The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) has praised the rapid turnaround in the quality of the state’s planning approvals systems, saying it has gone from one of the country’s worst to one of the best in a matter of years.

 

WALGA President Mayor Troy Pickard said the turnaround was the result of councils assisting and implementing State Government reforms.

 

“Local Governments have been actively working with the State to deliver on key strategies such as the Directions 2031 framework, the preparation of new R-Codes for multiple dwellings and through engagement on the new waterfront development,” Mayor Pickard said.

 

“There are, however a number of areas in which they continue to be impacted by delays and inefficiencies from external agencies.”

 

Mayor Pickard said many Local Governments were already achieving greater efficiencies in planning and development processes, with these gains to be shared with the entire sector through the preparation of a Local Government Planning Improvement Program.