This unit introduces students to the land use planning system in Western Australia with particular focus on the Planning and Development Act 2005 (WA).  Students will examine the role of state planning policies, region planning schemes and local planning schemes, as well as the relationship between such schemes, planning control provisions and written laws, together with subdivision and development control.  The unit also addresses practical matters such as Model Scheme Text and Residential Design Codes.  Students will be introduced to interim development orders, planning control areas and improvement plans. Particular attention will be given to the promotion of sustainable land use and development as a fundamental and underlying objective of the land use planning system in Western Australia.

This unit will also examine the role of administrative law in determining planning disputes and policy development, and students will gain insight into the legislative nature of by-laws and regulations, as well as the grounds and avenues of challenge to planning proposals.

Throughout this unit, students will be encouraged to reflect critically on whether the process of consolidation under the new planning and development regime in Western Australia has streamlined the planning process and provided for a clearer, more certain and workable planning system for this State.