Published on:
Thursday, 8 August, 2024
The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is pleased to acknowledge changes to the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) which will reduce the regulatory burdens on Local Governments and clarify requirements for the public.
- WALGA has been seeking changes to the MRS for a number of years
- First major changes since the 1960s, aligning MRS with Greater Bunbury and Peel Region Schemes
- Reforms will reduce regulatory burden on Local Governments and applicants
- Changes will not impact any existing developments or approvals
The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is pleased to acknowledge changes to the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) which will reduce the regulatory burdens on Local Governments and clarify requirements for the public.
The changes will mean in most cases, proposals for development will no longer need to seek approval under the MRS, reducing double-handling and paperwork for both Local Governments and applicants.
WALGA President Karen Chappel welcomed the long-awaited reforms.
“We are pleased the State Government and the Planning Minister Hon John Carey has listened to our feedback and introduced changes that streamline the planning processes in the metropolitan area.
“The MRS has been outdated for a number of years in that it required applicants to apply for planning approval under two schemes.
“The changes tabled in Parliament should mean that by the end of the year the planning process in Perth will be simplified, and easier to understand by all sections of our communities.
“We are also pleased there will no changes to the current Scheme maps, zones or reserves.”
WALGA understands there will be a 3-month transition period once the Bill is passed.
The MRS was first established in 1963 and this is the first significant change to the text since that time.
The State Government has announced the changes are introduced to boost housing, and approximately 80% of applications will no longer be duplicate applications under the new provisions.
WALGA looks forward to continuing to work the State Government throughout the transition period.
