Precinct Structure Plan

The Shire’s Local Planning Strategy (endorsed by the State Government in October 2023) identifies a clear need to support future urban growth within the Broome Townsite. A place that offers diverse housing, employment and social opportunities for people at all life stages. 

Through the Broome Growth Plan and Local Planning Strategy, it was determined that the best way to achieve this was to activate the existing precincts of Broome, namely the Cable Beach and Chinatown-Old Broome Precincts. Activation of these existing activity nodes provides the following benefits: 

• Contributes to a reduction in urban sprawl; 
• Enables improved liveability by allowing more people to live in high amenity locations; and 
• Provides increased opportunities for housing diversity through introduction of infill dwelling types. 

To achieve these goals, a review of the existing planning framework in these areas was required, resulting in preparation of two Precinct Structure Plans. 

Detailed planning for a specific area can be undertaken by preparing a document called a ‘Precinct Structure Plan’. These documents consider things such as the cultural history of the area, the environment, public spaces, movement for pedestrians, cyclists and cars, land use activity and building design and set a framework to manage future land uses (the type of activity such as commercial, residential etc) and development (buildings). 

All Local Governments have a ‘Local Planning Scheme’ which provides the rules for managing land use and development. It includes a text document that sets out the rules and a series of maps which show the land use activity (zonings and reservations). This higher-level planning document applies across the entire Local Government Area.

For the Shire to implement the provisions and guidelines set out in the Precinct Structure Plans, the Shire of Broome Local Planning Scheme No. 7 must reference the plans through amendments to its text and maps. As the existing Scheme did not reference the Cable Beach or Chinatown-Old Broome Precinct Structure Plans, Scheme Amendment No. 1 was required. Scheme Amendment No. 1 was approved on 19 December 2025, enabling the Precinct Structure Plans to be implemented.

The vision for the Cable Beach Precinct Structure Plan is: 

A connected, vibrant and inclusive precinct that celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the area, retains and promotes tourism character and land use with complimentary residential development, which embrace all of Broome’s seasons.

To help achieve this vision, a number of different initiatives were proposed: 

• Urban Ecology – The development approach within the CBP prioritises environmental sustainability by managing environmentally sensitive areas, such as remnant vegetation and fauna habitats, while promoting resource conservation and reducing waste, energy, and water use. The landscape character is enhanced through high-quality green spaces and tree canopy within developments to mitigate climate change impacts and the urban heat island effect. Designs should celebrate local Aboriginal, cultural, and built heritage to strengthen Cable Beach's identity, while promoting sustainable practices at all development stages.
• Urban Structure – Create a connected and easily navigable urban structure that links key activity areas with Sanctuary Road and the Cable Beach Foreshore. This includes improving public access through large development sites and enabling cross-block pedestrian connections.
• Public Realm – Enhancing streets as key public spaces by improving landscaping, shade, walkability, and activating street frontages is a core focus. The public realm should promote safe and active spaces day and night, while community infrastructure is designed to meet diverse needs, accommodate the climate, and support various activities for both residents and tourists
• Movement – Establish a multi-purpose movement network that supports various transport modes, including pedestrians, cyclists, eMobility, and vehicles. The pedestrian environment should always be safe and comfortable, with improved legibility and connectivity through large development sites. Vehicle parking should be integrated without dominating the streetscape. Additionally, connectivity between the CBP and other parts of Broome, particularly Chinatown, Old Broome, and Broome North, will be strengthened for clearer, more seamless links.
• Land Use – The primary focus of the precinct is still to promote tourism-related development, with a strong emphasis on commercial activation along key activity nodes and streets such as Sanctuary Road. However, greater flexibility is introduced into the plan to allow more permanent residential development allowing yearlong activation of Cable Beach. This is proposed to be managed in a way that maintains and supports the precinct's primary tourist functions and character.
• Built Form – New development will enhance the local area's distinct characteristics, contributing to a strong sense of place. Development must address Broome's climate and environmental conditions, landscapes and buildings will function as an integrated, sustainable system within an ecological context, enhancing local identity and streetscape character. Building heights are generally limited to a maximum of 2-3 storeys, with select sites permitted heights up to 5 storeys tall where they can satisfy a number of specific criteria. 

As described above, one of the key plans for Cable Beach was to increase the amount of permanent residential possible in the area. The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage advised that if the Cable Beach area retained its ‘Tourism’ zone that the Precinct Structure Plan and Amendment would not be consistent with the State Government’s Position Statement: Planning for Tourism and Short-term Rental  Accommodation as it outlines that residential development should be secondary to the tourism use.

Therefore, to implement the vision for the Cable Beach Precinct the majority of the precinct is now rezoned from ‘Tourism’ to ‘Urban Development’. 

The Shire’s Local Planning Scheme establishes that subdivision and development of land in the ‘Urban Development’ is to be in accordance with a Structure Plan. This allows the Cable Beach Precinct Structure Plan to be used as the primary guiding document for planning matters.

The vision for the Chinatown-Old Broome Precinct Structure Plan is: 

The Chinatown-Old Broome Precinct is a place with many layers, connected visually and physically to its rich cultural heritage and natural environment. Diverse land uses, open spaces, and building types provide shade, greenery, and activity which celebrates its role as regional centre of the Kimberley.

