensure liveable environments, well-connected communities and more housing choice.
Ms Saffioti wrote to the Commonwealth Government asking them to put the issue of coastal erosion on the agenda.
The item was not added to the agenda but the McGowan Government is committed to continuing to push for a collaborative response to this major issue across all levels of government.
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"In Western Australia, we continue to work on new planning guidelines and reforms to help streamline the planning system and respond to the community's needs that it meets modern requirements.
"This year I announced the new Design WA guidelines as well as our Planning Reform Action Plan, that outlines 19 initiatives to cut red tape to create more vibrant communities and encourage new businesses.
"Our planning reforms are also assisting small businesses by removing unnecessary impediments, such as change of use applications, which will create more opportunities for growth and help create local jobs.
"I am disappointed the issue of coastal erosion wasn't added to the agenda - however, I will continue to push for a cross-government approach to tackle this important nationwide issue."
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Planning John Carey MLA:
"The meeting focused on collaboration between the Commonwealth and State Governments, including working together more closely on the challenges associated with planning for growth and population.
"We discussed building on transport corridors and creating a harmonised approach between transport and planning outcomes, which the McGowan Government is doing through the METRONET Social and Affordable Housing and Jobs Package.
"Meetings like this give us the opportunity to discuss major issues that affect all levels of government and work collaboratively."
