Western Australia’s housing supply challenge demands practical action, and the recent approval of the State Government’s Station Precincts Improvement Plan No. 65 is a welcome step towards delivering more homes in the right places.

Last year, the State Government committed to developing improvement plans and schemes in priority station precincts across the Perth metropolitan area to streamline planning decisions and support higher-density development in those locations.

The announcement of the approved Station Precincts Improvement Plan No. 65 confirms the identified precinct boundaries for eight of the 10 stations, providing a clearer framework for well-located infill housing.

The eight stations included under this plan are Glendalough, Bassendean, Morley, Carlisle/Oat Street, Mosman Park, Claisebrook, Cottesloe and Swanbourne.

Identifying these station precincts is a positive step towards further addressing the state’s housing supply crisis, with the precincts being a logical place to support medium and higher-density development in Perth.

The next step is for Station Precinct Improvement Schemes to be drafted for these sites, which will include specific zoning and building height limits. Following consultation, these schemes are set to be finalised in mid-2027.

Under the plan, identified station precincts will effectively come under state planning control, with the state acting as the responsible decision-maker.

Importantly, these new plans and schemes will not mean apartments appear overnight. It is about removing regulatory and prohibitive cost barriers which impact project feasibility, alongside strategic decision-making that supports developers to respond to market demand.

UDIA WA has consistently advocated for the WA Planning Commission and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage to work with industry and local government to identify key infill areas that can feasibly deliver increased density, and to initiate improvement plans and schemes to facilitate delivery.

Facilitating viable density around transit-oriented locations is essential to delivering more housing choice close to public transport, employment, services and amenity for the people of Perth.

Boosting supply in these areas will make purchasing or renting more accessible for those who want to live in established well-connected communities.

The next step is ensuring the plan and associated schemes are supported by collaboration with industry and local government, so the final settings are commercially feasible, context responsive and capable of delivering more homes faster.

The Station Precincts Improvement Plan No. 65 is not a silver bullet, but it is a constructive and necessary step towards a more coordinated, delivery-focused planning framework.

UDIA WA looks forward to continuing to participate in the engagement process as the precinct plans and improvement schemes are finalised in the coming year.