Strategic planning and property advisory for complex Western Australian projects
McFerran Advisory takes land and development projects from concept through the planning, environmental and infrastructure approval systems to delivery.
Welcome to McFerran Advisory
Strategic Planning • Environmental Approvals • Development Advisory • Project Delivery
McFerran Advisory is an independent Western Australian consultancy specialising in strategic planning, property development and project direction.
Led by David McFerran, the firm coordinates multi-disciplinary teams for landowners, developers and government agencies on district-scale structure planning, individual development projects and the reform of the systems both must pass through.
Our Approach
Independent. We act for the client and only the client, with no ownership or commercial ties to any consultancy, contractor or landholding.
Integrated. We scope, procure and direct the specialist team - planners, engineers, environmental scientists, economists - and bring their work together into a single case for decision.
Informed by reform. Our approvals strategy draws on direct involvement in reviewing and reforming Western Australia's planning and environmental approval systems.
Within the system. We engage with the WAPC, local governments and servicing agencies as the proponent's project director within statutory processes.
Clear communication and disciplined project governance
Our Commitment
"Our role is to give the client a single, accountable point of direction across the technical disciplines, the approval processes and the agencies involved."
About Us
McFerran Advisory was established to provide structured, systemised advisory services that bring clarity to Western Australia’s planning, environmental, and development systems. Our consultancy combines deep sector knowledge with a disciplined methodology‑driven approach, enabling clients to make informed decisions with confidence.
Our Philosophy
We believe high‑quality advisory work is built on rigorous analysis, independent thinking and collaborative delivery
Our Leadership
McFerran Advisory is guided by experienced leadership with extensive involvement in planning reform, environmental approvals, development strategy, and government advisory. Leadership expertise informs the consultancy’s methodologies and strategic direction, while project delivery is supported by a broader network of planners, environmental specialists, project managers, and technical consultants.
Our Delivery Network
McFerran Advisory works with a network of Planning consultants, Environmental scientists and Stakeholder engagement specialists to deliver the right expertise at the right time.
Our Services
We specialize in:
Land Development
Project Management
Environmental Assessment and Approvals
Strategic and Land Use Planning
Market Led Proposals
Regional Development
Constraints analysis and due diligence reports
Options Analysis and Reports
Policy Development and Reform
Risk Assessment and Management
Community Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement
Our Point of Difference and Expertise.
Led by David McFerran, the founder of McFerran Advisory, we have a long-standing history of providing quality service.
We are independent, however with the capacity and capability to work with other large consulting firms when required. This gives us an ability to provide truly independent and unbiased advice.
The development sector in Western Australia is particularly complicated. From the various strategic and statutory planning layers, the various approval requirements involved in Environmental, Planning, Heritage, Cultural and community considerations, it is easy to see why property development in WA requires guidance and support. It is as a result of this complexity that McFerran Advisory adds significant value.
We leverage businesses existing internal resources and capacity with a client first approach by adding our capabilities. Our advisors can review, and value add to help maintain and build your companies or departments performance.
McFerran Advisory’s ability to decipher and translate the planning, environmental and the various other approval systems in Western Australia will provide your business with a unique advantage over others.
Our independence also allows us to provide candid and relatable feedback regarding stakeholders, partners, agencies and departments to deliver highly advantageous outcome for clients.
PROJECTS / TRACK RECORD
Our Track Record
McFerran Advisory has contributed to significant planning, environmental, and development initiatives across Western Australia.
Examples of Our Work
Planning reform and policy development projects - DPLH
Environmental approvals process reviews – SteamlineWA and DWER
Strategic land development assessments – Private Clients
Government advisory and regulatory reform initiatives - Integradium
Regional development and infrastructure planning – Private Clients
Our work spans government, private sector, and community‑focused projects, with a consistent emphasis on clarity, structure, and evidence‑based decision‑making.
Clients
Trusted by government and industry Across Western Australia
McFerran Advisory works with leading government agencies, developers and landowners navigating complex environmental and development environments.
McFerran Advisory
David has a broad and diverse background and is a strong communicator and connector. His extensive experience has seen him be appointed as the Chairman of the Swan River Trust, the Independent Chair of the Bird Flu Wildlife Advisory Group and as a member of the WAPC's Capital City Planning Committee. He was previously the Chair of the Exmouth Gulf Taskforce.
David McFerran
Director
Admin
Invoicing