Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 1514

❓ This QoN clarifies the division of responsibilities between local and state governments regarding drainage management in the Swan Valley, highlighting local governments' primary role in infrastructure and planning, with state government providing oversight and advisory functions.

AnsweredQoN 1514Legislative Council

Asked

14 April 2026

Member

Hon Anthony Spagnolo

Portfolio

Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the role of local governments in managing drainage in the Swan Valley, and I ask:(a) what responsibilities sit with local government;(b) what responsibilities sit with the state government; and(c) how has the breakdown of these responsibilities worked in practice in the Swan Valley?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

14 May 2026

Responded by

Leader of the House representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West

Response time

6 days

(a)     Local governments are the service providers for local drainage systems across Western Australia. This responsibility extends to the planning, design, construction, operation, performance review and ongoing maintenance of local drainage infrastructure. Local governments also administer development controls in accordance with the local planning scheme, with due regard to State Planning Policy 2.9: Water (WAPC 2025) and other policies and publications outlined in the SPP 2.9 Guidelines.
(b)     The Western Australian Planning Commission administers the Planning and Development Act and oversees the implementation of State planning policies. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has a role in providing referral and advisory functions to decision-making authorities, including the review of water management reports, when referred.
(c)   As per (a) and (b) above.

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