- New water policy amalgamates related planning policies and guidelines
- Ensures water concerns are considered early in decision-making processes
- Responds to climate change to protect water resources for future generations
The Cook Government continues to deliver on its planning reform agenda, today releasing a new State Planning Policy for water.
State Planning Policy 2.9 - Water and its associated Planning for Water Guidelines set a simplified framework and amalgamates six water-related planning policies, the Government Sewerage Policy (2019) and the Better Urban Water Management guidelines, into one clear streamlined policy.
The new documents improve clarity around the integration of water resource management with planning and development decision-making.
They will help Government agencies, regulators and industry to better respond to the anticipated impacts from population growth and climate change, as well as economic and land use changes.
The new policy follows extensive consultation and promotes water-related matters being considered early in planning processes to protect water resources and water dependent ecosystems. It ensures that necessary drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure is in place to support future development.
State Planning Policy 2.9 and associated guidelines will be operational from 18 December 2025.
Comments attributed to Planning and Lands Minister John Carey:
"Our government is continually rolling out new ways to simplify and streamline planning policies, and this water policy will provide clarity and help ensure water resources are well-managed and preserved into the future.
"The policy clearly identifies the role of climate change and a drying climate in the consideration of water matters, particularly over longer time frames, to help ensure development is futureproofed."
As stated by Acting Water Minister Reece Whitby:
"This initiative is part of the Cook Government's Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan - Waterwise action plan 3 to establish leading waterwise communities for Perth and Peel by 2030.
"Our government is committed to ensuring that our planning frameworks support the sustainable management of Western Australia's precious water resources.
"State Planning Policy 2.9 - Water ensures water is considered early in development, helping us manage growth and build climate-resilient communities.
"This policy will guide planning around key water resources State-wide, reinforcing our commitment to climate adaptation and a sustainable future for WA."
