NT Government goes for best practice in planning system ‒ have your say

Following community concerns that the current planning system is not delivering the best-possible development opportunities for the Northern Territory, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics is seeking your feedback on what does (and doesn't) work in the current planning and development system, and putting forward possible options for its reform drawn from best practice across Australia. The consultation process ends on Friday 15 December 2017.

Two discussion papers on strategic planning vision and the planning system

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics has released two discussion papers to seek feedback on the future planning and development of the Territory.

The Planning for a Vibrant Future discussion paper outlines the strategic vision which the Government intends to use for the future planning and development of key growth areas in the Territory. It is proposed that this vision will provide a framework for infrastructure investment and feedback is sought on how those key growth areas should be developed.

The Building Confidence through Better Planning for the NT – Review, Reframe, Renew discussion paper outlines the current planning system in the Territory and identifies categories of activity under that system which are expected to be the subject of potential changes:

• strategic land-use planning and the NT Planning Scheme;
• development assessment and application processes;
• reviews of decisions; and
• compliance and enforcement.

The Government's aim is to deliver reforms based upon six key principles to ensure that land planning:

• provides certainty;
• balances competing interests;
• ensures transparency;
• reduces complexity;
• incorporates meaningful community participation and consultation; and
• expands opportunities for decisions to be reviewed.

The discussion paper provides examples of how these key principles could be put into action to deliver the best planning system for the NT into the future.

Planning reforms consultation process: next steps

Stage 1 of the planning reforms consultation process will involve information gathering and review, including community engagement. Pop-up consultation sessions commenced on Friday 20 October 2017.

It is understood that subsequent stages will be:

• Stage 2 (late 2017): preparation of options for draft reforms informed by initial community feedback and other information obtained during Stage 1; and
• Stage 3 (2018): report to Government on outcomes of the consultation process and recommendations.

It is understood that depending upon the outcomes of the above, further consultation will be undertaken on specific proposed reforms before implementing legislative or regulatory changes.

Have your say

The Building Confidence through Better Planning for the NT - Review, Reframe, Renew discussion paper is open for comment until Friday 8 December 2017 via an online survey or written submissions to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics on the "Have your say" website.

The Planning for a Vibrant Future discussion paper is open for comment until Friday 15 December 2017. To have your say an online survey can be completed or written submissions can be made to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics in accordance with the "Have your say" website.

Please contact us should you require any assistance with your submission.