A new Local Government Design Review User Guide and eLearning courses have been released to make design review clearer, easier and more consistent for WA local governments.
Developed by the Government Architect Western Australia and WA Planning Commission, the new resources equip participants with tools to improve confidence and capability in design review.
Design review is a key part of the planning system, providing independent, expert advice early in the process, when proposals can still be refined to better respond to their context, community and Country. Done well, it supports better planning and design outcomes across Western Australia.
The new resources accompany the Local Government Design Review Manual, released in 2025, which sets out the policy and framework. They translate the manual’s guidance into practical, role-specific tools for panel members, chairs and local government officers.
Together, the user guide and eLearning provide accessible, ‘how-to’ support for participants, enabling effective collaboration and informed decision-making. They also help foster a shared understanding of the purpose, principles and value of design review.
Government Architect of Western Australia Emma Williamson said the initiative would help improve the experience of all participants in design review, including those coordinating, participating in, and using design review advice.
“Design review works best when it is consistent, constructive and clearly understood by everyone involved,” Ms Williamson said.
“When approached in a collaborative, proportionate way, design review delivers enduring value for local communities and the built environment.
These new resources provide the practical support to do this well.”
There are currently more than 25 local government design review panels across the state, providing advice on more than 250 proposals every year.
The resources respond directly to industry and local government feedback to address variations in design review processes throughout the state, by helping to:
- support a clearer, more consistent design review experience for all participants across local governments
- strengthen collaboration between State Government, local governments and industry
- improve the quality of design review submissions and assessments
- reduce rework and repeated steps, leading to quicker outcomes for applicants
- deliver better design outcomes for local communities.
For more information on the new user guide and eLearning courses, visit Local government design review or contact gawa@dplh.wa.gov.au.
Print this page
