What is a Precinct Structure Plan?
A Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) is a planning document that guides how land can be developed in the future. It includes a spatial plan that identifies areas for future change, such as land use zones, housing densities, built form outcomes and areas requiring further investigation.
The PSP is supported by technical reports and explanatory text and examines both opportunities and constraints within the precinct, including bushfire risk, environmental values, flooding and coastal inundation hazards, local character, amenity and heritage values.
What types of development are being considered?
The draft EPPSP is considering a range of future land use and development opportunities, including:
- Housing and residential growth
- Parks, recreation and public open spaces
- Tourism, marina-related activities and other important local land uses
- Roads, parking, pedestrian and cycling connections
- Community facilities and infrastructure
- Environmental protection areas and drainage requirements
- Water, wastewater and power infrastructure
The plan also considers how future development can support local character, cultural heritage, environmental values and community wellbeing. The final land use framework will be informed by technical investigations, planning requirements and community feedback.
Who is preparing the project?
The project has been prepared by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and the City of Albany, supported by a range of planning, design, environmental, engineering, transport and heritage investigations.
How long will the project take?
The EPPSP has progressed through background investigations and community and stakeholder engagement and is now approaching the public advertising stage. This will provide an opportunity for community feedback before the plan is reviewed and considered for determination by the WAPC.
The planning process is expected to continue throughout 2026 and 2027.
Is this project approving subdivision or development now?
No. The project is currently focused on long-term planning for the area.
Any future subdivision or development proposals would require separate approvals and further technical assessment.
Development is expected to occur progressively over many years.
Will the project change existing zoning immediately?
No. Any proposed zoning changes would form part of a separate scheme amendment process to rezone land, including public advertising and opportunities for community feedback.
Will land be compulsorily acquired?
The project is focused on long-term planning for the precinct.
No decisions regarding land acquisition have been made as part of this project.
If any future land acquisition is identified as necessary, affected landowners would be contacted directly and processes under relevant legislation would apply.
How will traffic and transport be considered?
The draft EPPSP considers roads, parking, walking and cycling connections, and overall access throughout the area. Informed by technical studies and consultation with relevant government agencies, the draft EPPSP identifies opportunities to improve connectivity, safety and accessibility while ensuring the transport network can accommodate future growth and development.
How will environmental issues be addressed?
Environmental investigations were undertaken as part of the project, including an environmental assessment study, district water management strategy, bushfire management plan, geotechnical site investigation and rezoning analysis.
These investigations will help identify environmental opportunities and constraints and inform future planning for the area.
How will bushfire risk be addressed?
Bushfire investigations formed part of the project and help inform future planning for the area.
Any future development would need to comply with State Planning Policy 3.7 Bushfire and consider relevant bushfire management requirements.
Will there be opportunities for community input?
Yes. There will be opportunities for the community to provide feedback during public advertising of the draft EPPSP. You will be able to view the draft plans and provide your thoughts to the City of Albany.
Project updates and engagement opportunities will be published on the City of Albany website.
How long is the draft Precinct Structure Plan being advertised for?
Under clause 18(3A)(a) of Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, the draft EPPSP is required to be advertised for 42 days.
The City invites submissions until 5:00 pm, Tuesday 15 December 2026.
All submissions must be received by this deadline.
Will modifications be made to the draft Precinct Structure Plan based on submissions?
The City of Albany will review each submission and respond to matters raised in a Schedule of Submissions. Modifications to the draft EPPSP may be made where there is appropriate planning rationale and the modification is consistent with the Local Planning Strategy.
Should modifications be recommended, the City will prepare a Schedule of Modifications outlining the specific changes and the justification supporting them.
The Schedule of Modifications will then be referred to Council with the draft EPPSP and subsequently forwarded to the WAPC for consideration.
Where can I find more information?
Project updates, engagement opportunities and key documents will be published on the City of Albany website as the project progresses.
City of Albany
[email protected]
tel: (08) 6820 3050
What role does Council have?
The City of Albany Council plays an important governance, oversight and advisory role throughout the preparation of the EPPSP. Council's responsibilities include reviewing the draft EPPSP, overseeing the public advertising process, considering community submissions received during consultation and providing recommendations to the WAPC.
Find out more about City of Albany Council and Councillors.
Who makes the decision?
The WAPC is the decision-maker for the Precinct Structure Plan.
Who is the Western Australian Planning Commission?
The WAPC is a State Government board responsible for land use planning and development across Western Australia. It is made up of members with diverse planning, development and community expertise.
Find out more about the Western Australian Planning Commission.
What happens after the planning documents are approved?
Once approved, the EPPSP will provide a long-term framework to guide future planning and development in the area. It will help inform future planning decisions, including potential scheme amendments and the assessment of subdivision and development proposals.
Any future development will still require the appropriate approvals and, where necessary, further detailed investigations.