Western Australia’s State Development Act has passed the state’s parliament, giving WA Premier Roger Cook more power to approve priority projects.
The new legislation will unlock strategic precincts and fast-track approvals for major job-creating projects.
It will allow for a more coordinated approach to planning and approvals for major industrial projects and precincts.
The State Development Act 2025 builds on the outcomes from the WA Economic Reform Roundtable and is designed to help the state secure new economic diversification opportunities.
The state government said it is the biggest reform to the State Development framework since 1952.
WA Premier Roger Cook said: “Our system of State Agreements has served WA well, and developed resources projects over 70 years, but we need a modernised, more agile system if we are to secure investment in a more competitive, time-sensitive global investment environment.
“These laws will give us the powers necessary to secure investment in major clean energy and defence manufacturing projects, which can transform the WA economy in the years ahead.
“This legislation will help us create the regulatory environment we need to get things done.”
The legislation allows the state development minister to declare priority projects and state development areas to unlock strategic development that are deemed a high priority for the state.
This will be supported by the Coordinator General, who will coordinate approvals and drive alignment on these projects.
The Act will bring the state in line with South Australia and the Northern Territory, which have also introduced similar reforms to attract investment.
WA Energy and Decarbonisation and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said: “The State Development Act will drive our energy transition, enabling major renewable projects that will help to put downward pressure on power bills.
“It removes barriers to investment and innovation, making it easier for manufacturers to grow, so we can make more things in WA.”
Industry bodies have backed the law, which they say could help reduce lengthy delays in project approvals, while opponents have raised concerns about the scope and powers given to the premier.
Curtin University Professor of Sustainability Peter Newman said the bill could be used to accelerate green energy projects and large-scale urban renewal projects, but warned that “if fast-tracking becomes a race for short-term gains, we risk locking in long-term environmental and social damage”.