Sustainable Development

Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations. It’s about sustaining economic growth and social inclusion while protecting the environment.

Sustainable design incorporates energy efficiency, pollution and waste reduction, recycling and resource recovery, and environmentally friendly construction practices.

Sustainable development is a strong theme in the Town’s Strategic Community Plan 2022-2032 (SCP):

• The SCP’s first environmental priority (protect and enhance the natural environment) includes goals relating to protecting and increasing tree canopy, reducing carbon emissions, and encouraging residents to live more sustainably.
• The SCP’s third environmental priority (enhance liveability through smart planning urban design and development) aims to improve water and energy efficiency of new development to improve quality of life for our community.

Encouraging sustainable development is also a core component in the Town’s Climate Emergency Plan, Local Planning Strategy, and Local Planning Scheme.

The Town of Victoria Park is introducing a new Sustainable Development Policy (LPP46) to make it easier for landowners and developers to create buildings that are energy-efficient, water-wise, and environmentally responsible.

Sustainable Development Policy

Endorsed by Council on 15 July 2025 after community and stakeholder consultation, Local Planning Policy 46 sets clear sustainability requirements for new developments while empowering developers to choose sustainability measures that are appropriate to their site context and budget, making sustainable design achievable, affordable, and flexible. 

Why this policy matters

LPP46 supports the Town’s Local Planning Strategy and Climate Emergency Plan, helping reduce energy and water use, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create healthier, more efficient buildings. While some measures may involve upfront costs, they often deliver long-term savings through lower utility bills. 

What’s changing?

Starting 8 January 2026, development applications assessed by the Town will need to meet new sustainability standards: 

For Residential Development (Part A): 

• Part A applies to new houses, grouped dwellings, and multiple dwellings zoned R60 and below. 
• Each development must earn a minimum number of sustainability points from a list of 21 measures (e.g., solar panels, rainwater tanks, tree retention). 
• Sustainability points can be made up of any combination of the 21 measures. This flexible approach allows applicants to choose the measures that suit their site and budget. 
• Minimum required points:  
  • 100 points for new dwellings 
  • 60 points for major additions (>50% floor area) 

For Non-Residential Development (Part B): 

• Part B applies to non-residential developments with 1,000m²+ gross floor area. 
• These developments must achieve a rating of at least 4 Green Stars using the appropriate Green Building Council of Australia rating tool (best practice standard). 
• The GBCA explanatory material outlines the Green Star ratings as: 
  • 1 Star = minimum practice 
  • 2 Stars = average practice 
  • 3 stars = good practice 
  • 4 stars = best practice 
  • 5 stars = Australian excellence 
  • 6 stars = world leadership 

When does it apply? 

The new policy applies to development applications assessed from 8 January 2026 (not by the submission date). 

Applications lodged from October 2025 may be assessed under LPP46 due to standard 60/90-day assessment timeframes, so it’s important to understand and consider the policy when submitting your application.

Learn more

Read the full policy and sustainability measures below.

Local Planning Policy 46 - Sustainable Development

Summary of sustainability measures

For more information, please contact the Town at admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au or call 9311 8111.