The protocol is in the final stages of development and has been jointly developed by State Development Minister Clive Brown, the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR), the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) and the Department of Local Government and Regional Development (DLGRD), on behalf of Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens.

"When implemented, the protocol will help maximise local benefits from major resources projects by defining the process by which issues can be raised, discussed and resolved," said State Development Minister Clive Brown.

Such issues would include the proposed location and scope of the major resources project; the proposed project timelines and local, regional and State infrastructure and planning requirements; the identification of potential social and financial effects and benefits; planning issues and issues affecting the revenue of local government(s).

The proposal is in response to claims by regional councils, such as retiring Pilbara MLA Larry Graham who suggested the state government was not doing enough to maximise local benefits from major resources projects.