Council rated as top five performer in Development Application processing category

6 May, 2013Posted in: Development
 

The NSW Government Department of Planning and Infrastructure’s newly released Development Application processing figures show Wingecarribee Shire Council is performing above its peers.

The statistics, available from the 2011-12 Local Development Performance Monitoring report, show Wingecarribee Shire Council as having the equal third best processing time of 61 days for developments in the $5 million dollar plus category.

“Obviously you have to view these results carefully because processing times are often influenced by factors outside of the control of councils,” said Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Deputy General Manager of Operations, Phillip Marshall.

“But what it does illustrate is that Wingecarribee Shire Council is definitely punching above its weight when it comes to Development Application processing times.”

All top five councils identified were in rural or regional areas.

The average gross determination time for Development Applications was 71 days. Fifteen councils reported mean gross times of 100 days or more, up from eight councils in 2010-11.

Council’s Mean Nett determination period for all Development Applications for the last financial year was 33 days which was a slight improvement on the previous year’s figure of 34 days.

“Whilst only Singleton and Parkes Shire Councils recorded better results in the category of Development Applications worth $5 million and over, there’s still room for improvement,” Mr Marshall said.

“And even though the introduction of DA Tracker, our online tracking system, has helped to streamline the process by allowing customers to follow their development applications, Council will continue to review its application processes,” Mr Marshall said.

“In the interim, residents and developers can rest assured Council is committed to customer service and will continue to assess appropriate developments sympathetic to the Shire in a timely manner,” Mr Marshall added.

“Council is committed to improving development application results in all areas to ensure we continue to deliver for the Wingecarribee community.”

For further information contact Wingecarribee Shire Council on phone 4868 0888.