The WA government will slash red tape to boost the supply of homes across the state, with local government decision-making simplified for standalone dwellings.

October 18, 2023

The West Australian government is slashing red tape in a bid to combat the housing crisis and boost the supply of homes across the state.

Proposed legislation includes a raft of amendments, such as simplifying local government decision-making for standalone dwellings.

Premier Roger Cook said the laws would help to increase the number of new homes being built in WA.

“Governments across Australia are facing challenges with housing supply – these significant reforms are a key plank of my government’s response to the current barriers to delivery,” he said.

The reforms to local government processes for the approval of standalone dwellings mean most single houses and any associated development – except where heritage is involved – will be determined by technical experts not elected council members, speeding up the process.

The bill to be introduced to parliament on Wednesday also includes changes to Development Assessment Panels to improve consistency in decision-making.

Red tape will also be cut for land subdivision, including the removal of duplicate processes and the streamlining of planning schemes and codes.

The WA Planning Commission will also be improved in a bid to deal with complex multi-million dollar development proposals more efficiently.

Planning Minister John Carey said the reforms would streamline existing processes, cut unnecessary red tape and build efficiencies into existing processes.

“Planning must adapt and change to deal with future market challenges and ensure housing supply for now and into the future,” he said.