iTnews

NSW pours another $10m into ePlanning platform

By Justin Hendry on May 5, 2020 1:31PM
NSW pours another $10m into ePlanning platform

Plans for mass take up by councils.

The NSW government will spend another $9.7 million bolstering the state’s ePlanning platform, as all metropolitan and regional councils prepare to start using the system.

Customer service minister Victor Dominello announced the new funding on Tuesday to deliver “essential upgrades to the platform” before it becomes mandatory for all councils next year.

The platform - a bare-bones version of which was first introduced in 2018 - allows councils to post real-time information on the number of development applications in their areas.

It brings 15 existing planning systems together in one centralised platform, replacing what was previously a largely paper-based service requiring face-to-face interactions.

Dominello said 37 councils were already using the platform to process development applications, but that this would climb to 128 councils by July 2021.

“This funding will deliver important upgrades to enhance and ensure the system can keep up with the increase in demand once all 128 councils are on board by July next year,” he said.

Councils in Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Illawarra will be required to start accepting and processing applications and certificates through the platform from July.

Greater metropolitan councils will follow by the end of 2020, while all remaining councils across the state will be expected to process all applications through ePlanning by July 2021.

In addition to supporting increased demand, the funding injection will be used to expand digital services to improve integration between councils, state agencies and the department. 

The upgrade will also result in a new service that allows applicants to lodge and pay for planning proposals online.

Funding for Land and Environment Court access to the system, guidance, training and technical support for councils and reporting and analytics software will also be provided.

Planning minister Rob Stokes said ePlanning’s importance had been realised during COVID-19, as it helps the planning and construction industry moving. 

“ePlanning is already helping councils slash processing times by up to 50 per cent and its roll out will help new projects get through the system faster,” he said.

Other recent changes to the planning system in response to COVID-19 include moving all planning panels holding public hearing and meetings online.

“A fundamental part of the planning system is ensuring people can have their say and be listened to, and we’re using technology to ensure that continues during the pandemic,” Stokes said last week.

“We are also committed to ensuring decisions on development applications and planning proposals don’t come to a halt during the pandemic so we can keep our economy moving and keep creating new jobs.”

Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Copyright © iTnews.com.au . All rights reserved.
Tags:
eplanning nsw nsw government planning software strategy

Partner Content

Beat the DDoS blackmails in 2021
Promoted Content Beat the DDoS blackmails in 2021
Why companies fail at picking cloud modernisation partners
Promoted Content Why companies fail at picking cloud modernisation partners
Four data superpowers to harness before 2022
Promoted Content Four data superpowers to harness before 2022
Shut the door on ransomware
Promoted Content Shut the door on ransomware

Sponsored Whitepapers

DevSecOps: A framework for digital innovation
DevSecOps: A framework for digital innovation
Encryption: Protect your most critical data
Encryption: Protect your most critical data
Overcoming data security challenges in a hybrid, multicloud world
Overcoming data security challenges in a hybrid, multicloud world
Move beyond passwords
Move beyond passwords
The top 5 tech trends to deliver business outcomes
The top 5 tech trends to deliver business outcomes

Events

  • On-Demand Webinar: How Poly and Microsoft are Embracing Future Work Environments
By Justin Hendry
May 5 2020
1:31PM
0 Comments

Related Articles

  • NSW Health goes to market for statewide single digital health record
  • NSW photo cards next on Dominello's digital hit list
  • NSW govt targets legacy sprawl, future platforms in new digital strategy
  • Mastercard to deliver NSW digital Opal card trial
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Whatsapp Email A Friend

Most Read Articles

CBA becomes first 'Big 4' data recipient under CDR

CBA becomes first 'Big 4' data recipient under CDR

NSW Police green-lights Mark43 for $1bn COPS overhaul

NSW Police green-lights Mark43 for $1bn COPS overhaul

Urgent patches out for exploited Exchange Server zero-days

Urgent patches out for exploited Exchange Server zero-days

NBN Co to start consulting on gigabit speeds for FTTC

NBN Co to start consulting on gigabit speeds for FTTC

You must be a registered member of iTnews to post a comment.
Log In | Register
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorisation.
Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of nextmedia's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.