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In South Australia the planning and development system comprises 4 major components:
The major components are interconnected and the system is regulated through the Development Act 1993 and the Development Regulations 2008.
Within this framework the EPA contributes to the planning system by advising on proposed changes to the Planning Strategy and development plans, and by assessing referred development applications and major development/project applications.
The EPA is not the authority responsible for making the ultimate planning or development assessment decision. The decision will be undertaken by the South Australian Government.
For more information:
EPA reviews its involvement in the South Australian planning system
In August 2011, the EPA Board formed the Planning Review Committee (PRC) to review the EPA’s involvement in the South Australian planning system and to ensure it exercises appropriate influence over the decisions that are being made within the system. This review also examined if the EPA is appropriately resourced and operates in an effective and efficient manner.
The PRC was chaired by EPA Board member Stephen Hains, and members included fellow Board members Megan Dyson and Rob Fowler, Chief Executive Dr Campbell Gemmell, Director Science and Assessment Peter Dolan and Director Strategy and Policy Dr Donna Ferretti from Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.
The PRC examined how the EPA undertakes its work in the planning system, specifically examining strategic planning, planning policy, development applications, and major developments or projects.
The PRC concluded the EPA’s performance was exemplary, with timeliness on both policy and development application with responses being 98%. However, the EPA believes there are ways it can increase its influence through being more proactive, rather than reactive.
The PRC recommended that the EPA focus its resources and efforts more strongly on early engagement at the strategic planning and policy development stages. This will ensure that input into development assessment is streamlined and simplified, and that the EPA develops policy statements that articulate its position on key environmental issues. The EPA will work to build more influential relationships with the planning authorities and planners.
As a result of this review, the EPA’s involvement and approach in the planning system will change over the next few years. The report (601.1 KB PDF) including all 19 recommendations is now available.
Port Adelaide development proposals
EPA’s response to the 14 February 2013 Indaily article
Last modified: 02/05/2013 02:50 pm
