DPI Project:
Streamlining and Property Management Systems (S&PMS)
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The S&PMS project was set up by DPI to uncover inefficiencies that impede the sustainable growth and development of farm enterprises.
DPI analysed current delays in farm planning permit applications to identify ways to improve efficiency. The project resulted in a clearer, shorter, and simpler path for farmers and councils by following a streamlined process map.
Applying for planning approval?
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The project developed helpful core resources farmers should use when beginning the permit application process:
- Checklist for Planning Applications in Rural Areas.
- Checklist for Planning Applications with Farm Plans.
- Guidelines for Planning Applications in Rural Areas.
- Legal and regulatory obligations for specific industries:
Biodiversity, Chemical Use, Occupational Health and Safety, Livestock Management, Noxious Weed and Pest Animals, Soil Management, Waste management, Water. - Minimum standard requirements for planning.
- GUIDELINES FOR VICTORIAN DAIRY FEEDPADS AND FREESTALLS
Project Involvement
The project involved 30 councils, 132 people from key support agencies, NGOs, DPCD, DSE, CMA, CFA and Melbourne Water. The research covered 58% of rural municipalities state-wide. Collaboration took place from the farm gate to senior State Government policy and it linked policy, multi agencies, councils, legislation and farmers.
Three pilot projects were conducted to demonstrate regulatory burden reduction for farmers in South West Victoria, the Wimmera and Western Port Phillip.
Project Process
Through workshops, case studies, market research studies and gathering an understanding of the operating environment the project created process maps, a checklist, guidelines and useful resources to help improve application work flow for farmers and council workers.
Key Observations from the Project
The key to streamlining planning processes involving Farm Plans and intensification of agricultural enterprises in rural zones was to commit resources to communicating with applicants early in the process.
S&PMS project’s outcome documents support;
- Service Providers - to deliver whole farm planning courses
- Council Officers - in the conduct of their planning applications
- Landowners - to manage their applications for planning approvals.
In addition easy to follow documentation was created for farmers regarding legal and regulatory obligations relevant to the conduct of their farming business in Victoria.
Findings
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Click image to view larger process map |
Results showed that applications with the following processes in place were completed sooner, resulted in better plans and were less burdensome on the landholder and council staff:
- Early discussion about why an application may or may not be approved by council or other authorities.
- A pre-application meeting held prior to the application being submitted (held with council, relevant agencies and the applicant).
- Clear guidelines provided about which authorities to talk to about the various aspects of the application and when, and;
- A checklist of what to include in a farm plan provided at the start of the process, ensures the applicant is clear about expectations from the beginning.
Read more about how the project was conducted, the recommendations and the outcomes in the Evaluation Report.
Project Quick Facts
Timeline: February 2006 – June 2010.
Contacts:
Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or email customer.service@dpi.vic.gov.au
Funded by: Provincial Victoria initiative
Project Case Studies:
An insight into planning approval processes: A dairy freestall barn.
Project Reports
Evaluation Report.
