Planning Minister Rita Saffioti has today released the Swan Valley Action Plan and will move forward to cut red tape and provide a contemporary planning framework for the region, while preserving the region's unique rural character.
The Swan Valley is a unique destination known as one of Western Australia's prime gourmet food and wine districts and a popular tourism hotspot, whilst also an important region for viticulture and agriculture purposes.
A key McGowan Government election commitment, the Action Plan responds to the Swan Valley Planning Review with the majority of recommendations accepted to help ensure much-needed consistency in planning decisions for the region's residents and businesses.
The Action Plan includes:
- A new Swan Valley Bill which will provide clear planning guidance, clearly define 'rural character' and outline appropriate scale of tourism and development;
- A new Swan Valley planning scheme that will include new land use zones and definitions, guide new ventures and encourage innovative proposals;
- An independent Swan Valley planning authority, established as a sub-committee of the Western Australian Planning Commission to streamline decision making on planning matters and assess development applications; and
- A strategic leadership group to champion the Swan Valley and provide a strong voice for a range of issues including viticulture, equine uses and tourism.
The review, led by the late Hon John Kobelke JP, was informed by the local community, with more than 50 face-to-face interviews, and hundreds of survey responses.
Delivery of the Swan Valley Action Plan is a priority for the State Government, with work progressing on the drafting of the new Swan Valley Bill. A draft local planning strategy and draft Swan Valley Planning Scheme are also being prepared for community consultation.
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Swan Valley is a unique location - it is one of WA's prime gourmet food and wine districts and a popular tourism destination, with agriculture and viticulture purposes.
"It is right on the doorstep of our city and has so much potential, throughout a vast array of local industries.
"For many years now residents and businesses in the Swan Valley have become frustrated with confusing planning processes and the lack of a clear vision for the area.
"We have listened to these concerns and our Swan Valley Action Plan strikes the right balance between maintaining the area's unique rural character, while supporting viticulture, lifestyle and equine uses, and suitable food, beverage and local produce tourism.
"The introduction of a new Swan Valley Bill will provide simple, contemporary guidance aimed at preserving the region's historical and cultural heritage for future generations.
"John Kobelke put a great deal of work into this report - I thank him for his work and I look forward to continuing to implement his vision for this unique region."
