Implementation of the PDI Act and Planning and Design Code

                    The LGA has been providing ongoing advocacy, support and advice on the Planning Reforms and the new Planning and Design Code from the beginning of the planning reform process which commenced in 2013.  The Planning and Design Code is proposed to be implemented in council areas from 1 July 2020.  Local government will require a range of support services to support its understanding standing of the new Code, including training for Accredited Professionals, and training and information session for elected members ongoing review of delegations, advice on legislative matters and ongoing advocacy to support amendments to the legislation and Code. There is also an opportunity to identify further areas of support to local government through establishing a planning support service when planning professionals are on leave.
                

This project's final report and evaluation was completed on March 2022

Project achievements

The South Australian Government has significantly reformed the state-wide planning system over recent years following the 2013 expert panel review.

Throughout this process, the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA) has sought to make advice, support, and advocacy available to all South Australian councils through the Planning Reform Program.

The Planning Reform Program has specifically sought to achieve:

A consistent understanding amongst councils of the operation of the new system and their responsibilities within it.
Increased capacity of councils to implement the system.
Where possible, influence upon the system in the interest of best practice outcomes for councils and their communities.

Project outputs and outcomes

Outputs from the project have been made available through the planning pages on the LGA website and includes :

delegation templates for use by relevant authorities
information and fact sheets
template letters
Terms of References for Assessment Panels
Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

Project evaluation

An external evaluation of the R&D funded planning reform projects was undertaken which included an independent survey of councils and one on one interviews. A copy of the Evaluation report has been provided to the LGR&DS Advisory Committee and the LGA Board of Directors.

The report identified that: ‘As councils embark on the implementation of the new system and future policy change through Planning and Design Code amendments, there is an opportunity for the LGA to continue to provide value through coordination, advocacy, and fostering collaboration amongst councils.’

Project snapshot

Project number: 2020.02

Project category: Planning

Start date: 01 Jul 2020

Completion date: 02 Mar 2022

Recipient: Local Government Association of South Australia

Status: Complete

Funds approved: $100,000

2020.02