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DAP Improvements Represent Fair Balance

  • October 13, 2016

DAP Improvements Represent Fair Balance

The announcement by the State Government regarding improvements to the Development Assessment Panel (DAP) model has been welcomed by the Property Council.

“The changes represent a fair balance between the need to ensure effective decision making on development applications, and extra transparency in the decision making process for the benefit of the community”, Property Council WA Executive Director Lino Iacomella said.

“The decision by the Government to retain the current DAP system will ensure that the property industry can participate fully in keeping WA growing through cost-effective development and construction.

“The proposed changes to the ‘stop-the-clock’ process and the provision to choose between a local government or a DAP when requesting an amendment to a minor aspect of an existing development approval, will increase reliability, improve consistency and streamline development applications.

“Providing more flexibility for proponents of industrial warehouse developments will help in building more job creating zones.

“Making DAP meeting agendas available earlier and requiring more information about the decisions made by a DAP will enhance the public confidence in the DAP system.

“Today’s announcement is a clear vote of confidence by the Government in the current DAP system and the role DAPs play in achieving good planning outcomes for WA. DAPs have an essential role in promoting job creation and building strong, vibrant communities in WA.”

The changes to the DAP system include:

  • Provide an option to opt-out of a DAP in favour of a local government for developments, such as industrial warehouses, that will not significantly impact local amenity. 
  • DAP agendas will be published at least seven days before a meeting – instead of the current five days – to provide greater advance notice to the public.
  • Local governments will be required to proactively contact each person who has provided a written submission in relation to a DAP application, to inform them of when the meeting will take place.
  • Responsible authority reports to include more information about why decisions can be made, to ensure that the decision-making process is clearly communicated and can be better understood.
  • DAP members and local governments to be provided with more governance support, where required.
  • DAP presiding members will be able to intervene in the ‘stop-the-clock’ process if parties disagree about the level of information that has been provided for an application.
  • Provide proponents with the option to choose between a local government or a DAP when requesting an amendment to a minor aspect of an existing development approval (Form 2). 
  • Add a reference to the DAP regulations that all Form 2 minor amendment meetings should be open to the public.

 

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Notes to editors:

The Property Council of Australia is the leading advocate for Australia’s biggest industry – property.The Property Council champions the interests of more than 2200　member companies that represent the full spectrum of the industry, including those who invest, own, manage and develop in all sectors of property, creating landmark projects and environments where people live, work, shop and play.Our industry represents one ninth of Australia’s GDP (the largest of any sector), employs 1.1 million Australians (more than mining and manufacturing combined) and generates $72 billion in tax revenues to fund community services. In WA, the property industry employs 205,000 West Australians, generates $6.4 Billion in taxes and contributes $31. Billion to the economy.

Media contact: Lino Iacomella | M 0417 1 974 | E [email protected]