Below is an outline of the process for applications submitted to DBCA. Please note that the application process may vary depending on the level of complexity and risk associated with a proposal.

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Once you have an idea of what you want to do in the Swan Canning Riverpark, we recommend that you chat to us about your proposal. We can let you know what kind of approval you’ll need and help you prepare your application. We can also advise what policies will apply to your proposal, which government agencies we’ll likely refer your application to, and what conditions your approval might include. 

For information on the processes for applications that are referred to DBCA but processed by the local government or other agencies, refer to the Approvals that may affect the DCA page.  

DBCA and/or the Swan River Trust provides advice on approvals by other authorities that may affect the Swan Canning Development Control Area (DCA) . These types of approvals are processed by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) or Local Government.  

More information on the DCA, including how to find out if your property is affected by the DCA, is available on the Swan Canning Development Control Area page.

Even if your application is not processed by DBCA, we encourage you to chat to us before submitting your form to the WAPC or Local Government as this can speed up the 42-day period that DBCA is given to respond to your proposal. We can also advise what policies will apply to your proposal and what conditions DBCA (or the Swan River Trust) may recommend for your approval. 

Types of applications that may affect the DCA

DBCA provides advice on behalf of the Swan River Trust to the WAPC for the following type of applications made under Clause 45(2)a of the Metropolitan Region Scheme, when: 

• development is proposed on a lot that is partly in and partly out of the DCA (Clause 45(2)a(i) of the MRS); or
• development is proposed on a lot that abuts the waters (the rivers) of the DCA (Clause 45(2)a(ii) of the MRS) 

DBCA has 42 days to provide a response to these applications. The WAPC must adhere to DBCA’s recommendations for these types of applications. 

DBCA also provides advice on behalf of the Swan River Trust to the local government for applications made under Clause 45(2)b of the Metropolitan Region Scheme when: 

• development is proposed on a lot that abuts the DCA (Clause 45(2)b(i) of the MRS – see Figure 1 below); or
• development is proposed on a lot that is likely to affect waters of the DCA (Clause 45(2)b(ii) of the MRS

DBCA has 42 days to provide a response to these applications and the local government is to have regard to this response.  

DBCA also provides advice on: 

• Proposed subdivisions or other types of development that are not directly adjoined to the DCA but are likely to affect the waters of the DCA. Some examples include:
  • Development that might mobilise sediment, nutrients, or contaminants to the DCA via tributaries or stormwater.
  • Development that may impact groundwater flows or groundwater quality to the DCA such as shallow groundwater management infrastructure or onsite wastewater systems.
  • Development that might alter the hydrology of the waterways and wetlands in the DCA.
• Scheme amendments, structure plans, or any other strategic documents that include or are likely to affect the waters of the DCA. 

Jump to our policies, plans and guidelines manual page to see the information required by DBCA for a proposed development around the river. These are the most common policies that apply to the types of applications listed above:  

• State Planning Policy 2.9 – Water resources
• Policy 42 – Planning for land use, development and permitting affecting the Swan Canning Development Control Area
• Policy 48 – Planning for development setback affecting the Swan Canning Development Control Area
• Policy 49 – Planning for stormwater management affecting the Swan and Canning Rivers
• Policy 51 – Planning for wastewater management affecting the Swan Canning Development Control Area 

How to apply

Refer to your local government website for details on how to apply for approval, or the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage application page.

If you’re unsure whether your proposal requires an approval through DBCA or another government agency, please come and chat to us. We can let you know what kind of approval you’ll need and advise which DBCA policies will apply to your proposal, and what conditions DBCA may recommend. 

Read through the frequently asked questions and if you require assistance, please contact DBCA’s Swan Canning Waterways Branch, Statutory Assessments Unit, on 9219 9000 or at rivers.planning@dbca.wa.gov.au.