Council backs reforms to strengthen local voice in planning decisions

Published on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 at 10:05:30 AM

Shire of Mundaring Council has endorsed the Western Australian Local Government Association’s (WALGA) revised advocacy position on Development Assessment Panels (DAPs), supporting reforms that call for greater local representation and stronger community input in planning decisions. The revised advocacy position responds to recent planning reforms and proposes updates across all State Government development assessment pathways — including DAPs, the Significant Development Pathway, and other State-led approvals.

Council supports WALGA’s key recommendations, including:

  • Raising the opt-in DAP application threshold from $2 million to $5 million, ensuring proposals of local significance are assessed by local government;
  • Increasing the number of panel members to six, with equal representation from local government and independent technical experts;

Council also requested WALGA lobby the State Government to hold DAP meetings at the office of the local government where the application originates, making it easier for affected residents to attend, observe and participate.

Shire President Paige McNeil said Council supported WALGA’s call to boost local representation and enhance community engagement in planning and decision making.

“Local Councils possess a unique understanding of the local planning context, adding significant value to the decision-making process. Their involvement ensures that local challenges are carefully considered, and that the community’s voice is reflected in the decision,” she said.

“We welcome WALGA’s advocacy for a system that is not only more efficient and transparent, but one that better reflects the strategic priorities of local government.”

In addition to the proposed changes to the DAP system, WALGA’s position also includes recommendations to improve or abolish the State Government’s Significant Development Pathway, which has been found to be inefficient and ineffective in achieving its stated goals.

Council supports WALGA’s call for reform to ensure all planning pathways better serve local communities

For more information about WALGA’s draft advocacy position, visit Latest News | WALGA

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