11 March 2008

Visual Landscape Planning in Western Australia: a manual for evaluation, assessment, siting and design,  fills a long-standing information gap. It provides users with practical guidelines for factoring landscape issues into the planning process.

The need for this manual has arisen because there is no formal landscape planning policy at state or local level.

The intention is not to add another layer of planning to an already complex system, but rather to provide guidance in setting objectives and undertaking assessments of impacts on the visual landscape.

The manual explores the very nature of landscape itself:  Landscape is a major contributor to our essence as individuals and as a community and helps define our sense of place.

The manual explains the key visual landscape assessment tools of visual landscape evaluation and visual impact assessment. It provides guidelines for siting and design in relation to a range of landscape types and land uses.

Examples of successful and not-so-successful visual landscape outcomes are described in words, photos and illustrations throughout the manual.

This resource has state-wide application, addressing a wide array of landscape types: natural, rural and built landscapes at regional, local and site level.

Published by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and Western Australian Planning Commission, it was developed in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Conservation, Main Roads WA and other agencies that deal with landscape.

The publishers will be interested to share experiences with professionals who implement methods from the manual.

For further information about the manual, call 9264 7777.

The visual landscape manual is available for $50 in a custom binder or $15 for the pdf version. Click here to purchase a copy online from the State Law Publisher or download an order form to fax.

The manual can also be purchased in person at the

State Law Publisher
Ground Floor
10 William Street Perth
Ph 9321 7688

Ends

Media contact: Natasha Farrell 9264 7518 or 0408 955 604