To help achieve this vision, a number of different initiatives were proposed: 

• Urban Ecology – New development prioritise environmental sustainability by managing interfaces with sensitive areas like Roebuck Bay, particularly regarding water management impacts. The aim is to create a green precinct, enriched with open spaces and enhanced tree canopies to mitigate climate change and the urban heat island effect. The design of buildings and public spaces should celebrate local Aboriginal culture, as well as the historical and built heritage, especially preserving the significance of Chinatown. 
• Urban Structure – New developments should feature adaptable lot and block configurations that can evolve with the precinct’s changing needs. Additionally, stronger physical and visual connections between Chinatown-Old Broome and its natural surroundings, such as the mangroves, Roebuck Bay, and inter-tidal marshlands, should be prioritised.
• Public Realm – Create high-quality, connected public spaces that support diverse recreational and social activities encouraging high-quality development along their edges. An attractive urban environment is proposed, with streetscape improvements including new planting and the retention of existing vegetation. Additionally, watersensitive urban design (WSUD) principles are integrated into the public realm's design.
• Movement – Develop a well-connected, permeable movement network that prioritises clear, high-quality pedestrian and cyclist pathways. Enhancing public transport options for Broome residents and visitors is key, making it a viable alternative for travel to and from the precinct. Supporting cycling as a transport option includes providing end-oftrip facilities, while minimising the negative visual and functional impacts of car parking within the precinct.
• Land Use – Create a balanced and diverse mix of uses that activate both public and private spaces, supporting day and night activities. Key precincts should see increased development intensity through mixed-use projects, while sensitive infill development should transition residential densities in response to the area's existing character. Chinatown will remain Broome's Central Business District and historic centre, fostering a broad range of employment opportunities.
• Built Form – The focus is on creating high-quality streetscapes with well-designed building frontages that ensure active streets in key areas. New developments will respect the local character, particularly in Chinatown, and be responsive to the site and climate, maximising natural ventilation and cooling. Building designs in Chinatown should minimise flood and cyclone risks without compromising the area's amenity and character. Building heights are generally limited to a maximum of 2-3 storeys, with select sites permitted heights up to 5 storeys tall where they can satisfy a number of specific criteria.            

To implement the vision for the Chinatown-Old Broome Precinct several zoning changes were required. Some of the key changes include: 

• Male Oval – Is rezoned from ‘Regional Centre’ to ‘Public Open Space’ reserve to formalise its purpose as a key recreation asset. 
• North of Gray Street – The area in Chinatown north of Gray Street is rezoned from ‘Regional Centre’ to a combination of ‘Residential R10’ and ‘Foreshore’ reserve. This aligns with the Shire’s Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP). 
• Mixed Use Zone reduced – The extent of land zoned ‘Mixed Use’ in Old Broome has been reduced, and is now concentrated primarily in parts of Carnarvon, Hamersley, Robinson, and Weld Streets to capitalise on activity adjacent to Roebuck Bay and Town Beach. 
• Residential Areas Upcoded – A number of lots on Guy Street and east of Walcott Street have had their residential density (R-Code) increased. Generally from R10 to a combination of R30 / R40 / R50 dependent on location. This is anticipated to help increase housing supply, providing opportunities for new infill development in existing areas. To ensure that existing neighbourhood character can be preserved, landscape and building provisions have been incorporated into the Precinct Structure Plan to make sure that future infill is delivered in a sensitive manner.

When a planning framework is reviewed, all aspects of the plan need to be considered to determine if they are still appropriate and meet the current needs of the place and community. For precinct structure plans, one of these key design elements is ‘built form’, this includes setting planning rules for building heights and setbacks. 

As part of the precinct structure plan, building heights were reviewed to see what new opportunities could be considered. These were considered extensively during the consultation in 2022 and again in 2023.

Chinatown-Old Broome 

In the previous plan, large parts of the Chinatown-Old Broome Precinct were zoned Residential or Mixed Use R50. Under these provisions, a maximum height of 3 storeys is possible as evidenced by key existing developments such as Oaks Broome, Shiba Lane Apartments, and the Mercure Hotel. 

In the new plan, R50 is retained as the primary density code meaning for large parts of the precinct, the maximum building height has not changed. One of the key differences in the new plan though, is that select sites zoned ‘Mixed Use’ are now permitted a maximum height of 5 storeys where they can satisfy certain design criteria. This means that heights above the already permitted 3 storeys, will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. 

Cable Beach

In the previous plan, building heights in the Cable Beach Precinct were limited to 2 storeys. In the new plan, a 2-storey height limit is retained throughout the majority of the precinct.  

Heights above 2 storeys, are only permitted in the ‘Cable Beach High’ Sub-Precinct, where a 3-storey height is proposed. A maximum height of 5 storeys is possible where a development can satisfy certain design criteria. This means that heights above 3 storeys, will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. Planning controls ensure that building setbacks and landscape are used to make sure that building heights have a good relationship with the public realm. 

The community have had several opportunities to contribute to the preparation of the precinct structure plans. 

The first phase of consultation was undertaken with the community in September and November 2022 to understand local values, ideas for the future and how they may like to see the precincts develop. This consultation included: 

• Four community workshops 
• An online mapping tool 
• Stakeholder meetings
• Nyamba Buru Yawuru community meeting 
• Three market stalls
• Written submissions

The second phase of consultation occurred between March and April 2023 and provided the community with the opportunity to view the draft concept plans for each precinct, and provide their feedback.

• Two community workshops 
• Feedback on the design ideas via the online mapping tool o Survey responses o Nyamba Buru Yawuru workshop
• Shire staff workshop
• Written comments

• Shire of Broome Local Planning Scheme No. 7
• Shire of Broome Local Planning Strategy
• Structure Plan Guidelines