Hundreds of South Australians have had their say on proposed reforms to the state’s planning and design laws, as part of a wide-ranging consultation to make Greater Adelaide and the regions an even better place to live.
The three-month process involved three discussion papers, 14 in-person and online workshops, and 23 community groups making deputations to a team of industry experts assembled to review South Australia’s Planning and Design Code.
The expert panel also received more than 600 public submissions through a mix of email, phone and postal responses, as well as more than 100 survey responses on a dedicated YourSAy site.
Public feedback was also sought on the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, e-Planning system and PlanSA website – with the community’s views now being considered as part of the review.
The independent review – a Malinauskas Government election commitment – will shape the future of the state’s planning system and help develop a more liveable, competitive and sustainable long-growth strategy across the state.
Councils can provide submissions until 30 January 2023, with the deadline extended following the caretaker period and local government elections held last month.
The expert panel, led by highly respected town planner and project manager John Stimson, will use both lots of consultation to finalise its own recommendations before a final report is expected to be handed down early next year.
Some of their early recommendations delivered to the Government on character heritage and e-Planning have already been adopted, including supporting elevating character areas to historic areas, updating councils’ statements, and streamlining and centralising online systems.
Further details on the planning system review are available at plan.sa.gov.au/planning_review/about_the_review
Quotes
Attributable to Nick Champion
We know how important it is to hear directly from South Australians on how we can make our state an even better place to live and work.
Public consultation is vital in determining a clear path to building for future generations, and responses sought will form a key part of the work now underway.
I have already taken on board early recommendations of the expert panel and will actively consider implementing more reforms to meet long-term planning needs.
