State of Emergency planning changes

Published on Thursday, 16 April 2020 at 4:00:00 PM

In response to the current State of Emergency for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Minister for Planning, Hon Rita Saffioti, on 3 April 2020 announced Regulatory changes that came into effect on 3 April 2020.

The new Regulations include provision for the Minister to issue a Notice of Exemption to support the Government’s response to, or recovery from, a State Emergency.

The exemptions remove any barriers within the planning system to ensure flexible and speedy responses to a changing crisis environment, support business and guarantee the provision of essential community services.  They include:

• medical or health-related facilities required in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
• truck and logistic companies needing to deliver goods but currently with restricted loading and unloading times
• businesses seeking to adapt by changing their current approved use
• restaurants and cafes required to sell takeaway in contravention of current planning conditions
• people operating their businesses from residential zones
• parking commercial vehicles on residential properties
• a blanket two-year extension for all current development approvals
• businesses needing to change signs
• temporary workers accommodation.

Further information, including a comprehensive FAQ and supplementary explanatory notes is available for viewing on the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website.
https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/notice-of-exemptions

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