If the zoning is changed, landowners do not have to change their use of the land or lifestyle. They can stay as they are, or they may set about changing their land use in keeping with the new zoning. For instance, some may seek approval to subdivide their land, or apply to develop it in some way that is consistent with the new zoning.

The WAPC realises many people choose their properties because they like them as they are and may not want to change from, for example, a rural-residential lifestyle to an urban area. Others are keen to change the land use.

For these reasons, amendments to the PRS are advertised so that all affected landowners, and anyone else, will have time to examine the proposals and lodge a submission if they choose.

If your land is marked for reservation in an advertised amendment, you can continue to use and enjoy your property. Generally, reserved land can remain in private ownership until it is needed for the purpose for which it is reserved. Regional planning schemes include reservations over many areas of land which are privately owned.

To protect landowners, there are procedures relating to the acquisition of land or compensation by the WAPC. These are outlined in the brochure Your Property and the Peel Region Scheme which is reproduced at the back of this report and available separately from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.