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Shire of Mundaring is embarking on a significant review of its Local Planning Framework to guide future land use and development in line with the community’s needs and aspirations. The process includes a review of the Shire's Local Planning Strategy and Local Planning Scheme. This forward-thinking approach aims to ensure that future growth is responsible, reflecting the Shire's commitment to a sustainable future.

The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) has endorsed the Shire's Scheme Review Report, marking a crucial first step in advancing the Shire's planning framework. This decision sets the stage for responsible development and growth, ensuring that the Shire remains aligned with the aspirations of its community.

A copy of the April 2024 Council meeting minutes regarding the Scheme review report item, a copy of the WAPC’s decision, and the endorsed Scheme Review Report, can be found under the Project Document Library section of this site.

The Review Process

The process will unfold in three stages.

STAGE 1 (CURRENT STAGE)- the preparation of a Land Use Planning Strategy (LUPS), the findings and recommendations of which will then assist with preparing stages 2 and 3.
STAGE 2 - the preparation of a new Local Planning Strategy (LPS).
STAGE 3 - the preparation of a new Local Planning Scheme No.5 (LPS5).

Each stage will be community-focused and involve public consultation to ensure that the needs and aspirations of residents are central to the Shire's planning framework.

Community Engagement

To support the local planning framework review, the Shire is developing a comprehensive Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan which will detail the Shire's approach to engaging with the community to feed into the review.

Further Information

Updates regarding the progression of the Land Use Planning Strategy, Local Planning Strategy and Local Planning Scheme No.5 will be provided, when available, in the Latest News and Project Timeline sections below.

If you have any queries please refer to the FAQ (frequently asked questions). The Shire's Planning Services can be contacted on 9290 6740 or via shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au.

Get involved with shaping the future of your community by visiting Future Mundaring.

FAQs

What is a Local Planning Strategy?

A Local Planning Strategy is a statutory document required under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015. It sets out the Shire’s long‑term vision for how land should be used and developed over the next 10–15 years. The Strategy:

Provides the planning rationale behind the Local Planning Scheme
Explains why land is zoned the way it is
Sets out detailed planning objectives and actions
Must be approved by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC)
Directly informs amendments and reviews of the Local Planning Scheme

The Shire’s Land Use Planning Strategy sits at a higher, more conceptual level. It informs the preparation of the Local Planning Strategy, which in turn informs the Local Planning Scheme (No. 5).

What is a Local Planning Scheme?

A Local Planning Scheme is a statutory document required under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015.

The Scheme is the Shire's day-to-day tool for controlling what what works and uses are permitted, where and under what conditions and:

Provides zoning of land within the Shire
Regulates land use and development through zoning and provisions
Applies day-to-day to all development proposals
Must be approved by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and the Minister for Planning.

The Shire’s Local Planning Strategy informs the Local Planning Scheme (No. 5).

What is a Land Use Planning Strategy?

A Land Use Planning Strategy (LUPS) is a broad, high-level document prepared by the Shire to set an overall vision for how land should be used and developed across the Shire.

It seeks to:

Look at long-term growth;
Identifies major constraints and opportunities;
Considers regional influences and strategic directions;
Helps shape future plannning priorities; and
Sits above the Local Planning Strategy in terms of conceptual thinking.

The Land Use Planning Strategy will inform the Local Planning Stragegy.

Why is the Shire preparing a Land Use Planning Strategy?

The Land Use Planning Strategy helpes the Shire plan for the future in a coordinated and sustainable way. It ensures that decisions about zoning, development and infrastructure are based on evidence, community input and long-term needs.