Planning Institute of Australia WA lays out considerations for next State Govt

THE Planning Institute of Australia WA (PIA WA) has asked the next State Government to consider implementing specific policies to assist and shape the future of the state.

President Ray Haeren said the focus for the upcoming election needed to be on public transport and planning policies that would lead to a sustainable future.

“We are a voice for the planning community and we know that good planning and effective decision making will be critical to keeping the lifestyle qualities of Western Australia whilst getting our economy performing again, the common theme of both major parties.” he said.

PIA WA highlighted the following policy items to be critical to the further development of WA:

– Infrastructure and planning alignment – ensuring all major projects undertaken by the incoming government are coordinated and have the maximum impact by aligning land use planning with infrastructure delivery.

– Resource allocation – provide appropriate resources, not only in regards to physical construction, but also in regards to strategic planning, which when maintained provides more efficient and effective outcomes.

– Effective and balanced decision making – PIA encourages the engagement of various planning agencies in order to assist in decision making, however the WA Planning Commission and Infrastructure Coordinating Committee need to have the ability to make decisions so that they are planning for the future and not just collating views of various agencies.

– Promoting and facilitating the provision of diverse dwelling types and densities in appropriate locations, to ensure that the housing needs of residents are catered for at all stages of life – having a diversity of housing is something that needs to be instilled in planning and housing policies.

Although density creates some tensions, the reality is that there needs to be a variety of housing forms in all areas to cater for our changing society.

Planning needs to consider the community of the future, and affordability is about access and services as much as price.

Renewed focus on public transport – PIA is pleased that both sides of politics have a strong focus on public transport, however the success and sustainability of the network depends on getting density and employment around new stations and focusing on regeneration and redevelopment around existing stations.