The Western Australian Government has released a draft Station Precincts Improvement Scheme that would allow significant increases in residential density around eight metropolitan train station precincts, opening up potential development opportunities in some of Perth’s established suburbs.
The proposals cover Bassendean, Carlisle-Oats Street, Claisebrook, Cottesloe, Glendalough, Morley, Mosman Park and Swanbourne, with the government seeking to encourage more apartments, townhouses and terrace homes close to public transport, employment and services.
Under the draft scheme, each precinct would include a higher-density core area where buildings could reach up to 20 storeys, surrounded by transitional areas allowing medium-density development of between two and eight storeys.
However, the proposed heights would not apply uniformly across each suburb, with individual development controls taking into account existing buildings, heritage considerations, local character and proximity to transport infrastructure.
Minimum residential density requirements are also proposed to prevent strategically located land from being underdeveloped.
For agents, the changes will create new opportunities as the aim is to redevelop sites that currently accommodate lower-density housing – although the extent of that potential would depend on the final planning controls for individual properties.
Greater certainty for developers and landowners
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said the government’s Precincts WA program was designed to encourage substantial housing growth in established areas.
“The Precincts WA program represents our government’s approach to significant upzoning in Perth’s station precincts, enabling thousands of more homes in well-connected locations, close to public transport, jobs and services,” Mr Carey said.
“This draft Scheme gives communities, landowners and industry more certainty, by painting a clearer picture of where and how new development may occur.”
The proposed planning framework is intended to establish more consistent development controls across the eight precincts, rather than relying on separate planning approaches for each location.
According to the government’s supporting planning information, the scheme would specify zoning, residential densities, building heights, setbacks and other development requirements.
The government is also seeking feedback on a proposed public realm contribution framework, which would replace separate requirements for public open space, public art and community benefits.
The proposed approach would allow contributions from new developments to support improvements to streets and public spaces as precinct populations grow.
Heritage protections would remain part of the planning framework, with a separate draft Station Precincts Heritage Policy covering existing State and local government heritage listings.
Existing local government policies, including those relating to tree retention, could also be considered when assessing development proposals.
More housing around Perth’s rail network
The rezoning proposal forms part of the government’s broader Precincts WA program, which aims to increase housing supply around metropolitan train stations and make greater use of existing infrastructure.
Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti said the state’s investment in rail infrastructure would help support residential growth.
“METRONET has transformed the way people move around Perth, and now it’ll transform how we deliver more housing for Western Australians,” Ms Saffioti said.
“We want to build more homes near train stations and community centres because it just makes sense.”
The government has identified 10 priority station precincts under the program, although the latest draft scheme applies to eight.
Planning for Redcliffe and Ballajura is progressing through separate improvement schemes.
The government has also indicated that additional station precincts will be identified, with the next group expected to be announced in early 2027.
The proposals could become an important consideration when advising property owners about future development potential.
However, any potential uplift in development capacity would depend on the final scheme, the controls applying to individual sites and the relevant development approval processes.
Public consultation on the draft scheme closes on 12 February 2027, with the government expecting to finalise the planning framework in mid-2027.