Improving Planning – Member Survey Results
Responses to a recent Property Council of Australia survey on planning issues in Victoria confirms that lengthy processing times, ambiguous permit triggers and inconsistency of decision-making pathways for planning permits are of greatest concern.
While research indicated support for the improvements promised under the Government’s Smart Planning initiative, frustration continues in the face of lengthy processing delays and inconsistencies between State and Local planning approaches.
While the Property Council of Australia is pleased to see the significant investment in Smart Planning, many previous reform initiatives have failed to be fully implemented. We urge the Victorian Government to ensure that these planning reforms are fully implemented and the tools provided to enable transformation to planning in Victoria.
A single and authoritative online entry point to the system; online interrogation of planning schemes, tools, rules and processes are all essential to move the system into the 21st century and enable online lodgement and tracking, greater consistency, and monitoring of system performance.
Responses showed:
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60% want greater consistency in the way planning decisions are made across councils.
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42.9% want improved pre-planning support
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41.3% want greater clarity of application triggers and planning requirements
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47.8% rated the ability to access online services as a strength of the current planning system, but more online capability is sought.
The Survey responses will inform the Property Council of Australia’s advocacy to improve planning outcomes in Victoria. Efficient and effective planning processes support jobs in our sector and affordability for the community both of which are critical to Victoria’s liveability.
The research supports the Property Council’s continued dialogue with the Government to improve timeliness and certainty of decision-making in the Victorian planning system.
For more information contact the advocacy team on 03 96 8300.