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Understanding State Planning Policy 2.9: Water in Western Australia

  • 16 hours ago
  • 2 min read

State Planning Policy 2.9 (SPP 2.9) Water is a recently implemented policy, finalised on 16 December 2025 and operational from 18 December 2025. It establishes a modern framework for integrating water resource considerations into land use planning and development assessment across Western Australia.


Policy Significance


SPP 2.9 consolidates multiple previous water-related policies into a single framework, improving clarity, consistency, and efficiency in planning assessments. It recognises water as a critical and finite resource, particularly under climate variability and growing development pressures.


Who Is Affected

The policy impacts a broad range of stakeholders:

  • Government agencies responsible for planning and approvals

  • Local councils and planners

  • Surveyors and environmental consultants

  • Developers and land proponents

  • Water and environmental management professionals

SPP 2.9 applies to all stages of planning, from strategic planning to subdivision and development assessment.



Key Objectives

  • Protect surface and groundwater resources

  • Apply a total water cycle approach

  • Reduce water-related risks to people, property, and infrastructure

  • Ensure development aligns with local water conditions

  • Support resilience and sustainability

The Planning for Water Guidelines provide detailed instructions for implementation.


Implications

Planners and surveyors must consider water constraints early in project design. Interdisciplinary coordination is essential for compliant, sustainable outcomes. Government decision-makers now have a consistent framework to assess water impacts efficiently and transparently.



Strategic Outlook

With WA facing population growth and water pressures, SPP 2.9 ensures water-sensitive and resilient planning becomes integral to development outcomes.


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