The Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop has declared ‘Suburban Rail Loop planning areas’ under section 65(1) of the Suburban Rail Loop Act 2021 described in the Planning Area Plan. SRLA is a Planning Authority under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 for these planning areas.

The declared planning areas include locations for future housing and business development with the borders generally following natural features such as major roads and highways, parks and waterways and municipal boundaries.

As a Planning Authority, SRLA can prepare and exhibit planning scheme amendments. Local councils also remain a Planning Authority for these areas, as well as the balance of their municipalities. They also remain Responsible Authorities responsible for assessment and decisions on planning permit applications.