Wanneroo planning reviews delayed over karst, fauna records and driveway setbacks

Wanneroo property owners, planning applicants and developers will wait until 2 November 2026 for decisions on three planning policies, after the City of Wanneroo deferred reviews covering caves and karstic features, fauna management and medium-density housing.

The Policy Review Committee deferred reviews of Local Planning Policy 4.13, LPP 3.3 and LPP 4.19. Issues raised included whether LPP 4.13 could be repealed, how documents under the fauna-management policy should be managed and made available publicly, and how driveway setbacks operate under the medium-density housing policy.

LPP 4.13 applies to planning proposals that affect or are affected by caves or karstic features. It sets information requirements for structure plans, subdivision applications and development applications, with objectives including conserving caves and significant karstic features and reducing risks to people and property in karstic hazard areas.

Administration’s review found LPP 4.13 technically relevant and fit for purpose, but said it needed updating to the City’s new policy format. The committee deferred the review while the broader questions surrounding the policy undergo further investigation.

The LPP 4.19 review will examine driveway setbacks and the operation of the City’s R-MD provisions. The delay extends the time before the City considers any changes to its medium-density housing standards.

The committee also raised public-document management under LPP 3.3, which covers fauna management in planning matters. The available decision does not specify what changes will ultimately be proposed to that policy.

The next Policy Review Committee meeting is scheduled for 2 November 2026. The three policies remain under consideration, with no completed amendment or repeal reported in the decision.

At the same meeting, the committee resolved to advertise draft amended policies for Child Care Services and Coastal Assets for 21 days. Those proposed consultations are separate from the three deferred reviews.