Council invests a significant amount of its time resources into the future and ‘bigger picture’ of Mandurah.  From a planning perspective, this is undertaken through the preparation of long-term strategies, plans and policies that provide general direction for the State, regional and local communities.

The goal of town planning in Mandurah is to provide society with a way of controlling the use and development of land for homes and buildings in a sustainable way.  It is positive in promoting competitiveness while protecting the environment.  To ensure a coordinated and integrated approach is achieved, long-term strategic planning is necessary to ensure a high quality outcome.

The City of Mandurah aims to provide guidance on the long term planning of the district and its various localities, all of which display a diverse and unique range of natural and man-made attributes.  The Planning and Projects Section undertakes this strategic work to address issues that are of relevance to the community, particularly:

• the ongoing accessibility of the city and region with the construction of the Perth-Bunbury Highway and Perth-Mandurah metropolitan rail system, together with a legible and efficient transportation network
• Mandurah’s population is experiencing a growth rate of approximately 4%, with 120,000 residents anticipated to be living here in 53,000 dwellings by the year 2021
• the future development of ‘Keralup’, 11km north-east of Mandurah, is anticipated to house a final population of approximately 60,000 residents.  Council anticipates many people from Keralup will search for education, recreation, entertainment and jobs within Mandurah
• recent studies indicate that an additional 60,000 jobs are required within the district to cater for the local and regional population growth that is expected
• managing visitor numbers to the city through identifying and protecting important locations for short stay accommodation and tourism activities
• the ongoing growth of Mandurah needs to be balanced with protecting and retaining remnant bushland
• given the recreational and environmental importance of our waterways, strategic planning needs to be proactive in the protection of the Peel Inlet, Peel-Harvey Estuary and Lake Clifton, all of which are listed as Ramsar wetlands of international importance

The broader objectives of environmental sensitivity, economic development and social cohesion, good governance and orderly and proper planning are the foundations on which this strategic planning work is undertaken.  The strategic planning work undertaken in Mandurah has culminated in the preparation of various strategies to ensure development of the city and its localities is carried out in a sustainable manner.

Some of the planning strategies the Planning and Projects Section are currently working on are available below.

For more information, please contact the City’s Planning and Projects Section on 9550 3777