Fixing the NSW Planning Portal
The AAC is pushing to get the Planning Portal fixed.
The AAC wants the Portal to work, but the system is being plagued by constant issues impacting registered certifiers and applicants.
We have worked proactively to get as much feedback to the Department of Planning on the operation of the Portal since September 2020.
This page sets out the actions the AAC has taken on this important matter and the actions being taken by the Department in response.
Initial feedback
In 2020, we provided extensive feedback to the Department of Planning on the Portal, which included a survey of members regarding their experience using the Portal. This material can be accessed here.
In January 2021, following the mandating of the system, the AAC provided extensive feedback to the Department. A summary of this feedback and the Government’s responses can be found here.
Ongoing feedback
We have also continuously provided feedback from Members to the Department as issues have arisen and met with officials throughout January, February, and March of 2021.
The AAC participated in a workshop with ePlanning on Thursday, 19 March to review the application process step-by-step. Details of that meeting will be provided soon.
Rolling updates to the Portal
Following our advocacy efforts, the Department has established an internal taskforce to fix the system.
Due to the nature of the issues, and the fact that issues are continually arising, the taskforce will be addressing them on a rolling basis, with the Department providing updates every fortnight.
The most recent update provided on 12 March 2021, included the following enhancements:
- An applicant will be able to initiate a Principal Certifier Appointment case from the Online CDC Service and the Online DA Service.
- From an Online CDC application, following data will be prefilled for a Principal Certifier Appointment application:
- Site details (Addresses or Lot information)
- Class of development (e.g. Class 1a, 1b etc)
- Developer details
- Nominated certifier details
- From an Online DA application, following data will be prefilled for a Principal Certifier Appointment application:
- Applicant’s address
- Site details
- Developer details
- Who will be doing the building work?
- Builder details or Principal contractor
- Payer details
- Nominated certifier details
- In the Online CDC Service, those documents previously identified as “user-generated” documents will now be identified as “system-generated” documents. This change will also be applied to all applications within the Online Post Consent Certificate, as well as the Certificate Registration services.
The second update is scheduled for the 19 March 2021.
Click here to see all recent updates.
Articles and media releases
Template PDF for uploading
We have created a standard PDF that can be uploaded to the Portal when the system requires that a document be uploaded, when it is not required/applicable. It states, "For this particular application, this document is not required/applicable". Download the template PDF here.
Shell letter to local members
We encourage Members to contact their local State MPs directly about their experiences with the Planning Portal. We have prepared a template letter for Members to use. Download the template letter here.
We encourage members to tailor the letter as much as possible before sending.
If you require any assistance identifying your local State MP or their details, please contact us.
Keep letting us know
Please let the AAC know about any issues you are having with the Portal, so we can then get the Department to include it in their updates. You can let us know by emailing [email protected].