August 2022

Message from the Chair of the State Planning Commission

The Commission’s role is to identify all the opportunities that lie before us as a state and ensure that planning is an enabler, not an inhibitor, of that change. Our challenge is to ensure that state and local government, as well as business and community work together to plan for that projected change.

To that end, our Strategic Plan 2022-23 sets Planning for Growth and Change as one of our four key priorities, complemented by:

• Enhancing our Planning System
• Leading on Planning Policy
• Discharging Statutory Obligations

We will also seek to respond to our changing climate - an issue of urgent importance - by progressing the review of tree policy and regulation, finalising the Bushfire Hazards Code Amendment, and progressing the Flood Mapping Project and policy development.

We look forward to providing regular updates on our progress and invite you to view our Strategic Plan and Key Priorities Brochure on the Commission’s website, which has recently been refreshed to include additional information such as Commission led projects and code amendments.

I would also like to welcome new Commission member, Stephanie Johnston, who brings a wealth of experience in urban and rural planning to the team. Stephanie’s appointment will commence on 1 September 2022. I also extend my gratitude to Steven Griffiths who finishes his 6-month role as a Commission member at the end of August. It has been a pleasure having Steven as part of the Commission and on behalf of all members I would like to thank him for his considerable contribution which has been highly valued and greatly appreciated.

Craig Holden
Chair, State Planning Commission

Message from the Executive Director, Team PLUS

The review will be conducted independently but it has the full support of both the State Planning Commission and Planning and Land Use Services (PLUS).

Both the Commission and PLUS will continue with our current work programs during the review, and we look forward to the review outcomes as such a process can only serve to strengthen and enhance our planning system.

Sally Smith
Executive Director, Planning and Land Use Services

New State Planning Commission member

Recent lead consultancy roles include the Mount Lofty Ranges World Heritage Bid, the Dinosaur Coast National Heritage Management Plan for the West Kimberley National Heritage Place, the Hunter Valley Heritage Vineyards Strategic Study, and the SA Department of Environment and Water Building Upgrade Finance Project. Stephanie also writes a monthly column on architecture and urbanism and related social and environmental issues for InDaily/Solstice Media.

Independent panel appointed to review South Australia’s planning system

In recent years, South Australia’s planning system has undergone significant change, with the introduction of the state-wide Planning and Design Code and changes to the laws and regulations by which it is governed.

In response to concerns raised by industry groups and local communities, the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Nick Champion MP, has commissioned a review of South Australia’s planning system, including:

• the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016
• the Planning and Design Code (and related instruments) as it relates to infill policy, trees, character, heritage and car parking
• the ePlanning system with a view to ensuring that it is delivering an efficient and user-friendly process and platform
• the PlanSA portal with a view to ensuring its usability and access to information by the community.

The review will be conducted by an independent expert panel, under the leadership of Presiding Member John Stimson – a highly qualified urban geographer, town planner and project manager with over 35 years’ experience. Mr Stimson has worked on a variety of significant land developments, including Springwood, Burgundy Estate and Parkvale, Heights View and Heights View East.

Mr Stimson will be joined on the panel by Lisa Teburea, Executive Group Manager, Planning and Urban Policy with the ACT Government, Cate Hart, President of the Planning Institute of Australia (SA) and Executive Director, Environment Heritage and Sustainability for Department of Environment and Water, and Andrew McKeegan, Executive Director, Transport Property for Department of Transport (VIC).

The State Planning Commission and Planning and Land Use Services will continue its program of work while the expert panel undertakes its review.

This important review is an opportunity to have your say on South Australia’s planning system. Industry groups, practitioners, public and community groups are encouraged to get involved, share your feedback and contribute to a more liveable, competitive and sustainable long-term growth strategy for Greater Adelaide and the regions.

To learn more and get involved, visit: www.plan.sa.gov.au/planning_review

Subscribe to Code Amendment Notifications

A Code Amendment is the process in which zoning and policies within the Planning and Design Code can be amended.

A new feature on the PlanSA portal now enables anyone to subscribe to receive notifications when there is an update or change of status to a current Code Amendment. Once subscribed, you will receive a notification direct to your inbox when a Code Amendment you have selected is updated or changed (for example when a Code Amendment goes on public consultation).

You can subscribe to a Code Amendment directly through the Code Amendment page on the PlanSA portal. An overview of the Code Amendment process, along with a complete list of Code Amendments undertaken to date can also be found on this page.

Future enhancements, including the ability to subscribe to Code Amendments located within a particular Council area, are currently in development.

Hackham Code Amendment – What We Heard

The Hackham Code Amendment aims to address an immediate need for further land supply and population growth in the south of Adelaide. It seeks to rezone land to facilitate a potential residential development of up to 2000 new houses plus a retail centre in Hackham, as well as provide new policy to guide development on sloping land and ensure the provision of appropriate infrastructure and services.

From 31 May to 26 July 2022, the South Australian community and stakeholders were invited to have their say and provide feedback on the proposed Code Amendment.

During consultation over 90 people attended the community information sessions and 312 public submissions were received. Thank you to all those who took the time to submit feedback.

