The WA Government's Planning Appeals Amendment Bill before Parliament today fails to protect against delays.
WA Property Council Policy Adviser, Mr Geoff Cooper, said, "The Government's planning appeals bill could result in a slow, bureaucratic process to resolve planning appeals."
"We would like to see time limits on the decision making process and less scope for vexatious interference in appeals."
"Delays in the handling of appeals cost money, a cost that is borne by property developers and property purchasers."
Previously, more than 90% of appeals went to the Minister because ministerial appeals offered a timely and quick resolution of appeals.
"The Government should ensure that appellants continue to have access to a system that is as efficient as the system it is replacing," said Mr Cooper.
The new Tribunal does provide for smaller matters to be dealt with differently than large matters, but the only difference in the legislation is that an appellant in a smaller matter can choose whether or not legal representation is allowed.
"It would be irresponsible for the Government to introduce yet another bureaucracy without obligations on it to ensure that it meets reasonable timelines," said Mr Cooper.
"Western Australians should be entitled to have an efficient and timely system to resolve planning appeals."
