PD Online proves to be an invaluable source

UDIA’s Sunshine Coast Branch Committee Member Graeme Bews has given the thumbs up to Sunshine Coast Council’s PD Online program, saying it’s an invaluable source of information for the development industry and general public.

More than 14,000 applications lodged with council were published on PD Online in 2016, including development, building and plumbing applications.

Changes to council’s internal systems have meant that applications and documents lodged with council are now published to PD Online more quickly, commonly within 24hours.

“Council’s system makes it easy to search for and review application details and documents, and includes links to other self-service tools that provide town planning and development information and interactive maps,” Mr Bews said.

“The system is convenient, easier and less costly for all parties - applicants, the development industry and council to do business.

“It is pleasing to see council implementing initiatives such as these to keep pace with the expectations of industry and business.”

Mayor Mark Jamieson said council’s PD Online system provided the community with all the information they needed to know about proposed development across the region.

“The technology is accessible and user-friendly. It’s another example of councilbecoming more responsive to the needs of the community,” Mayor Jamieson said.

"Our responsibility is to ensure that people can find the information they need if they wish to keep track of an application’s progress or make an informed and well-considered submission to council.

“This type of tool also assists in ensuring transparency in the assessment process.

“PD Online started in 2007 and will soon be celebrating 10 years of freely available and accessible council application and property related information.

“Council’s development application system provides extensive development information - above what is legislatively required by a local government body.

“Anyone can formally submit comments on certain development applications to support or oppose development and council welcomes these submissions as it is important for the community to have their say.

“All submissions are then published on PD Online for viewing along with the planning applications, providing further clarity and consistency in the approval of development.

“Council understands the importance to providing ample opportunity to residents to comment on new development proposals that may affect them or their community and is looking into new ways of improving the system to allow users to visualise, navigate, search, get alerts and track applications.”

Access to online development information is available on PD Online.

Details about how to make a properly made submission is available on Making Submissions on
Applications.

For specific application and planning scheme information about a site, refer to council's Development Information Site
Report.