Western Australia has released a new State Planning Policy for water, signalling a significant shift in how water resources, infrastructure and climate risk are considered in land-use planning and development decisions across the State.
State Planning Policy 2.9 – Water and its associated Planning for Water Guidelines consolidate six existing water-related planning policies, along with the Government Sewerage Policy and the Better Urban Water Management guidelines, into a single streamlined framework. The policy is designed to improve clarity, reduce duplication and ensure water considerations are embedded earlier in planning processes.
In the water sector, the reform reflects growing recognition that population growth, urban expansion, and climate change are placing increasing pressure on drinking water supplies, wastewater systems, and receiving environments. By aligning planning and water management frameworks, the policy aims to ensure infrastructure planning keeps pace with development and environmental constraints.
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Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said the new policy would support more consistent and informed decision-making.
“Our government is continually rolling out new ways to simplify and streamline planning policies, and this water policy will provide clarity and help ensure water resources are well-managed and preserved into the future,” Carey said. “The policy clearly identifies the role of climate change and a drying climate in the consideration of water matters, particularly over longer time frames, to help ensure development is futureproofed.”
A central feature of State Planning Policy 2.9 is its emphasis on early consideration of water-related matters, including water availability, stormwater management, wastewater servicing and the protection of water-dependent ecosystems. This approach is intended to reduce downstream risks, improve outcomes for developers and utilities, and minimise long-term environmental impacts.
Acting Water Minister Reece Whitby said the policy aligns with the State’s broader water-efficiency and climate-adaptation agenda.
“This initiative is part of the Cook Government’s Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan – Waterwise action plan 3 to establish leading waterwise communities for Perth and Peel by 2030,” Whitby said. “Our government is committed to ensuring that our planning frameworks support the sustainable management of Western Australia’s precious water resources.”
Whitby said the policy would guide planning decisions across the State, from metropolitan growth areas to regional developments.
“State Planning Policy 2.9 – Water ensures water is considered early in development, helping us manage growth and build climate-resilient communities,” he said. “This policy will guide planning around key water resources State-wide, reinforcing our commitment to climate adaptation and a sustainable future for WA.”
State Planning Policy 2.9 and its accompanying guidelines will come into effect on December 18, 2025. For water utilities, regulators, and developers, the policy provides a clearer framework for integrating water security, infrastructure provision, and environmental protection into long-term planning decisions.