Image: Garrett Coakley
While we haven’t quite made it to the so-called “paperless office” standard of working that so many futurists thought would happen soon, local governments like Wollongong City Council are trying to cut down paperwork for regular processes when dealing with private developers.
The council has announced that applicants arriving in person to lodge a development application, construction certificate application or complying development application, will only need one digital copy and one paper copy of all plans and documentation.
If applicants choose to lodge without a digital copy, they will need two paper copies instead and they’ll be charged a scanning fee in accordance to the council’s fees and charges.
This new process will bring the requirement down from the previously required four copies.
Council expects the process will reduce the amount of paperwork submitted by about 80 per cent with additional paper copies only required for ‘significant developments’.
Director of Planning and Environment, Andrew Carfield, said council had been working with external referral agencies, such as the Rural Fire Service and Roads and Maritime Services, to forward electronic information rather than paper copies.
“We’re using software to do electronic assessment within Council which is not only more convenient for applicants but is reducing our administrative burden,” Mr Carfield said.
“Over the coming months, we will be introducing electronic approvals which are issued via email, rather than the current practice of posting stamped paper plans.
“We’re also expanding our related electronic development application services, such as the ability to view all development application documents online during exhibition, and providing access to development consents and assessment reports online.”
Mr Carfield said the need for the remaining single paper copy for those who lodge in person would be reviewed as the new electronic processes were implemented.
“Obviously those applicants who already submit their applications online – about 30 per cent of all development applications – will not require any paper copies but they will need to ensure a complete set of plans and documentation are uploaded as attachments.”
