The WA Government is taking steps to modernise outdated legislation affecting the Town of Cambridge, ensuring planning processes are clear, certain, and consistent with the state’s contemporary planning framework.
The Cambridge Endowment Lands Act 1920 (CEL Act) is more than a century old. The Government says many of its provisions either duplicating or conflicting with contemporary planning instruments, creating confusion and uncertainty for landowners, decision-makers, and the broader community alike.
The proposed legislation would revoke an existing redundant local law and remove the ability for laws to be made under the CEL Act, eliminating an unnecessary layer of red tape and providing certainty and clarity for all parties involved in the development approval process.
“This legacy legislation is largely redundant, only serving to create an extra layer of bureaucracy and confusion for everyone involved,” said WA Planning and Lands Minister, John Carey.
“The proposed changes will eliminate the current ambiguity that comes from having two parallel sets of legislation applying to the same planning and development proposals.
“The Town of Cambridge will continue to manage planning and development matters within its boundaries under the Planning and Development Act 2005, and this change simply removes an outdated layer that was getting in the way.”
Mr Carey said the Council’s ability to manage planning and development matters within its boundaries would not be affected by this proposed change, as these powers are already enshrined in contemporary legislation including the Planning and Development Act 2005.
The legislation is set to be introduced to parliament during the next sitting week.
“From granny flats through to apartment developments, we are constantly looking at how we can facilitate getting housing out the door faster and remove barriers to much-needed supply,” Mr Carey said.
