Mayor Jennifer Whitney said this will allow for complex development applications to be streamlined by Council and will also assist in reducing delays in delivering complex projects.

“The Development Assessment Innovation Project enables Councils to implement innovative
development assessment systems, by leveraging off proven development assessment best
practice in Queensland Local Governments,” she said.

“This innovative process was developed in partnership with the Queensland Government and
Local Government Association of Queensland and involves working with developers in the pre-application process to ensure a smoother approval process for the life of the project.

“The Development Partnership Process allows greater certainty upfront which provides an
enhanced pre-application process.

“The right information at the right time ensures relevant information and reports are provided
through the Development Management Plan rather than further information being request.

“The Development Partnership Process for Complex Applications will assist to streamline
operations for all stakeholders for a complex application,” she said.

The Development Management Plan will include:

• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both parties
• Council and developer to work through potential assessment areas and establish a priority
and timing for addressing the issues;
• Council and developer to work though each issue through a series of Working Group Focus
Meetings to address each key issue;
• Final decisions on each of the issues will be captured and summarised including the
conditions to be applied where applicable;
• Upon completion of the DMP with all issues and agreements captured, the developer and
Manager-Development Assessment will sign the document. A copy is provided to the
developer and
• The application is formally lodged including a copy of the signed DMP with relevant
supporting documentation (such as forms, agreed reports and plans);

The Development Assessment Team’s intention is to commence the Development Partnership
Process for Complex Applications including the entering into Memorandums of Understanding and Development Management Plans.

Ends

For media enquiries, contact:
Kate Lennox, Communications Manager
Phone: 07 4945 0614, 0427 458 369 or Email: kate.lennox@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au