The City of Karratha has secured national backing for a plan to ensure local communities are properly equipped to handle the population growth brought on by “nationally significant” projects.

The city’s motion requesting the Federal Government introduce mandatory housing and community impact assessments for developments that receive Commonwealth approval, funding or facilitation, was endorsed by the Australian Local Government Association at their 32nd National General Assembly in Canberra on June 23 to 25.

City of Karratha mayor Daniel Scott said the motion aimed to make sure communities were able to keep up with the challenges of major development projects.

“We support investment, economic growth and the nationally significant projects that are critical to Australia’s future,” he said.

“However, we also see firsthand the impacts when workforce demand generated by major projects is not adequately planned for.

“In Karratha alone, we have identified more than $400m in community infrastructure and facility projects needed to support our growing population and maintain liveability.

“Yet the need for this infrastructure is generally not considered as part of project approvals, leaving local governments and communities to manage the consequences after decisions have already been made.”

Cr Scott said the motion was not intended to delay projects or create unnecessary red tape.

“This is about ensuring housing and community impacts are properly assessed upfront and that there is a practical plan to address them before they are felt by local communities,” he said.

The proposal will now form part of the Australian Local Government Association’s national advocacy to the Federal Government.