Published on Monday, 21 February 2022 at 8:00:00 AM

The Shire has been formally advised by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, that a development application has been submitted under the Part 17 significant development pathway for a Private Recreation Facility (Motorsport Facility), located at 146 Wigg Road, Hopeland and 732 Punrak Road, Keysbrook.

This proposed development has an estimated value of $35 million.

What is a SDAU application?

Part 17 of the Planning and Development Act 2005 (PD Act) enabled the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) to accept applications for significant development proposals for a period of 18 months up until early January 2022. There is no time limit for determination of the applications, provided they were submitted before the cut-off date.

To be considered a significant development for assessment by the State Development Assessment Unit (SDAU) application and determination under the pathway, a proposal must have an estimated value of $20 million or more in Perth’s metropolitan area, which the Shire forms part of. The proposed Private Recreation Facility is identified with an estimated value of $35m.

Who determines an SDAU application?

The WAPC is the decision-making authority for all proposals in the Part 17 pathway. Applicants could choose the pathway (which was available up until early January 2022), or continue with the regular processes of assessment by local government or a Development Assessment Panel.

As mentioned above, Part 17 of the Planning and Development Act 2005 (PD Act) enabled the WAPC to accept applications for significant development proposals for a period of 18 months up until early January 2022. There is no time limit for determination of the applications.

According to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website:

“While the temporary significant development pathway enables the WAPC to consider the broader economic and public benefits of a development proposal, it must have regard to all submissions and advice received during consultation and give full consideration to:

• the purpose and intent of the Local Planning Scheme
• ensuring orderly and proper planning, and preservation of amenity of the locality
• the need to facilitate development responding to economic effects of COVID-19
• relevant State planning policies and any other relevant WAPC policies.

In addition, under Part 17 of the PD Act the Commission is bound by the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and so is unable to make a decision that would be contrary to any Ministerial Statement issued in accordance with the Act.”

Will applications be advertised for public comment?

Yes. Following initial planning, design and technical consideration by the SDAU and stakeholders, applications are released for public comment. Plans and supporting documents are released on the Department's website, for the community to view and provide feedback. Notices will also be published in local newspapers, letters sent to owners and occupiers of surrounding and nearby properties, and applicants are required to install signs at the site during consultation, with an illustration of the proposed development. 

Can I make a comment?

There is no prescribed timeframe for public consultation however it is expected applications will be advertised for a minimum of 28 days. The closing date for submissions for each application is included in the consultation notices.

Which organisations and agencies are consulted on the application?

The WAPC will refer the application to the local government, and all relevant regulatory agencies for comment. The Shire will be able to make a comment on the proposed development.

How does a review by the Environmental Protection Authority impact the development assessment process?

Proposals likely to have a significant effect on the environment, referred to as “significant proposals”, are referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for environmental impact assessment. The EPA have already determined that the proposed motorsport facility should be assessed, and the level of assessment has been set at Public Environmental Review.

Assessment of an application for significant development can continue while a review is undertaken by the EPA, including consultation with the public and relevant State and local government stakeholders. 

However, the WAPC is constrained from making a decision on the application until the EPA has completed its review and the Minister for Environment has made a decision about whether the proposed development should be allowed to proceed.

Where can I find more information?

Further information on the Part 17 process and this development proposal can be found on the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website - State Development Assessment Unit applications (www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-planning-lands-and-heritage/state-development-assessment-unit).

Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to the SDAU team on 6551 9450 or via SDAU@dplh.wa.gov.au. 

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