The South West Development Commission (SWDC) was pleased to attend the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) conference held in Bunbury, bringing together planners, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the future of our built and natural environments.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the planning profession—an essential partner in shaping the South West’s growth, liveability and economic development. Discussions throughout the event reinforced the critical role planners play in balancing competing demands across housing, infrastructure, environmental stewardship and industry expansion.
For SWDC, these conversations are directly connected to our broader work driving regional prosperity and supporting emerging industries. As the South West continues to evolve, the importance of strong, forward-looking planning frameworks cannot be overstated. A key theme emerging from the conference was the need for planning systems that are not only responsive, but enabling—supporting innovation, new technologies and evolving industry needs.
This is particularly relevant to the Innovative Industries Forum (IIF), where SWDC works to position the South West at the forefront of sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, agritech and the circular economy. These industries often challenge traditional planning settings, requiring adaptive approaches to zoning, infrastructure provision and approvals.
Planners play a pivotal role in this transition. Their ability to interpret policy, anticipate future land use needs and facilitate appropriate development pathways is critical in unlocking new investment and supporting industry diversification.
As the South West continues to grow and diversify, collaboration between planners, industry and government will be essential. Events like the PIA conference play an important role in building these connections and ensuring a shared understanding of the region’s direction.
SWDC looks forward to maintaining this engagement and continuing to work alongside the planning community to support sustainable, innovative and well-planned outcomes for the South West.
