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The Future of Western Australian Communities

  • Oct 14
  • 3 min read

How Strategic Town Planning Supports Government Priorities


Western Australia is undergoing significant change. Population growth, large-scale infrastructure investment, climate pressures, and evolving community expectations are shaping how towns and cities develop. For local governments and shires, these challenges highlight the importance of town planning as a tool for managing growth while protecting liveability, sustainability, and economic opportunity.


Unrolling a Town Plan at Harley Dykstra

Planning for Population Growth and Housing


WA’s population is projected to reach approximately 3.57 million by 2036, driven by an average annual growth rate of 1.8 percent, or around 55,400 extra people each year (1). These forecasts are used across state government agencies to plan for services and infrastructure requirements (2). Coordinated strategic planning identifies where growth should occur and how urban areas can be revitalised. This supports more compact, connected communities and planning for diverse housing needs across age groups (3).


Strengthening Regional Communities


Regional towns are vital to WA’s economic and social fabric. Industries such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and energy all rely on resilient regional centres. Planning in these areas must consider essential services like health, education, and transport, while respecting environmental and cultural values (4). Infrastructure investments such as the Ord–East Kimberley Expansion Project, Pilbara Cities, and upgrades to Busselton airport and Augusta boat harbour illustrate how strategic planning can support sustainable regional growth (5).


Planning for Sustainability and Resilience


Climate change is a key driver in the planning process. Government strategies guide planning away from high-risk areas like flood zones and bushfire-prone land, and promote resilient development (6). Sustainability is also addressed through the integration of green spaces, tree planting, and water-sensitive design. These measures enhance liveability and contribute to healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods (7). Planning decisions made today will influence how well communities adapt to future conditions.


Aligning Growth with Infrastructure


Timely and efficient infrastructure delivery is essential. Town planning provides a framework for aligning growth with infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, transport networks, and utilities, ensuring communities are supported as they expand (8). This alignment helps government to direct investment where it will have the greatest effect.


The Importance of Collaboration


Effective outcomes rely on collaboration between planners and government agencies. Agencies set policies and deliver services, while planners translate these into practical, place-based outcomes. Ongoing collaboration ensures planning decisions are evidence-based, responsive, and aligned with community needs (9).


Ongoing collaboration to create the best outcomes for WA regions.

Looking Forward


The choices made now will shape Western Australia for decades. Strategic town planning gives government agencies the framework to manage growth responsibly, protect natural assets, and support resilient, liveable communities. By treating planning as a shared responsibility, WA is positioned to build places that serve future generations well.


Harley Dykstra Town Planner Henry Dykstra on site at Two Rocks, WA.
On site at Two Rocks, Western Australia.

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References


  1. Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. Western Australia’s population expected to top 3.5 million people by 2036. Government of Western Australia, 2023.

  2. Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. Western Australia Tomorrow: Population Forecasts. Government of Western Australia, 2023.

  3. Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. How Does Planning Work? Government of Western Australia, 2024.

  4. Land Insights. Reviving Regional WA: Strategic Planning Supporting Economic and Community Growth. Land Insights, 2023.

  5. City of Greater Geraldton. Regional Development in Western Australia. Progress Midwest, 2019.

  6. Government of Western Australia. Climate Adaptation Strategy. WA.gov.au, 2023.

  7. Government of Western Australia. Climate Action and Sustainability Strategy. WA.gov.au, 2024.

  8. Infrastructure WA. State Infrastructure Strategy: WA’s Regions. Government of Western Australia, 2023.

  9. Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. Regional Planning Strategies: The State’s Regions. Government of Western Australia, 2023.

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