Amendments to Local Planning Policy 1.4 Public Art in Developments

The objectives of this policy are:  

• To contribute to a sense of place through the provision of public art which provides an interpretation and expression of the local area’s natural, physical, cultural and social values.  
• To enhance public enjoyment and understanding of places through the integration of art into developments.  
• To add to the appearance, vibrancy, character and amenity of developments and their surrounding environment.  
• To create local landmarks.  
• To provide increased public exposure to, and understanding of, public art. 

Under our current Local Planning Policy 1.4, public art is a requirement for all multiple dwelling/houses, mixed use or non-residential developments (or alterations, additions or extensions to these developments) where the total development cost exceeds $2 million. 

Applicants are required to provide artwork to the value of 1% of the development, or alternately pay cash in lieu of providing the artwork. 

The City regularly reviews and updates its local planning policies to ensure planning decisions align with best practices. The review of LPP 1.4 provided an opportunity to: 

• Include a purpose statement, citation, and updated policy objectives for greater clarity and ease of use. 

• Ensure consistency in public art provision through clear definitions, processes, and alignment with the City’s Public Art Strategy. 

• Update definitions to align with industry standards and expand the scope to include temporary and ephemeral art funded through the Capital Arts Trust. 

• Review financial commitments and cash-in-lieu incentives to reflect rising construction costs and maximise the impact of larger contributions. 

• Ensure public art is meaningful, high-quality, and offers value for money for developers. 

• Clarify lodgement requirements and the stages at which information is needed for public art on development sites. 

• Discourage public art within the verge adjacent to development sites. 

• Maintain alignment with industry best practices in both planning and the arts sectors. 

Our definition of public art is any work that is created by an artist and is sited in a visually accessible public location. It can include (but is not limited to): 

• The artistic treatment of functional equipment such as bike racks, benches, fountains, playground equipment, light posts or shade structures which are unique and produced by a professional artist. 

• Landscape art enhancements such as walkways, bridges or art features which are unique and produced by a professional artist. 

• Murals, tiles and mosaics covering walls, floors and walkways. 

• Sculptures, free-standing, wall supported or incorporated as an integral element of a buildings’ design. 

Our definition of public art does not include: 

• Business logos. Artworks that include a business logo. 

• Advertising signage. Commercial promotions in any form. 

• Directional elements such as super graphics, signage or colour coding. 

• Art objects which are mass produced or off-the-shelf reproductions. 

• Landscaping or hardscaping which would normally be associated with the development. 

• Services or utilities necessary to operate or maintain art works.

• Online, using the submission form 
• Via post 
• In person, 10 Almondbury Road, Booragoon.

Community consultation allows the City to collect information from impacted stakeholders and valid considerations that will help inform good decision-making.  

When preparing a submission there are two principles you should consider - facts and impacts. 
 
Below is a checklist to help you make a good submission. 

1. Give yourself enough time: Act promptly upon receiving notification. Early preparation is key. 
2. Be informed: Ensure you have all the necessary information. Review the draft, check the FAQs on this page, or consult with a Planning Officer if you need additional details to address all your points. 
3. Stick to the facts: Understand what is happening and why. Clearly state whether you believe the proposal is the best approach and provide factual reasons to support your view. 
4. Explain the impact: If you believe a proposal will unduly impact you or your property, explain this clearly and support your explanation with as many facts as possible. 
5. Submit one comprehensive submission: Avoid submitting multiple submissions, as this can delay the compilation process.  
6. ​Submit on time: Ensure your submission is on time, as late submissions may not be able to be considered.

Public comment period is a structured process that allows individuals to submit their opinions and feedback on proposals to the City of Melville. This process requires submitters to provide personal details to verify their identity and connection to the City. 
 
Key points about the public comment period: 

1. Invitation to participate: The community and stakeholders are invited to provide their input on various proposals. 
2. Submission consideration: All received submissions are reviewed and considered as part of the assessment process. However, these submissions do not obligate the City or Council to follow the suggestions or opinions provided. 
3. Anonymity and public reporting: When the City compiles and reports on the submissions, personal details such as names, addresses, and other identifiable information are removed unless the submitter has expressly agreed to share this information. 

This process ensures that the community's voice is heard while maintaining the privacy and authenticity of each submission.