The NSW Government is helping residents living in the Dubbo electorate to lodge and track development applications online, with the roll out of $150,000 in funding to Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional and Narromine Shire councils.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said each council will receive a $50,000 grant, as part of the Regional NSW Planning Portal Grant program, to help them transition to the online ePlanning system.
“The ePlanning program is transforming the way local planning applications are lodged, tracked and processed,” Mr Saunders said.
“This online tool is simplifying and speeding up what was once a cumbersome paper-based process.
“The funding will ensure the hard-working staff at each of the three councils have everything in place to transition to the online platform and benefit from an improved service for everyone involved in the planning process.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the ePlanning platform offers an online tool where people can access planning services and lodge and track the progress of applications from anywhere, at any time.
“We need to help councils update their processes in line with community expectations. Most things are done digitally now – the days of paper-based transactions that can only take place during business hours are behind us,” Mr Stokes said.
Councils will be processing all applications through the NSW Planning Portal by 1 July this year, when it becomes mandatory throughout NSW.