While the official Engagement Report is still being compiled, the team have produced a ‘What We Heard’ document summarising the key issues raised during consultation.

Once the Engagement Report is finalised, it will be sent to the Minister for Planning to assist in determining the Code Amendment. Visit the Hackham Code Amendment section on the PlanSA portal to subscribe for further updates.

Office of the Registrar-General (ORG) loans to the SA Parliament Research Library

The portrait and the stamp and seal recently entrusted to the SA Parliament Research Library

The Office of the Registar-General (ORG) has transferred, on permanent loan, two items of state significance to the Parliamentary Library - a bust and a portrait of Sir Robert Torrens.

Sir Robert Torrens is considered responsible for introducing the first version of the Torrens title system of land registration in South Australia, a system which has now been widely adopted throughout the world.

A third item has also been entrusted to the library, the Office's historical stamp and seal first referred to in the Real Property Act 1858 and affixed to the first document registered by Robert Torrens (quite likely this is the very seal used by Sir Torrens!)

The bust, a first for the library and sculpted by John Dowie, resides in the main library area to maximise its visibility and the opportunity for up to 10,000 library visitors to appreciate it. The bust also required a new plinth to be built to fit with the library’s existing woodwork.

The portrait of Sir Robert Torrens is also a first for the library, both in terms of its size and for being the first portrait painting to be hung. It now sits above the entrance doors immediately behind the bust of Sir Robert Torrens.

These artefacts complement the library’s rare book holdings including a copy of “A handy book on the Real Property Act of South Australia containing a succinct account of that measure, compiled from authentic documents with full information and examples for the guidance of persons dealing; also, an index to the Act.”

State Planning Commission website refresh

The State Planning Commission website has recently undergone a ‘refresh’ with a number of updates to improve the layout.

Key improvements include new tabs at the top of the screen which make it easier find out about the Commission’s strategic direction, its members, projects and engagements.

At the very top of the screen new buttons lead directly to the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) and the Building Technical Panel (BTP) websites.

Speaking of SCAP, a new Guide to the State Commission Assessment Panel is now available on the SCAP website. This guide details the State Commission Assessment Panel’s role, its membership and responsibilities as well as meeting procedures and contact details.

SA/VIC border marker reconstruction

In late June, South Australia’s Surveyor-General Bradley Slape and the Surveyor-General of Victoria Craig Sandy attended an unveiling ceremony for the reconstruction of an original SA/VIC border mark near the River Murray.

The stone cairn survey marker was first placed in 1850 as part of the original definition of the SA/VIC Border. This border was Australia’s first surveyed border, and its location has been the focus of much uncertainty and debate since its original survey.

Remains of the stone cairn were found in the 1990s when a resurvey of the border was performed by the Victorian and South Australian Surveyor-General Offices.  A group of local surveyors from Mildura and Renmark have reconstructed a replica of the cairn at its original location. A display Resboard has been erected at the site to describe its significance, the effort to reconstruct it and the need for it to be preserved and protected. The cairn is located approximately 35km north-east of Renmark, 4km south of the river along the border road near Murtho.

While there is plenty of friendly rivalry between us, it is great to see teams from South Australia and Victoria come together to celebrate our shared history and the effort that went into this historical reconstruction.

VPA share growth precinct knowledge

This month representatives from the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) visited Adelaide to share their approach to strategic planning and infrastructure throughout Melbourne’s growth areas. The VPA is a State Government statutory authority that reports to Victoria’s Minister for Planning and is led by State Planning Commission Member Stuart Mosely as Chief Executive. 

Victoria is growing, with a projected population of up to 10 million people by 2050. It is the VPA’s main task to make sure Melbourne and Victoria’s regions remain great places to live. This requires vision and long-term planning to ensure Victorians have equitable access to employment, public transport, attractive public space and affordable housing.

The VPA was originally founded in 2006 to plan for Melbourne’s new suburbs so their team have a wealth of experience in planning for growth and infrastructure. Their visit was a great opportunity for PLUS, DIT, and Renewal SA staff to learn from our interstate colleagues and we thank the VPA for their generosity and insights.

Civil penalties

A civil penalty is a pecuniary penalty generally imposed by the court in civil proceedings (as distinct from a fine in criminal proceedings). Under Sections 225 and 230 of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, civil penalties or a written undertaking may be used when a person has committed an offence that contravenes the Act.

The State Planning Commission, a council or the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs can agree to accept a written undertaking or negotiate a civil penalty. The Commission has authorised a number of councils to utilise the enforcement tools available in the Act with one civil penalty negotiated and no written undertakings being given to date.

Further details on the use of these enforcement tools are available on the PlanSA portal.

New and updated PlanSA resources

The PlanSA Resource Library contains a host of helpful guides and fact sheets which are continually being updated.

• The recently updated Guide to Development Assessment provides a detailed overview of the development assessment process in accordance with the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.
   
• Brochures providing an overview of SA’s planning system plus retail and environment policies in the Planning and Design Code have also been updated.
   
• The updated Flood Hazard Mapping and Assessment project brochure provides a great summary of why this project is important, and what it will involve.