A web-based application (App) created in North Queensland has won a Planning Institute of Australia award for Excellence – Queensland, for the Best Planning Ideas – Small project.
The ‘Hinchinbrook Development App’ is a first for the region created by Hinchinbrook Shire Council in collaboration with Townsville-based consultants, Milford Planning and GP One Consulting.
The App is an innovative tool that analyses digital mapping and data sets to quickly and accurately communicate the level of natural hazard and planning controls within the Hinchinbrook Shire region.
It can give data on specific lot numbers entered by the user all via a user-friendly interface that is compatible with all devices.
Hinchinbrook Mayor, Ramon Jayo, said, “The new Development App builds on Council’s existing mapping data to create an easy-to-use interactive platform for residents and potential developers in the region.
“This App is ground breaking stuff. We now have our region’s mapping and planning data available at our fingertips.”
Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Alan Rayment, praised staff and consultants for their collaborative approach in successfully delivering the App.
“This project is a great example of where Council established the policy and strategic parameters. Staff then, worked effectively with external consultants to deliver an effective outcome.
“All parties should be
congratulated.”
Milford Planning Principal, George Milford, congratulated Hinchinbrook Council for being forward thinking in commissioning such a groundbreaking platform to assist their community in understanding the new planning scheme.
“We knew from the beginning that this collaboration would lead to the creation of something very innovative, and to be recognised amongst our peers at a state level is a real honour.
“There is now a readily transferrable prototype for communicating land use planning policy for regional local government areas, outside the major cities and South East Queensland corner.”
