Hobsons Bay City Council in Victoria has recently developed and introduced a new system for processing permits. The Green Light Online Permit Manager enables residents to submit plans and applications online, reducing processing times as well as Council’s workload.
The program allows for objections and amendments to be lodged online, and using the new system, residents are able to track the entire process from the comfort of their own home. Green Light is Council’s answer to an increasing number of applications, that were creating endless phone calls and paperwork for planners.
Councillor Leigh Hardinge, Chair of the Urban Planning Committee, said that the program has improved the turnover for applications significantly.
“All correspondence is now able to be done electronically, which gives our town planning staff more time to focus on assessing applications,” he said.
The Permit Manager also makes the application process more convenient for residents, as information is available 24 hours a day online.
The Green Light program covers permits, subdivision applications, amendments, and liquor licensing, and could eventually extend into other areas of Council concern. Since its introduction a year ago, it has reduced processing times by 51 per cent. It has also reduced the amount of phone calls and visits received by planners, allowing them more time to consider applications.
Green Light is a cost effective and convenient measure and it is expected to reduce the instance of human error. It has also been praised for its environmental benefits, reducing paper usage as all reminders and responses can be delivered online. The program received a commendation at the 2005 National Awards for Local Government.
For more information contact Bianca Nelson, Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, Hobsons Bay City Council on (03) 9932 1199.
