SA Planning Reforms Update with Michael Lennon

On 22 May 2020, the Urban Future Exchange (previously known as the Australian Institute of Urban Studies SA) was pleased to host Michael Lennon, Chairperson for the State Planning Commission. Michael provided an update on the SA Planning Reforms Process and what lies ahead.

Key points from the Urban Update included:

• The objective of the Planning Reforms is to create an efficient and effective planning system.

• The aspiration is to have the best possible planning system - and one that is the envy of other jurisdictions.

• The Reform Process is layered, complex and significant advancements have been made to date.

• The Planning Design Code (Code) will be implemented in Three Phases:

  • Phase One (The Outback) is currently operational.

  • Phase Two (Rural Areas) is expected to become operational in July 2020.

  • Phase Three (Urban Areas) is expected to become operational in late 2020.

• On reflection, the Code may have been released prematurely.

• A premature release, whilst providing early input, created issues that required resolution during and after the formal consultation processes (Phase 2 and Phase 3). 

• A “What we have heard report” has been released for Phase 2 and a similar report will be released for Phase 3 in the coming months.

• The Phase 2 report has identified the need for many improvements to the Code, including new Zones / Sub Zones to meet unique requirements, features and uses.

• It is expected new Zones and new Sub Zones will also be created for Phase 3 areas (the Commission and the Department are still considering submissions and therefore the number of new Zones / Sub Zones is currently unknown). 

• Proposed amendments to the Code will be incorporated into a Section 73 Report, which will inform amendments to the Code.

The Urban Future Exchange (previously known as the Australian Institute of Urban Studies SA) also heard, and is supportive of the following new steps in the process.   

• The introduction of a new step, this being a period for Councils and Industry to validate the Code and identify any omission or errors.

• Following the Validation period, there will be a Familiarisation period of approximately 3-4 weeks, where anyone will be able to access the Code through the e-planning platform. This will not be a consultation process.

• Subject to the validation and familiarisation process, Phase 2 and Phase 3 will go live.

• The Urban Future Exchange (previously known as the Australian Institute of Urban Studies SA) is supportive of the new process and encourages as many opportunities and pathways as possible for the community to be ready for the commencement of Phase 2 and Phase 3.

• The Urban Future Exchange (previously known as the Australian Institute of Urban Studies SA) is also supportive of the Department working with Councils that may be impacted by the Bushfires and Covid-19.

The Urban Future Exchange (previously known as the Australian Institute of Urban Studies SA) heard that once the Planning Reform process is finished, the opportunity to really engage in planning policy reform begins. The AIUS SA heard the Commission’s future priorities will include:

• A Metropolitan Staging Program that will guide development in the State;

• New Regional Plans;

• A review of Character Preservation Areas; and

• Asserting the importance of Design.

The Urban Future Exchange (previously known as the Australian Institute of Urban Studies SA) would like to thank Michael Lennon for the presentation, any staff that supported Michael’s presentation and the Webinar attendees. 

More Information

Michael Lennon’s Presentation can be viewed by Members here:
The Webinar can be viewed by Members here