Engage with proponents Proponents find it difficult to navigate the various requirements for child care approvals Engage on (e.g. local government development applications, the Building Code of Australia, approvals by the Proponents prefer early and continuous engagement, from concept to lodgement of the regulatory authority and seeking approval under family assistance law for Child Care Benefit). development application. This early engagement can significantly improve the By creating guidelines local government can delivery of child care. outline the application process, any code requirements for child care facilities and how Plan to invest time with key stakeholders from the initial stages of a project. This should make local processes fit in with state licensing and approvals procedures. Such clarification improves the process smoother and meet demand when understanding of the multi-layered regulatory and where it is needed. environment and helps proponents plan and Good relationships, strong networks and deliver more effectively. regular discussions with child care sector and community are important for Councils could publish a register of how specific planning issues were dealt with understanding the need for child care. because there are so many things that (Local government, Tasmania) should be taken into consideration and can go wrong in terms of developing child care Pre-lodgement meetings between planning staff centres. Confidentiality could be dealt with and proponents encourage discussion on a by de-identifying the developer/provider. range of issues prior to the submission of the development application. These meetings help (Proponent, NSW) stakeholders make informed decisions about the project and understand potential reports or Hills Shire Council, NSW studies required. Shire’s Environment and Planning Services provide a fact sheet which covers a range of Many local government land use planners are frequently asked questions to help proponents also available to speak to proponents about prepare their development applications and applications without requirements for an understand the requirements such as: appointment. What is a child care centre? Ipswich City Council, QLD Is approval from council required? Ipswich City Council has a dedicated planning Is a child care centre permissible in your website with a wide range of information to help zone? proponents through the development What is the minimum site area requirement? application process. How do I design a child care centre? Is it necessary to discuss the application with The website also provides an option to book a a council officer? pre-lodgement meeting. Do I need to attend a formal pre-lodgement meeting? (www.ipswichplanning.com.au/development) Provide guidelines
Engage with proponents Engage on Proponents prefer early and continuous engagement, from concept to lodgement of the development application. This early engagement can significantly improve the delivery of child care. Plan to invest time with key stakeholders from the initial stages of a project. This should make the process smoother and meet demand when and where it is needed. Good relationships, strong networks and regular discussions with child care sector and community are important for understanding the need for child care. (Local government, Tasmania) Pre-lodgement meetings between planning staff and proponents encourage discussion on a range of issues prior to the submission of the development application. These meetings help stakeholders make informed decisions about the project and understand potential reports or studies required. Many local government land use planners are also available to speak to proponents about applications without requirements for an appointment. Ipswich City Council, QLD Ipswich City Council has a dedicated planning website with a wide range of information to help proponents through the development application process. The website also provides an option to book a pre-lodgement meeting. (www.ipswichplanning.com.au/development) Provide guidelines Proponents find it difficult to navigate the various requirements for child care approvals (e.g. local government development applications, the Building Code of Australia, approvals by the regulatory authority and seeking approval under family assistance law for Child Care Benefit). By creating guidelines local government can outline the application process, any code requirements for child care facilities and how local processes fit in with state licensing and approvals procedures. Such clarification improves understanding of the multi-layered regulatory environment and helps proponents plan and deliver more effectively. Councils could publish a register of how specific planning issues were dealt with because there are so many things that should be taken into consideration and can go wrong in terms of developing child care centres. Confidentiality could be dealt with by de-identifying the developer/provider. (Proponent, NSW) Hills Shire Council, NSW Shire’s Environment and Planning Services provide a fact sheet which covers a range of frequently asked questions to help proponents prepare their development applications and understand the requirements such as: What is a child care centre? Is approval from council required? Is a child care centre permissible in your zone? What is the minimum site area requirement? How do I design a child care centre? Is it necessary to discuss the application with a council officer? Do I need to attend a formal pre-lodgement meeting?