Increased fees no guarantee of improved serviceThe State Government has announced new Planning and Subdivision fees which will apply from 13 October. Almost all of these changes result in a significant increase in the amount paid to councils, with no guarantee that the funds will be reinvested in planning services. Disappointingly, councils are being paid more without certainty of improved service quality.We are of the view that there is no justification for increases of this magnitude without similar scale reform including:A reduction in red tape at a local government level; andAn increase in efficiency and services, requirements to meet statutory time frames, refunds if they fail and better performance based outcomes. The Property Council submitted on the Regulatory Impact Statement for what were then proposed increases in June 2016. The submission was based on feedback from our members and interactions with MAV. For further information on our position, click the link below to access our submission.
Home Campaigns and Submissions Increased fees no guarantee of improved service