The Development Assessment Forum (DAF) has prepared a discussion paper on nationally consistent development assessment definitions. The paper is open for public comment until 23 March 2001 and recommends 18 operational development assessment definitions to be used in planning schemes at Local, State and Federal level.
The inconsistency of planning and development assessment definitions between and within states is of concern to industry and others involved in development assessment processes. The DAF considers the adoption of a national set of development assessment definitions a positive step to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of development assessment systems.
During the consultation period, all DAF members have undertaken to consult with their membership and seek their comments on the definitions proposed in the discussion paper. In May, the DAF will receive a final report on the Definitions discussion paper and consider recommending a core set of definitions to be adopted consistently by State and Local Government authorities.
Comments on the draft definitions discussion paper will be welcomed. The paper is available on the DAF Website www.daf.gov.au, including a draft feedback form.
