19 January 2017 – Media Release
Cumberland Council is continuing with its reform agenda and has launched a new e-planning framework so that the public can view development applications online and make comments directly to Council’s website.
“This is another important stride in the reforms being introduced to improve accountability and transparency for the people of Cumberland” General Manager, Malcolm Ryan said.
“It will no longer be necessary for people to visit a Council building to view a Development Application and sift through documents that could be hundreds of pages long. Now you can view applications directly online using a home computer, tablet or phone. You can also download the documents and search them. This represents a fundamental shift that emphasises transparency for Cumberland Council and its population.
“We are trying to expand our engagement with the community on development matters. It is vitally important that the public be able to easily access information about potential developments, particularly in their own area. This new system uses the most up to date technology and allows users to search for development applications or see a map which graphically illustrates all the applications in a given area.
“Most importantly, users will be able comment on the Development Application they are viewing, while they are on exhibition.
“While we appreciate that this reform has been implemented in outer other Local Government Areas, this is a first for many in Cumberland, including the former residents of the old Auburn and Holroyd Councils. This change will place a greater onus of accountability on Council and those proposing developments in favour of members of the public,” Mr Ryan said,
