Local Planning Framework
The information below provides guidance and assistance to applicants on the adopted position of the Council on various planning matters.
Local planning strategy
The Town of Port Hedland Local Planning Strategy (Strategy) was endorsed by the Western Australian Planning Commission on 13 May 2021. The Strategy replaces the Pilbara's Port City Growth Plan as the Town's principal strategic planning document. The Strategy seeks to:
- establish a vision for the future of the district;
- provide direction for growth and development within the Town over the next 15 years;
- establish strategies and actions in response to identified opportunities and constraints;
- provide a rationale for land release to support sustainable urban growth; and
- identify the need for further studies and investigations to respond to issues within the district.
Local planning scheme
The Town of Port Hedland Local Planning Scheme No. 7 (LPS7) was gazetted on 20 January 2021. LPS7 replaces the Town of Port Hedland Local Planning Scheme No. 5 as the Town's principal statutory planning document. It sets out the way land is to be used and developed, classify areas for land use and include provisions to coordinate infrastructure and development within the local government area.
The scheme text and maps used on this website are the Town's working copy and used as an information management tool. Whilst all care has been taken to accurately portray the current LPS7 provisions, no responsibility shall be taken for any omissions or errors. Please advise the Town of any omissions or errors in its representation of LPS7.
Position Statements, local planning policies & guidelines
Position Statements provide the Town's policy position on various planning matters. They set the policy parameters and a broader framework for the development of local planning policies.
Local Planning Policies are policies developed by the Town and identify additional requirements and guidance to those provisions specified in the Scheme. These policies should be considered in conjunction with the rest of the Town's Local Planning Framework prior to the submission of a planning proposal.
Design Guidelines aim to create a built environment that reflects the distinctive characteristics of a local area, that enhances streetscapes and neighbourhoods and that contributes to the development of vibrant and livable communities.
Stormwater drainage Design guidelines
Stormwater management is an integral part of development. Stormwater needs to be designed so each lot manages and disposes of stormwater without impacting neighbouring lots.
The Town of Port Hedland must approve a stormwater drainage plan for all developments from large subdivisions to additions to individual residential lots. The stormwater disposal method will vary depending on the site conditions.
Stormwater Drainage Design guidelines can be obtained for
Related Documents
Stormwater Disposal via Open channel
Stormwater Pipe Connection Design
structure plans & local development plans
Structure Plans provide a framework for the coordinated provision and arrangement of future land use, subdivision and development including the provision of transport networks; public open space; utility and service networks; urban water management; development standards; and community infrastructure and other investment and staging programs.
Local development plans are planning tools used to coordinate and assist in achieving better built form outcomes by linking lot design to future development. Local development plans address the differences in urban settings such as streetscape, garage location, solar orientation, landscape, building height and topography.
residential design codes
The purpose of the R-Codes is to provide a comprehensive basis for the control, through local government, of residential development throughout Western Australia. While the document should be read in its entirety, specific common site requirements such as boundary setbacks, minimum site area per dwelling and building heights are listed in the tables at the end of the R-Codes document.
other planning strategies
Coastal Foreshore Management Plan (2021)
Port Hedland’s coastline is prone to severe pressures: coastal erosion, inundation of low lying areas during storms, increasing human impacts and threats to biodiversity. The Coastal Foreshore Management Plan (CFMP) provides a framework for actions to mitigate coastal hazard risks along our coastline into the future.
Coastal Foreshore Management Plan
Heavy Vehicle Access Strategy Port Hedland (2020)
This study aims to provide an overview of the existing heavy vehicle network and guidance on possible network improvements.
Heavy Vehicle Access Strategy Port Hedland (2020)
Appendix 1, Appendix 2, Appendix 3, Appendix 4, Appendix 5
CHRMAP (2019)
The Port Hedland CHRMAP report was developed in accordance with State Government’s State Coastal Planning Policy No. 2.6 following extensive community consultation and adopted by Council on 30 April 2019.
The assessment identifies and considers coastal hazards and risks for the Port Hedland Townsite and recommends adaptation pathways with actions to assist in adapting to immediate coastal inundation and erosion risks, as well as undertaking appropriate planning to address increasing risk over time.
Further information on the project can be found below:
Coastal Vulnerability Study (2011)
Coastal Hazard Risk Management adaptation Plan (CHRMAP)
POS Strategy (2019)
The Town of Port Hedland is fortunate to have a variety of open space and reserve areas that play a vital role in making this area a great place to work and play. That’s why development and protection of our parks and reserves, and improvements to the quality of them is important.
The Public Open Space Strategy assesses existing Public Open Space in Port and South Hedland against framework standards to determine where opportunities for improvements lie in the future.
Public Open Space Strategy (2019)
Heritage Inventory (2017)
The heritage of Port Hedland is rich in history, stories, people and places. The Town's Heritage Inventory (2017) is used for the assessment of development proposals affecting heritage places.
Heritage Inventory (2017)
South Hedland Flood Study (2010)
The South Hedland Flood Study examines opportunities and constraints in regards to the drainage network in South Hedland and proposes a 5 year plan for upgrades and maintenance of drainage infrastructure.
South Hedland Flood Study (2010)