Answers to Questions

Development Plan Amendments

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (29 May 2018).

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment): The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government has advised:

He has asked the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) to continue the assessment of council initiated development plan amendments (DPAs) where they demonstrate that we are open for business, and support our ongoing economic performance as a state.

He is also continuing to progress ministerial DPAs where they provide an important policy response to issues of state importance.

However, a key priority is to deliver the Planning and Design Code for South Australia, which will revolutionise our planning system. As such, it is important that both state and council resources are directed to this important work and that this solid policy foundation is set as early as possible.

We have asked councils to hold off on broad-sweeping policy reforms at this time, and to focus their efforts on strategic planning for their areas, and working DPTI on what the new code will look like.

DPTI has advised that:

1. There are currently 34 DPAs/statement of intent (SOIs) in the system, seven of which have been lodged for approval. Many of these DPAs are highly complex, and as such DPTI is working closely with councils and relevant agencies where necessary to ensure key concerns can be suitably addressed and the DPAs approved as quickly as possible. The DPAs are currently under active consideration and as such, it is not possible to give timelines at this stage.

2. As outlined above, a key criterion for DPAs is that they will deliver outcomes that are of state importance or result in significant investment and employment, and as such a small number of new SOIs have been agreed in recent months on this basis.

However, in order to ensure timely delivery of the code, it is important that DPAs are finalised quickly, and also do not seek to alter policy which will ultimately be best addressed via the code. Notwithstanding, councils may continue to undertake the necessary investigations to inform a rezoning process; such that it can then be used to inform a DPA or as part of transitioning to the code. It is suggested that if council has any further queries they contact DPTI directly in this regard.