WA’s Planning Commission boss talks housing, density – and pushback

Emma Cole, chairperson of Western Australia's Planning Commission, has spent more than two and a half years leading the body responsible for shaping the state’s urban and regional development. Her career path began unexpectedly, rooted in a childhood interest in geography, which eventually led her to a career in local government. Now, she finds herself at the center of debates surrounding housing policy, density, and the challenges of balancing growth with community concerns. Cole’s journey into planning started during her time as a public servant, when she became involved in local government after having young children and seeking a change in her professional life. A development project near her home sparked her initial interest in the field. “There was a development on my laneway, and it was really interesting that all of my neighbours hadn’t been consulted, even though we were really close to it,” she recalled. The project, a new apartment building, was a novel concept for the area, and while she supported its idea, she questioned why the community wasn’t included in the process. This experience led her to pursue a role in local government, where she was elected to the City of Vincent council in 2010. Over the course of a decade, Cole served on the council, rising to the position of mayor in 2017 and holding that office until 2023. During her tenure, she gained insight into the complexities of urban planning and the importance of engaging with the community. She later pursued further education, earning a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, which deepened her understanding of the field and solidified her commitment to it. Her transition from local politics to state-level planning came in 2020 when she joined the WA Planning Commission as the metropolitan representative for local government. After the retirement of previous chairperson David Caddy in early 2024, Cole was appointed to lead the commission. “I had the opportunity to apply to the WAPC while I was the mayor of the City of Vincent, and the passion for planning just grew and grew,” she said. Despite common perceptions that the Planning Commission primarily approves development applications, Cole emphasized that its role extends far beyond that. “People think of us as the ones who approve development applications, but that’s at the pointy end and almost like the last stage of planning,” she explained. The commission consists of nine members and several committees that guide strategic decisions and offer advice on land use. These include reviewing local government planning instruments and making statutory decisions on structure plans, subdivisions, and development applications. The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage carries out the operational tasks on behalf of the commission, acting as its administrative arm. While the commission itself does not employ staff, it relies heavily on the department to implement its policies and decisions. Cole stressed that the commission is always mindful of the human element in planning. “We are very conscious that planning is all about people. It’s all about communities.” The commission frequently encounters criticism for approving developments that local residents oppose. However, Cole insists that public input plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. “We run transparent meetings where people can come in and provide deputations. We read all of the submissions, and we’re very much about opening up the meetings and including the community so that they can have their view,” she said. While public opinion is considered, Cole noted that other factors must also be taken into account, such as broader policy goals and infrastructure needs. As the commission continues to grapple with issues related to housing shortages, increasing population demands, and the need for sustainable development, Cole remains focused on ensuring that planning decisions reflect both long-term vision and immediate community concerns. With her background in local government and academic training, she aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard in the evolving landscape of Western Australia’s urban planning.