Submission on Draft Local Infrastructure Contributions Practice Note

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure recently exhibited a draft local infrastructure contributions practice note via the Planning Portal from 4 December 2023 to 23 February 2024.

The draft practice note framework includes various modules which are accessible through a new web-based interface.

GLN Planning’s infrastructure contributions team prepared a submission which you can view via the link below;

We found the web-based interface and links to relevant sections of the legislation to be user-friendly and intuitive, and a significant step forward over a wholly PDF-based approach.
We identified several aspects of the draft practice note that require amendment or clarification to avoid confusion, ambiguity and misinterpretation.
We recommended that greater clarity is required around the Department’s policy position on using planning agreements for value capture.
Circular D6, which was issued in September 1995 and deals with the imposition of conditions on Crown DAs, needs to be updated as it is nearly 30 years old and no longer fit for purpose.
The draft practice note would benefit from best-practice case studies and examples to support the preparation and practical implementation of contributions plans by local government.
Once adopted, we recommend ongoing and regular review with the involvement of local government reference groups.

For any enquiries about GLN’s submission or other contributions matters, please contact GLN’s infrastructure contributions team.