Cape Peron (including Mangles Bay)

Cape Peron is a coastal gem. Its spectacular natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere have been treasured by generations but needs to be planned for into the future.

The Perth and Peel @ 3.5 million frameworks establish a vision for the Perth and Peel regions and identified Cape Peron as one of 15 Planning Investigation Areas (PIAs). PIAs are areas which require further detailed planning to establish an appropriate range of land uses and compatible activities that should guide development in the future.

Study area

A Metropolitan Region Scheme amendment to allow a tourist-based marina at Mangles Bay was withdrawn by the Minister for Planning in March 2018. This site formed the original PIA; this was later increased to include all land within the Cape Peron peninsula at the request of the City of Rockingham.

The PIA process aims to determine the most sustainable future use of Cape Peron. Key considerations include:

land use options
tenure/lease management issues
recreation and community access
environmental protection
coastal setbacks
regional roads
bushfire risk

(Click the above image to view a large version of the map).

Working Group

A Working Group has been established to oversee consideration of future land use for Cape Peron. Its role is to:

develop potential land use options, after examining all relevant issues, opportunities, constraints and outcomes
ensure these options have due regard to landowner and community views and expectations through appropriate community consultation
make strategic recommendations for State Government consideration.

Its membership comprises senior representatives from:

Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (including Working Group Chair)
City of Rockingham
Department of Transport
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

The Working Group’s role is to oversee the engagement process and provide technical knowledge and input into the project.

The fundamental challenge for the Working Group is to address complex land management arrangements which involve numerous owners and multiple leaseholders.

Community reference group

A community reference group has been established to provide important local knowledge to the Working Group in response to significant public interest in the future of this highly-valued area.

Its role is to provide input from its own and other community groups into the development of land use options and consultation processes. It comprises representatives from:

Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (Chair)
Cape Peron Coastal Park Steering Committee
Mangles Bay Fishing Club
Palm Beach Community Association
Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce
Rockingham Lakes Regional Park Community Advisory Committee
The Cruising Yacht Club
Tourism Rockingham
Point Peron Rehabilitation Committee

Community consultation

Cape Peron is highly valued by the local community. Your input is vital and will be included as an integral part of the planning investigation process.

Community consultation closed on Friday 24 April 2020.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cape Peron a Planning Investigation Area?

Cape Peron was identified as one of 15 Planning Investigation Areas in the Perth and Peel@3.5million frameworks which aim to create a consolidated and connected city by 2050.

The planning investigation process considers all current land uses and will result in recommendations to Government on an appropriate range of land uses and compatible activities into the future

The implications of any final decision for existing and any future land uses at Cape Peron need to be carefully considered to ensure the outcomes meet community needs and aspirations. Without a thorough examination of all potential implications, there may be unintended consequences, now or in the future, particularly for stakeholders and specific sites currently used by community organisations within the peninsula.

Are there plans for permanent residential development at Cape Peron?

No. There are no plans for permanent residential development on the Cape Peron peninsula. The planning investigation process will determine potential uses for the land for State Government consideration, which may include low-impact, tourism-related options such as tent sites or caravan parks.

What is a Reserve?

A reserve is Crown land set aside for a purpose, generally in the interest of the public.

A Reserve is usually applied to land that:

holds intrinsic community value or is of high conservation value that should be preserved and maintained for the benefit of future generations; and/or
for core business/service delivery needs of general sector State agencies and local governments.

The State can reserve land under three classifications – Class A, B or C as well as cancelling a reservation.

Class A – is solely to protect areas of high conservation or high community value. Class A has the greatest degree of protection, requiring approval of Parliament to amend the reserve’s purpose or area, or to cancel the reservation.
Class B – due to legislative changes this classification has become redundant. Whilst there are residual Class B reserves, there is no legislation to create new Class B reserves.
Class C –this is the most commonly applied reservation. Class C Reserves can include, but not limited to, Regional Open Space and public facilities such as hospitals, schools, universities, utilities and services and Commonwealth Government.

Most of the Cape Peron study area is Reserved with a Class C classification.

How will the planning investigation process impact community groups and others that have leases at Cape Peron?

This project is aimed to establish a vision to guide the future of Cape Peron by outlining an appropriate range of land uses and compatible activities.

Depending on the outcome of this study changes to leaseholder arrangements may be recommended.

No changes will be made to leaseholder arrangements without first notifying the leaseholder.

How long will this process take?

The working group is aiming to complete its report to Government by late 2020. This report will provide high level recommendations for the future of Cape Peron.

How can I have my say?

Comments and queries can be provided via the consultation hub.

Contact us

For more information or assistance with a query, contact capeperon@dplh.wa.gov.au or call the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage on 6551 8002.

Page last reviewed 4 August 2021