Features of a competent planning system Gary White Government Planner Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning April 2012

Four elements of a competent planning system Strategic Planning Correct Calibration Contextualisation Top and Tail Strategic Planning Strategic planning framework informs statutory provisions and infrastructure delivery Correct Calibration Alignment of levels of assessment to strategic intent and outcomes Contextualisation Plans are influenced by higher levels of planning. ‘Line of Sight’ Top and Tail Stakeholder engagement in the development of strategic vision and plan making

1. Strategic planning... Strategic Planning Strategic planning framework addresses regional issues in the context of a particular place Strategic Planning tells a story of a particular place: where its been, where it wants to be and how it will get there

... informs statutory planning and... Statutory Provisions Strategic Planning Strategic planning framework addresses regional issues in the context of a particular place Strategic planning framework informs the statutory framework giving legitimacy to the selection of planning tools Statutory planning involves tools such as land use classifications, zones and levels of assessment

... infrastructure planning Statutory Provisions Strategic Planning Infrastructure Delivery Strategic planning framework addresses regional issues in the context of a particular place Strategic planning framework informs the statutory framework giving legitimacy to the selection of planning tools Strategic planning framework informs future infrastructure needs and their timing, sequencing and delivery Infrastructure plans address the timing, sequencing and delivery of infrastructure in a spatial context

2. Notion of correct calibration That which is value adding to the stated strategic intent should by its very nature be a “low risk” or even “no risk” and therefore not be subjected to complicated assessment because of its alignment to what a plan seeks. The greater the amount of applications of this nature achieved in the shortest time therefore helps the plan materialise, which was the outcome sought.

Correct calibration of assessment levels to strategic outcomes Statutory Provisions Strategic Planning Infrastructure Delivery Strategic planning framework addresses regional issues in the context of a particular place Strategic planning framework informs the statutory framework giving legitimacy to the selection of planning tools Strategic planning framework informs future infrastructure needs and their timing, sequencing and delivery Strategic planning framework informs levels of assessment for new development and enables risk management approach DA Correct alignment of the assessment levels in a planning scheme to outcomes sought by the strategic planning framework FOLLOW THIS WITH THE “GET IN THE RIGHT LANE”

Delivery frameworks assessment levels should be “correctly calibrated” to enable the strategic intent of the plan..

Correct calibration can enable a “Risk management” approach to development assessment rather “Risk avoidance” Development applications which align with the strategic intent are NO RISK Development applications which can be made to comply with the strategic intent by conditions are LOW RISK Development applications which challenge the strategic intent are HIGHER RISK Alignment across national, regional, local and site context Clear strategic intent, vision and desired outcomes Strategic approach (top down)

Risk management approach to development assessment Transition focus from stopping development on individual parcels when any risk arises.  Focus the planning system on enabling development which is consistent with the strategic intent through management of risk Broad overview Neighbourhood or district scale Finer grain

3. Contextualisation This is the notion or logic that acknowledges plans are prepared and influenced by other levels of planning, policy or factors. That lower levels of planning inform the requirements and frameworks at higher levels

Contextualisation (Line of Sight)

3. Contextualisation (Line of Sight) Higher level issues are informed by lower level issues through monitoring programs Plans are prepared and influenced by higher levels of planning or policy directions.

Strategic Planning Policy & ‘Line of Sight’ Global National State Regional Local District Neighbourhood Site Strategy Development & Delivery Strategy Monitoring, Review & Development

4. Top and tail focus on consultation and engagement Stakeholder engagement informs development of delivery platforms Statutory Provisions Strategic Planning Infrastructure Delivery Strategic planning framework addresses regional issues in the context of a particular place Strategic planning framework informs the statutory framework giving legitimacy to the selection of planning tools Strategic planning framework informs future infrastructure needs and their timing, sequencing and delivery Strategic planning framework informs levels of assessment for new development and enables risk management approach DA Engagement at the plan making rather than application stage helps to resolve issues early and build community empowerment

Planning pyramids under principal of “Top and Tailing” Where we are todayWhere we want to get to Typical Planning System Development Assessment Strategy Typical Planning System Development Assessment Nationally we are pre-occupied with development assessment “the statutory” part of planning as being the planning system as opposed to it being a correctly calibrated delivery platform.

A competent planning system relies on... Strategic Planning Correct Calibration Contextualisation Top and Tail Every situation is different from a spatial or political perspective These four elements offer a logical point of reference to measure competency of planning framework Competent professionals Good data and monitoring Appropriate capacity and resources Share responsibilities across government Political will and community empowerment Evidence based policy and good legislative framework