The third and final stage of the state government's new Planning and Design Code is set to 'go live' on Friday 19th March, 2021.
Planning and Local Government Minister Vickie Chapman says it's now vital for councils and industry representatives to ensure they are 'business-ready' and prepared for the launch of Phase Three by accessing the wide range of training opportunities available through PlanSA.
Phase One and Two of the Planning and Design Code have been in operation since 31st July 2020 across rural and outback South Australia. Phase Three will complete the state-wide roll out, bringing the Code to metropolitan areas and large regional centres.
"This is the final step of the process and will bring the new Code to all South Australians regardless of where they live," said Minister Chapman.
"The complete Code will become a single reference point for the state's planning and assessment industry. It consolidates South Australia's 72 Development Plans into one clear planning rulebook, improving certainty and consistency in decision-making and assessment.
"It's the biggest reform of planning in South Australia in 25 years and represents a whole system transformation that will deliver contemporary policies via a modern digital system," Ms Chapman said.
Stakeholders now have seven weeks to explore the ePlanning system and familiarise themselves with how the PlanSA portal works in preparation for Phase Three 'go live' on Friday 19th March. On this day the updated Planning and Design Code, incorporating improvements from the latest round of public consultation, will be released. A comprehensive Engagement Report will also be made available at this time.
The launch comes after two rounds of extensive community consultation, which, together, spanned more than six months.
"I want to thank everyone who has contributed to shaping the new Code– it will revolutionise the way planning and development applications are dealt with in South Australia," Ms Chapman said.
Chair of the State Planning Commission, Michael Lennon, said "I too would like to thank everyone for their contributions to the new system. These changes are inevitably complex, but we are on the edge of major and nationally significant improvements to how we plan our state."
"The new system provides a much better platform for local, regional and state policy. The public should be assured the new system preserves the best of our past and looks ahead in a balanced but sure-footed way."
"All key users of the system must now avail themselves to the multiple opportunities to train and familiarise themselves with all aspects of the system. Substantial resources and support is available for everyone to be able to gain the benefits of the new system," he said.
Education and training sessions are now available for councils and industry representatives to ensure they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to work within the new planning system. More than 750 staff have already participated in PlanSA training sessions held in late 2020 with a further 2000 registered for training in early 2021.
Further sessions for community members will be made available closer to Phase Three commencement. During these sessions PlanSA representatives will demonstrate how the new ePlanning system works and how to lodge a development application.
Importantly, any development applications submitted prior to 19th March 2021 for metropolitan areas will continue to be assessed and approved under the current planning system. The launch of the new planning system will not affect any development application already in progress.
The Online Planning System for South Australia's Outback and Rural Areas can be accessed here:https://code.plan.sa.gov.au
The draft Online Planning System for South Australia's Urban Areas can be accessed here: https://consult.code.plan.sa.gov.au
Details and registrations for all PlanSA learning opportunities and education sessions can be found here: http://saplanningreform.eventbrite.com
