Residents and businesses in South Perth, Western Australia, will be able to easily lodge development and building applications to their council directly from their home or office, thanks to a new online lodgement and tracking system supported by the National Broadband Network.

The project is being funded as part of the Rudd Labor Government’s Digital Local Government program.
Applicants will be able to speak ‘face-to-face’ with council staff via high-definition videoconferencing during the assessment process rather than applicants having to travel to the council offices. Local residents and businesses will also be able to follow their development and building submissions through the entire approval process.
All of this is being made possible by the NBN’s world-class high speed broadband.  The NBN is helping put residents and ratepayers at the heart of local government service delivery – which is where they should be.
Ultimately, this means better, more accessible, convenient and efficient services, delivered with less hassle for local residents.
Less time spent in council queues and fighting traffic means people can spend more time with their family or focused on their business.
“This project will see the City of South Perth’s approvals speed up with planning officers being able to work online with very complex drawings, maps, and plans instead of using a cumbersome paper-based system,” City of South Perth Deputy Mayor, Kevin Trent said.
The City of South Perth will receive a grant of $214,000 to deliver the online development and building application lodgement services, with the City contributing around $87,000. The final funding amount is subject to the negotiation of a funding deed.
For more details on the Digital Local Government program visit: www.dbcde.gov.au/digitallocalgov