October 29, 2009
A new trial that would allow developers and builders to submit and track some planning and building applications electronically could help deliver faster and more efficient services, TRC general manager Glenn Inglis says.
Tamworth Regional Council has been selected as one of 12 role model councils across NSW to trial the new electronic planning initiative.
The council’s role was announced by the NSW Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, during the Local Government Association Conference in Tamworth.
The project will develop and pilot a shared, statewide platform for end-to-end processing of complying development under the housing code, including pre-lodgement investigation of whether the development qualifies as complying development, application lodgement, tracking, and approvals.
The 12 role model councils are the focus for fast tracking complying development service delivery in priority areas, while developing leading practice models for all councils to eventually follow over time. Complying applications are those which meet existing housing code guidelines.
The pilot initiative will focus on applications made under the current version of the NSW Housing Code (lots greater than or equal to 450m2).
General manager Glenn Inglis says that if the trial gets it right, it could deliver a new system to council that could deliver better customer service and better quality applications to councils.
“It is a pilot and it will be interesting to see how it works, but on paper it suggests an opportunity that could also streamline and reduce resources we use in processing applications in hard copy now,” Mr Inglis said.
“We would be hoping it will give us cost savings and be more user friendly for many of our customers. It should be particularly helpful for many of the busiest builders and developers who are submitting multiple applications. They will be able to do it faster and easier and from their own offices.”
Mayor James Treloar has welcomed the joint program between the Department of Planning and TRC and a focus for fast-tracking online service delivery in planning.
Minister Keneally said: “I congratulate the 12 role model councils who successfully applied to participate in this innovative pilot program which represents a new way forward in meeting the planning needs of high-growth NSW communities.”
Mr Treloar said: “The end game - out the other side of this important pilot – is to make it more cost-effective for government, state as well as local, to offer these services online. We hope it will pave the way to demonstrating how - by collaborating across stakeholders and systems - we can reduce costs, further mitigate risks and deliver better outcomes for the Tamworth community and all NSW communities.”
The twelve ‘Role Model Councils’ selected to participate in the EHC Pilot are:
Bankstown City Council; Blacktown City Council; Gosford City Council; Lake Macquarie City Council; Liverpool City Council; Port Macquarie-Hastings Council; Rockdale City Council; Shellharbour Council; Sutherland Shire Council; Tamworth Regional Council; The Hills Shire Council; Tweed Shire Council.
Mr Inglis said a start date for the new system has not been finalised but it is hoped to be early next year.