A DRAFT planning strategy outlining the Western Australian Planning Commission’s 15-year vision for land use and development in the Swan Valley is out for public comment.

According to the draft the proposed Swan Valley planning strategy is consistent with the Swan Valley Planning Act 2020 (Act) and the 2018 Swan Valley planning review and  includes the following vision:

“The Swan Valley is a unique rural environment within metropolitan Perth with its exceptional visitor appeal derived from its viticulture, world class food and beverage and the open rural landscape extending to the Darling Escarpment,’’ the document said.

“Horticulture, tourism, lifestyle properties, equestrian and hospitality are all important contributors to what makes the Swan Valley and their development needs to be in sympathy with this rural character.”

The Act, which came into effect on August 1, 2021 sets out the state government’s position in respect to planning for the Swan Valley and has guided the preparation of the planning strategy, with the objects of the Act forming the basis for most of the planning directions and actions.

The draft planning strategy has two parts – part 1 identifies issues and opportunities while part 2 provides the relevant background information and analysis that supports the planning directions and actions outlined in part 1.

Planning issues of relevance to the Swan Valley are presented via four themes – community, urban growth and settlement; economy and employment (including tourism); environment and; infrastructure.

Planning directions and actions in the community, urban growth and settlement section includes the preparation of a planning policy providing further guidance for the protection and enhancement of the unique rural landscape character of the Swan Valley when considering planning proposals.

It also includes reviewing Swan Valley planning scheme 1 (SVPS1)  land use permissibility and development provisions in respect to activities and development that have the potential to detract from the rural character of the Swan Valley.

Another inclusion is investigating future land use options for the area east of the railway line, having regard for land capability, water supply and other relevant considerations.

Population wise the draft strategy said the Swan Valley’s population grew by 5.9 per cent from 5147 people to 5451 people between the 2016 Census and 2021 Census.

“This is lower than Western Australia’s growth rate of 7.5 per cent between the two censuses.

“The Swan Valley area is characterised by a larger share of residents in the older age groups relative to the state.

“Around one in five residents in the Swan Valley was aged 65 years and over at the time of the 2016 Census.

“This figure rose to just under one in four residents for the 2021 Census.’’

Mostly rural the Swan Valley is the oldest wine region in Western Australia.

“The rural setting also attracts visitors to hospitality and tourism venues, and makes the area popular for rural living, hobby farming and equestrian activities.

“The Act and SVPS1 prioritise the retention of productive agriculture, and retaining the area’s natural landscape and rural character, while restricting incompatible land use and development.

“The Act seeks to retain horticulture, viticulture, hobby farming and equestrian activities as the principal land uses in the Swan Valley.

“SVPS1 controls the planning of rural land primarily by applying the priority agriculture, Swan Valley rural and rural residential zones to the majority of the Swan Valley.’’

Public comment, which opened on Wednesday, April 23, closes on Tuesday, July 22.

Visit the DPLH website to access the submission portal.