An amendment to the Region Planning Scheme changes the zoning or reservation of land to allow for a different land use.

The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) is responsible for keeping the Region Planning Schemes under review and initiating changes where they are seen to be necessary. An amendment to the Region Planning Scheme changes the zoning or reservation of land to allow for a different land use. The amendment process is regulated by the Planning and Development Act 2005.

An amendment is advertised inviting submissions before a final decision on a proposal is made. A submission is a chance for people to express their opinion and provide information. The number of submissions received for or against a proposal will not determine the result, rather it is the reasoned argument of why a particular thing should or should not be done.

Submissions assist the WAPC in reviewing planning proposals before proceeding. Advertised proposals are often modified in response to the public submission process.