By NOEL MURPHY
RED TAPE is being overhauled in a bid to drive new investment in Geelong, says City Hall.
The City handles some 1600 applications a year but according to Mayor Darryn Lyons the system facing people wanting a planning permit can be complicated and frustrating.
“As a business owner, I know first-hand,” he said.
“We are a city open for business so we need to be supporting people wanting to do business here.”
“Since becoming mayor one of my main goals has been to simplify the planning process, so I’m really excited about launching the ‘Planning for a 21st Century Smart City’ program’ and I look forward to some major changes.
“Some of these changes are under way and we’re already seeing record results. Around 80 per cent of applications are now being determined within the statutory 60 days, compared with the state average of 67 per cent.”
The new system – dubbed ‘Planning for a 21st Century Smart City’ – changes the way planning applications are processed. It will include:
– Streamlining the amount of applications requiring referral.
– Cross-divisional pre-application meetings for major applications to provide upfront advice from all areas of council.
– 10-day permits for six types of planning applications for central Geelong.
– Improved resourcing, including a new dedicated VicSmart planner and two officers for subdivision applications after planning permits are issued.
– Developing an IT system so applicants can track their application.
– Quarterly catch-ups with regular applicants.
– Redevelopment of the city’s website.
Planning portfolio councillor Michelle Heagney said City Hall dealt with the third highest number of planning applications in Victoria.
“In 2011, our planners were dealing with an average of 60 to 70 applications each, which is well above the industry standard of 25-30 applications,” she said.
“We’re now streamlining processes and improving resources to speed up application turnaround times and make it easier for people to do business in Geelong.”
