The Port Hedland West End PSP will cover the area subject to Improvement Scheme No. 1, which is land generally west of Taplin Street, as shown in the figure below. The PSP for West End can only cover an area that is included in the Improvement Scheme area, however some areas that fall outside the Improvement Scheme – such as the nearby Spoilbank Marina – will be reviewed through context analysis, so that whilst they may not form part of the PSP recommendations, their impact and role are considered.

The South Hedland Town Centre Precinct Structure Plan area is depicted in the figure on this page. This area was determined through a contextual analysis analysis, opportunities and constraints planning investigation and consideration of landownership. It includes areas already with the existing structure plan and includes areas along Hamilton Road that will form the northern gateway into the South Hedland Town Centre.

These areas have unique identities, land uses, and opportunities. Separate plans allow for tailored responses to local character, economic drivers, and community needs. Preparing both PSPs at the same time will ensure overall alignment with broader town planning strategies.

A Precinct Structure Plan is usually prepared by a local government or a landowner and must be approved by the Western Australian Planning Commission before it can be applied to any decision-making.

The Town is collaborating with BHP and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) on the West End PSP.

DPLH and Development WA are collaborating with the Town on the South Hedland Town Centre PSP.

The outcome of a PSP is a clear plan that shows how an area can grow and change over time, guiding future development in an organised and well-planned way. This can guide both public and private sector investment and decision-making.

For example, the previous 2014 South Hedland Structure Plan led to Town-led public realm projects such as the Forrest Circle public open space and public art projects in South Hedland. It also set the guidelines for developments.

Land use and development in the West End is guided by the West End Improvement Scheme No. 1, which provides a planning framework that allows for the State Government response to the Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce Report to Government (2016). This response prohibits sensitive land uses and restricts population growth in the West End of Port Hedland by disallowing new permanent residential development and development that is intended for use either exclusively or primarily by sensitive groups, including aged care, childcare and medical facilities.

As such, the existing housing in the West End is now considered a ‘non-conforming use’ which is a land use that was lawful before a local planning scheme was introduced or amended but is now prohibited or restricted under the new Scheme. Existing housing in the West End will continue as a ‘non-conforming use’ until development or similar occurs to that property. However, no new permanent housing will be supported within the West End precinct.

A PSP can identify areas suitable for future housing and commercial activity, with a mix of options. It does not approve specific development but ensures if they were to be proposed that they fit the agreed vision, are in the right location, and are backed by broader analysis.

Both the South Hedland Town Centre and Port Hedland West End PSPs will consider the latest population trends and commercial demand forecasts. This helps ensure that any future development opportunities, such as retail or other commercial uses, are based on current needs and expectations. While the PSP does not necessarily mean that development will occur, having a clear and coordinated plan in place can help attract investment and provide greater certainty for landowners, businesses, and the community.

For West End, the State Government (through Improvement Scheme No. 1) has prohibited the development of any new permanent residential development in this area. This does not exclude short term or workers accommodation. Other commercial and tourism uses that are permitted under Improvement Scheme No. 1 may also be considered where appropriate. The South Hedland Town Centre is expected to serve as the key commercial activity centre for the region.

PSPs in and of themselves cannot rezone land. A PSP can, however, include strategic planning recommendations that may involve rezonings through a future scheme amendment process. Scheme amendments are a lengthy undertaking and require public consultation.

Precinct Structure Plans are long-term frameworks, with a 10-year horizon or lifespan. Some changes may be visible through small projects, while other depend on funding, private development interest, and staged infrastructure rollout. Importantly, having PSPs in place will provide confidence to the development industry through an agreed design direction and action plan. It is expected that small, incremental change may occur over the next 10 years, with the PSPs then reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure they are still relevant and fit for purpose.

The PSPs will be supported by a suite of specialist analyses, which are anticipated to include (but are not limited to):

• Environmental assessment and management strategy
• Local water management report
• Local economic, retail and employment and needs assessment
• Transport and access strategy, including transport impact assessment
• Parking management plan
• Local infrastructure and servicing strategy
• Heritage report – Aboriginal and Historic
• Planning and urban design analysis
• Comprehensive community and stakeholder engagement process

The current project timeline projects the adoption of the Precinct Structure Plans in late 2026.

The preparation of the PSPs will seek to build upon the vision and comprehensive engagement previously undertaken by the Town of Port Hedland as part of the Strategic Community Plan, Local Planning Strategy, draft Public Space and Street Tree Strategy and the ‘Our Place, Our Story’ place branding project.

The preparation of the PSPs will take on a more place-specific planning analysis and provide a guiding framework for land use, density and development, movement and access arrangements, infrastructure, environmental assets and community facilities.

The Western Australian Planning Commission will be the final decision-maker of the PSPs, having considered reporting from the Town of Port Hedland.

However, the initial lodgement process of the draft PSPs will be different. The West End PSP being lodged with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) and the South Hedland PSP being lodged with the Town of Port Hedland. This is due to the role of Improvement Scheme No. 1 in the West End.

The ‘Our Place, Our Story’ project seeks to create Hedland’s future identity and create a brand that describes the Port Hedland community’s voice, culture and aspirations. The PSPs will provide a design and development direction that reflects the community’s aspirations for what the two precinct areas could look like to live and work in.

Whilst not directly related, the two will have some crossover through understanding a community aspiration, vision or direction for the future of both precincts in Port Hedland.