This policy aims to promote a system in which sustainable land use and transport are mutually compatible. The objectives of this policy are to: protect people from unreasonable levels of transport noise by establishing a standardised set of criteria to be used in the assessment of proposals; protect major transport corridors and freight operations from incompatible urban encroachment; encourage best-practice design and construction standards for new development proposals and new or redeveloped transport infrastructure proposals; facilitate the development and operation of an efficient freight network; and facilitate the strategic co-location of freight handling facilities. The purpose of the implementation guidelines is to assist users with the application and implementation of the Western Australian Planning Commission’s state planning policy 5.4. It should be noted that the policy and these guidelines apply to proposals for new noise-sensitive developments, new railways or major roads, major redevelopments of existing railways or major roads, and new freight handling facilities. The policy and guidelines do not apply to noise from existing railways or major roads in the vicinity of an existing noise-sensitive land use, or an increase in traffic along an existing railway or major road in the absence of a major redevelopment. It is expected that a review of the operation and effectiveness of the policy would be conducted within two years of the commencement of the policy.

The purpose of the policy is to provide the strategic planning framework for the area for the next 30 years by providing greater vision, guidance and certainty of land use. The policy promotes sustainable development, conservation, and land and resource management. It seeks to provide assistance to those managing land use change, enable greater consistency between the two local governments, give clear regional-level advice to proponents of development, and provide a reference to guide development and conservation by improving the information available to the community. The objectives of the policy are to: conserve and enhance the special benefits arising from landscape elements that form the fabric of the region; respect and conserve its outstanding natural and cultural heritage and environmental values; cater for population growth consistent with the objectives of the policy and provide a range of settlement options located to enhance the economic, social and environmental functions, while promoting quality and innovation in urban design and built form; protect agricultural land for its economic, landscape, tourism and social values; encourage a mix of compatible land uses while separating conflicting land uses; facilitate a robust, diverse and sustainable economy; and foster a sense of community and creativity; for the benefit of all residents and visitors and for future generations.