Improving the NSW Planning System

E-Planning for NSW

e-Planning refers to the use of electronic processes in delivering planning and development services – such as online lodgement and processing of development applications, and the provision of web-based information such as maps, regulations and State and local policies. Feedback to date on planning reforms shows strong support from government, industry and the community for e-Planning in NSW.

The Department of Planning and Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) are working together to deliver a number of strategic e-planning projects during 2009 and 2010 that will benefit the NSW community.

Three key projects are currently underway:

e-Planning Roadmap

Background

The Department of Planning and LGSA are funding the preparation of an e-planning 'roadmap', which will provide the strategic framework for leading and coordinating the uptake of electronic tools for planning and development services delivered to the community by both NSW government agencies and local government. The project is being overseen by an e-Planning Steering Committee with representation drawn from state and local government and private industry.

e-Planning fact sheet 1: e-Planning Roadmap project

Current activities

The Department and LGSA are conducting a range of consultation activities, including a leadership breakfast and an 'e-Planning future forum' as well as targeted stakeholder interviews. An analysis process is also underway, with a view to providing a clear picture of the current state of electronic data and online services that can contribute to improved planning outcomes.  The Roadmap will also be aligned to the draft Planning and Reporting Guidelines for Local Government with a proposed 10-year strategic vision, 4-year delivery plan and rolling 12-month implementation cycle.

A dedicated website has also been set up: www.bangthetable.com/towardseplanning for stakeholders in the planning system to view and contribute comments. The success of the e-Planning Roadmap project can only be achieved through the positive collaboration of all stakeholders and the website is designed to encourage wide engagement in the project.

A draft of the Roadmap, and associated implementation plan, is expected by the end of the year, with a formal launch planned for early 2010.

For more information, please contact Clare Huxley, e-Planning team leader on (02) 9228-6135 or clare.huxley@planning.nsw.gov.au or contribute via www.bangthetable.com/towardseplanning.

NSW Electronic Housing Code Pilot Project

Background

The Federal Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek, has made available $5.92 million to fund the NSW Electronic Housing Code (eHC) pilot project under the Housing Affordability Fund. 

The project will focus on the development of online systems for the lodgement and processing of applications under the NSW Housing Code. The electronic Housing Code pilot project will make the development process more user-friendly, cut paperwork and help deliver speedier decisions on applications. 

The pilot is a joint Department of Planning and LGSA project and will run through to June 2010.

e-Planning fact sheet 2: e-Housing Code project
e-Housing Code pilot project - scope  

Current activities

 In October 2009, the NSW Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, announced the twelve Role Model Councils at the NSW Local Government Association conference at Tamworth. This group will be the focus for fast-tracking eHC service delivery in priority areas, while developing leading practice models for all Councils to follow over time.

The selected Role Model Councils are:

Expressions of interest have also been called for Role Model Certifiers to participate in the project.  A copy of the background document for accredited certifiers is available to download below:

eHC Role Model Certifier briefing paper

Expressions of interest from accredited certifiers are due by 6 November 2009 and should be submitted online through http://ehc.wufoo.com/forms/expression-of-interest-role-model-certifiers.  Further information for certifiers is available from Helen Ting in the Department’s e-Planning team on (02) 9228 6504 or helen.ting@planning.nsw.gov.au

Electronic development application process

The Australian Government is funding a national project, via the Development Assessment Forum (DAF), to develop an 'electronic development application interoperability specification' (eDAIS) to process develoment applications (DA).  This will enable all levels of governments and others involved in the DA process to move information and data electronically between agencies and applicants.

Both the Department and LGSA participate on the national eDA (electronic development assessment) Steering Committee, which oversees the Electronic Development Assessment Interoperability Specification (eDAIS) project. For further information visit the Australian Government's GovDex website.

e-Planning presentations and events

Presentations about the e-Planning Roadmap and electronic Housing code projects have been made at the following events:

Innovation in Planning and Development Assessment
Association of Accredited Certifiers

Implementation

An e-Planning Steering Committee with representatives from State and local government and industry has been formed to engage with key stakeholders in the planning system and to assist the Department and LGSA deliver these projects.

Further information

e-Planning - video presentation (February 2009) – recording of a Housing Code implementation workshop by Chris Johnson.

Contacts

John Hudson, Director, Sustainable Systems, Department of Planning
Phone 02 9228 6517, email john.hudson@planning.nsw.gov.au
 

Judy Birrell, Senior Policy Officer, LGSA (NSW)
Phone 02 9242 4093, email judy.birrell@lgsa.org.au.