Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is designed to provide students with an overview of the key statutory (legal) and related non-statutory planning frameworks, planning instruments, procedures and processes associated with the WA planning system at both the local and state government levels. Specifically, this unit examines a range of issues including (1) defining statutory planning; (2) the historical evolution of the statutory planning system and key instruments in WA; (3) the land tenure system and its implications for planning; (4) land subdivision and strata subdivision (5) the development, function and purpose of planning schemes; (6) the development approval processes; (7) planning for housing including the residential design codes; (8) planning issues relating to retailing, transport, urban design and other matters; and (9) regional planning. These various aspects of planning provide the foundations of professional planning practice, particularly within the domain of statutory planning which is the implementing arm of local and state planning.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Not available in 2025OnlineOnline timetabled
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the broad administrative planning frameworks and instruments within WA, especially in relation to planning schemes, development control and subdivision matters; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the function, role and relationship between state and local government planning agencies within the WA planning system; and (3) undertake graduate-level planning administration duties as they relate to planning schemes, development assessment and/or subdivision applications within local and/or state government.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tests: two statutory planning quizzes (10 per cent each) and a major end of unit test (30 percent); (2) discussion report (25 per cent); and (3) due diligence report (25 per cent). Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Linda Robson
Contact hours
4 hours per week. The total workload for the unit is 150 hours.
Note
Any students needing this unit to complete their course will need to complete the unit in semester 1, 2022.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.