What is a Local Planning Strategy?
A Local Planning Strategy is a document that sets out the long-term planning directions for the local government. The document identifies opportunities and issues that are important for the local government and provides recommendation and actions for how the planning system can respond to these.
The Local Planning Strategy is made up of two parts.
- Part 1: Provides the vision, identification of opportunities and issues, identification of planning areas that may require more detailed planning and the strategy map that identifies high level land use activities.
- Part 2: Provides the background information and analysis including state and local planning context and the local government profile, that informs the vision and aspirations for the local government set out in Part 1.
All Local Planning Strategies across WA are prepared in line with the Local Planning Strategy Guidelines.
What is a Local Planning Scheme?
A Local Planning Scheme is a statutory document that provides the rules for land use and development within a local government area. A Local Planning Scheme includes the scheme text and scheme maps.
The scheme maps provide the spatial identification of land use zones such as where residential and commercial activities can occur, and the location of reserves, such as parks, schools, sporting grounds and essential services.
The scheme text sets out the rules for what type of land use activities and development can occur on those land use zones and reserves. This will directly affect what you can do on your land or any land you are interested in.
It also sets out the procedures for development applications, heritage protection matters, how structure plans and local development plans are prepared, as well as other development and land use matters.
Local Planning Schemes are prepared in accordance with the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015.
More information about Local Planning Schemes and Strategies can be found on the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website here.
Why is the Shire of Exmouth undertaking this project?
Local Governments are required to review their Local Planning Strategy and Scheme every five years in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2005. The Shire’s existing Local Planning Strategy and Scheme were prepared in 2019 and are therefore due for review.
The review ensures that the Local Planning Strategy and Scheme remain up to date and can provide a planning response to current social, environmental and economic considerations that are impacting the local government.
You can view the existing Local Planning Strategy and Scheme here.
Who is preparing the documents?
The Shire of Exmouth has engaged planning consultants, Hames Sharley, to prepare the Local Planning Strategy and Scheme. Hames Sharley will be supported by a team of consultants who will assist with technical components of the project, including community engagement, transport, environment, economy and employment.
How long will the project take?
Review, preparation and approval of a new Local Planning Strategy and Scheme can take approximately 18 months to two years. An indicative project timeline is provided below on this page.
What is being proposed for the Shire of Exmouth?
This will be determined as the project progresses.
During the early stages of the project, the project team will review all existing state and local planning documents and other information to understand the current social, environmental and economic status of the Shire. This will also help to understand any major projects or plans that are proposed more broadly for the future. The team will also speak with community and stakeholders to understand their vision and aspirations for the future.
This information will help determine what the appropriate approach is for planning in the Shire.
How will the document impact landowners and businesses?
Once the documents have been endorsed and come into effect, landowners and businesses will need to abide by the rules set out in the Local Planning Scheme. This may impact how land can be used or the type of development that is appropriate for that land, for example:
- An increase in residential density zoning may allow landowners to build more dwellings/houses on their land.
- A change to the ‘zoning table’ may allow a business to operate in an area that it could previously not, or prohibit a type of business in certain areas. (Note: the ‘zoning table’ tells you what type of land use activity (e.g. house, shop, café, office) can be undertaken in different zones.)
- Changes to development requirements such as design considerations and parking may impact how a new or renovated development looks and functions.
The new Local Planning Scheme rules will apply to landowners and businesses who want to do a new development on their land or want to make changes to their existing property. Some landowners and businesses may experience no change whilst others may experience more change.
How does the Local Planning Scheme and Strategy impact environmental areas?
Environmental assets such as national parks, conservation areas and public open spaces are identified in the Local Planning Strategy and Scheme as reserves. Several existing environmental areas are already identified at a State or National level. If new environmental areas are identified for protection, this can be considered through this review process
How does the Local Planning Strategy and Scheme consider community facilities and infrastructure?
The Local Planning Strategy and Scheme is not a delivery tool for community facilities and infrastructure; however, the documents can remove statutory planning barriers that would enable development and/or identify the location where those things would be appropriate.
The documents may also identify a need for community facilities and infrastructure that can be used to seek local government or external support and/or funding for their delivery.
How can I get involved?
The community and stakeholders can get involved with the project at two key stages.
- Preliminary consultation – during this stage (in September 2026), the Shire will be looking to understand any opportunities and issues that have been identified for the Shire of Exmouth, as well as understand your local values and vision for the future. Opportunities will be provided to share feedback online by completing a survey and in-person at community workshops and focus group sessions.
- Public advertising – during this stage the draft Local Planning Strategy and Scheme will be available to view. Feedback can be shared by providing a written submission.
Opportunities to get involved in both these stages will be provided on this webpage.
How can I stay up to date with the project?
You can register your details by completing the short survey at the bottom of this page to receive updates about the project