FAQs

A Local Planning Scheme helps put the Shire’s Local Planning Strategy into action. It gives clear rules for development that reflect community aspirations, including the zoning of land, permissible land uses, the scale of development and other requirements that apply to development in the Shire. 

The Shire utilises the Scheme to determine planning matters such as what land can be used and developed for (i.e. residential, industrial, etc.). 

Before making a new Local Planning Scheme or making significant changes to an existing one, a Local Planning Strategy is required.   A Local Planning Strategy is a high level and strategic document that sets out the framework for local planning and development over the next 10 to 15 years. 

Endorsed by the Western Australian Planning Commission in 2021, the Shire’s Local Planning Strategy provides the basis of recommendations for any changes to zoning and development standards set out in the Shire’s Local Planning Scheme. 

The strategy sets the long-term development direction for the Shire. It does not zone land or place controls on the use and development of land. 

In comparison, a local planning scheme (formerly known as a town planning scheme) does place statutory controls over land.

A local planning strategy is the first step towards creation of a new local planning scheme. The directions set in the strategy are implemented by the scheme through the application of zones and reserves.

The Shire of East Pilbara’s Local Planning Scheme No. 4 was gazetted on 13 December 2005 and the Regulations require the Shire to have already commenced review of its Local Planning Scheme.

In 2021, the Shire prepared its Local Planning Strategy in accordance with the Regulations to:

a. set out the long-term planning directions for the local government

b. apply any State planning policy that is relevant to the strategy; and

c. provide the rationale for any zoning or classification of land under the local planning scheme.

In April 2024, the Shire engaged consultants to undertake a review of the Shire’s current Scheme and prepare a new local planning scheme to reflect contemporary land use planning practices within the Shire and to plan for its future needs.

The Shire’s Local Planning Strategy identifies key actions to be implemented at a Shire wide and neighbourhood level. It contains recommendations which inform the review of the Local Planning Scheme, such as considerations to property zoning, density and land use.

There are a number of ways you can get involved and provide your feedback towards the draft Local Planning Scheme:

Have your say at the following in-person community listening events:

The project team will be available to describe more about the project and listen to your thoughts at the following community events. 

• Monday 12^th August | 5 - 7pm | BBQ at Marble Bar Civic Centre
• Tuesday 13^th August | 10 – 11.30am | Morning Tea at Gallop Hall
• Wednesday 14^th August | 3 – 4.30pm | Afternoon Tea at Newman House
• Thursday 15^th August | 9 – 10.30am | Drop-in at The Square

You can come at any time throughout the event and have a one-on-one discussion with project team members. 

Complete the online survey or  Complete a hard-copy survey.

You can also collect or hand in a survey at the following locations: 

Administration Offices:

• Newman Administration Office, Corner Kalgan & Newman Drives, Newman WA 6753, Australia
• Marble Bar Administration Office, 20 Francis Street, Marble Bar WA 6760, Australia

Recreation Centres:

• Newman Recreation Centre, Corner Gregory Avenue and Fortescue Avenue, Newman WA 6753, Australia
• Newman Aquatic Centre, 1 Iron Ore Parade, Newman WA 6753 

Libraries: 

• Newman Library, 26 Kalgan Drive, Newman WA 6753
• Marble Bar Public Library, 20 Francis Street, Marble Bar WA 6760
• Nullagine Community Library, 39 Gallop Road, Nullagine WA 6758

The Local Planning Scheme review process takes approximately 18 months from inception to Western Australian Planning Commission endorsement and Shire publication. This consistent with the Planning and Development Act (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, Western Australian Planning Commission’s regulatory consideration periods and allows multiple opportunities for community to provide feedback.

The project team will be available to describe more about the project and listen to your thoughts at the following community events. 

• Monday 12^th August | 5 - 7pm | BBQ at Marble Bar Civic Centre
• Tuesday 13^th August | 10 – 11.30am | Morning Tea at Gallop Hall
• Wednesday 14^th August | 3 – 4.30pm | Afternoon Tea at Newman House
• Thursday 15^th August | 9 – 10.30am | Drop-in at The Square

If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Shire at admin@eastpilbara.wa.gov.au including the subject line heading ‘Local Planning Scheme review’ or call (08) 9175 8000.