Introduction to Residential Land Subdivision Planning & Design

Course Summary

Introduction to Residential Land Subdivision Planning & Design is an in-person course offering a comprehensive introduction to the end-to-end residential land subdivision process in Western Australia. This practical, activity based course covers the key principles and processes equipping the participants with essential knowledge to effectively navigate subdivision through planning, design, and approvals. 

This course blends the technical know-how with real-world case examples and interactive activities to maximise the learnings. So, whether you’re thinking about subdividing, working with those who do it or you’re in the field and want to refresh your knowledge, this course will provide you with a solid foundation for successful residential land subdivision. 

Who Should Attend?

• Local or State government staff interacting with the industry wanting a better understanding of the subdivision process from a development perspective 
• Development Managers and Project Managers (from Assistant to Senior)
• Consultants and real estate agents wanting to understand the process as a potential sales tool 
• Those new to the WA development industry seeking to build their local knowledge

Course Outline  

Foundations of Land Subdivision in Western Australia

Introduction to Land Subdivision:

• What is land subdivision, and why is it important for property development?
• Types and scale of subdivisions (e.g., greenfield, infill, strata, and freehold subdivisions).

Regulatory Framework:

• Overview of Western Australia’s land development, planning and approvals framework.
• Key agencies and their roles (e.g., WA Planning Commission, local councils, utilities).

Essential Terminology:

• Explain terms such as R-Codes (Residential Design Codes), zoning, and development approval.

Planning and Design of a Residential Subdivision

Site Analysis and Basic Due Diligence Process:

• How to undertake a due diligence process and evaluate a site for subdivision potential.
• Considerations: zoning, size, access, utilities, environmental factors

Design Principles:

• Practical tips for lot layout, road placement, engineering design and open space requirements.
• Balancing profitability with liveability, compliance and market responsiveness.
• Implications of residential density code / development requirements on subdivision design.

Subdivision Planning Process:

• Steps involved in preparing a concept plan, consultant team inputs and submitting applications.
• Infrastructure upgrades (e.g., roads, drainage, utilities).
• Technical considerations: Infrastructure; Traffic; Environmental; Heritage; Acoustic; Bushfire.

Approval, Implementation, and Beyond

Post-lodgement Subdivision Approval Process

• Application to the WA Planning Commission.
• Navigating conditional approvals and managing approval risk.
• Post-lodgement follow-up and monitoring with referral agencies to the point of determination, including review and negotiation of draft conditions.

Subdivision Construction Overview: 

• Civil construction & engineering process for basic subdivision.
• Dealing with local government, utilities & services and satisfaction of subdivision conditions.
• Managing construction risk.

Final Steps & Common Challenges:

• Clearing of subdivision conditions and obtaining titles.
• Minimising delays and holding costs.

CPD Points

UDIA WA is an approved CPD training provider. Following the launch of the new CPD points program by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, the CPD points for this course is currently under review and will be published as soon as confirmed. 

Pricing

To obtain member rates please use your company email when registering. All prices are inclusive of GST.

Member: $840 pp 

Non-Member: $1100 pp

Katherine Shirley

Taylor Burrell Barnett | Senior Associate

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Katherine Shirley

Taylor Burrell Barnett | Senior Associate

Katherine is a Senior Associate with Taylor Burrell Barnett and has fifteen years of experience in the private sector. Katherine’s skills have diversified over this time through her work on a variety of highly complex projects including proposals for planning strategies, structure plans, subdivisions and developments. Katherine provides her clients with a strategic understanding of how land can be best used and developed. She also guides them through the planning processes required to achieve those proposals. Her interpersonal skills and relationships with personnel in State and Local Government have proven valuable to the successful progression of projects.

 

Katherine is also an accredited IAP2 practitioner which has provided her with a solid foundation in designing, managing and facilitating complex stakeholder and community engagement to achieve community buy-in, quality design outcomes and creating positive change for the industry and local communities.

Alan Burman

TABEC | Principal Civil Project Engineer

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Alan Burman

TABEC | Principal Civil Project Engineer

Alan has over twenty years’ experience in the area of land development and civil engineering and has worked across a significant number of infrastructure and land development projects in Western Australia. Alan started his career as a Civil Designer with 5 years spent in Local Government involved in the design of road upgrades, stormwater drainage, carparks and traffic management installations. Following this he spent 2 ½ years living and working in the UK, predominately working in traffic and transport engineering.

Alan’s broader experience has been in the role of Civil Project Engineer in civil consultancy. Bookended with 2 ½ years working for a large residential developer in the role of Project Manager, accountable for delivery of their civil and landscape construction projects.

Alan has been responsible for provision of advice on master planned communities, feasibility studies, servicing investigations, detailed design, documentation, tender, contract administration and Superintendent roles for residential subdivisions and civil projects for both Government and private clients.

 

Matt Jilley

Manager – Land and Property Development I MNG

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Matt Jilley

Manager – Land and Property Development I MNG

Matt is a Licensed Surveyor with over a decade of experience in land development, subdivision processes, and survey methodologies. He has extensive knowledge in titling, land tenure, and project delivery, working closely with developers, planners, engineers and local authorities to ensure efficient and high-quality outcomes.

Since transitioning to consulting in 2021, Matt has been instrumental in delivering large-scale greenfield developments, infill freehold and survey strata subdivisions. His expertise includes survey coordination, stakeholder engagement, and managing subdivision approvals, helping streamline the process from initial planning to final titling.

Previously, Matt worked as a field-based licensed surveyor across Perth’s metropolitan and regional areas, gaining experience in cadastral, engineering, mining-related, and laser scanning surveys. He obtained his Licensed Surveyor registration in 2020 and is an active member of the Western Australian Institution of Surveyors.

Currently, Matt is the consulting surveyor on major land development projects, including Amberton Estate, Ocean Reef Marina, Ocean Hill, Spires Estate and Aarya Estate, ensuring efficient title delivery and high-quality outcomes.

 

Presenters

Presenters