What happens next?

    The first step following the end of the public consultation process involves making a list of all submissions available to the public; these will be placed on the Council’s website.

    Following this, if anyone has identified they would like to be heard regarding their submission then a public hearing will be held.  The public hearing for this DPA has been scheduled for 1st June, however if no submission identifies a wish to be heard then no public hearing will be held.

    A summary of submissions is then prepared and a report presented to Council’s Strategic Planning and Development Policy Committee who make a recommendation to Council regarding the proposed changes.

    Any changes to the Development Plan Amendment that have been agreed to by Council then get made to the document before it is presented to the Minister for Planning for approval.  This process can take a number of months.

    Once the Minister agrees to the Development Plan Amendment then the policies contained within it become part of the Councils Development Plan.


    How do I lodge my comments/ submission?

    Any comments on the DPA need to be given to Council in writing, these are called submissions.  You can address your submission to:

    Chief Executive Officer

    Rural City of Murray Bridge

    PO Box 421

    Murray Bridge SA 5253

    Or email your submission to: dpasubmissions@murrabybridge.sa.gov.au

    Or submit it in person at the Local Government Centre, 2 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge.

    What should my comments/submission include?

    Your comments/ submission lets Council know what you think of the proposed changes to the Development Plan, please make sure it includes your name and address and contact details.  It should also identify whether or not you wish to be heard at the Public Hearing.

    What happens with my comments/submission?

    It is a legal requirement that all submissions are made publicly available, so copies of all submissions will be put on Council’s website (address details will be removed).

    A document called a “summary of submissions” will then be prepared, as the name suggests this document summarises all the submissions Council receives and includes a suggestion on how Council should respond.

    Any changes Council agrees to in the ‘summary of submissions’ document then get made to the DPA.

    What is a Summary of Submissions?

    The Summary of Submissions is a table put together by Council staff which summarises the submissions received during the public consultation phase and suggests responses to these submissions.

    The responses can range from simply noting the submission or agreeing to it in part, or completing and recommending the changes be made.  Council will eventually make the decision regarding the recommended changes, however this Council decision will also need to be agreed to by the Minister for Planning.

    It is a requirement of the Development Act that this table be completed.

    What is the Strategic Planning and Development Policy Committee?

    The Strategic Planning and Development Policy Committee are a committee set up under the provisions of the Development Act.  The Committee consists of both independent and elected members.  Their role is to make recommendations to Council on strategic and policy issues.

    Will I get a response from Council?

    You will receive an acknowledgement from Council, however the formal responses to your submission will be found in the Summary of Submissions table.

    Who do I contact to discuss the DPA?

     Contact Council’s Planning Department, either by phone on 8539 1414 or email dpasubmissions@murraybridge.sa.gov.au or visit us in the Council Office, 2 Seventh Street Murray Bridge.

    Can I get a hard copy of the DPA?

    Yes hard copies can be obtained from the Council office, however due to the size of the document photocopying fees apply.

    What is the public hearing?

    The public hearing is a required part of the Development Plan Amendment process, any person who identifies in their submission that they wish to be heard can make a verbal representation of their submission.  This hearing is heard by the Strategic Planning and Development Policy Committee.

    If no one identifies a wish to be heard then no public hearing will be held.

    For this DPA, if needed, the public hearing will be held on the 1st June at 5.30pm at the Local Government Centre, 2 Seventh St, Murray Bridge.

    When do I need to have my submission to Council by?

    Submissions on the DPA need to be with Council by close of business 12th May 2016.

    What is a ‘drop in ‘session?

    A drop in session is an informal session where Council staff make themselves available to answer questions from interested members of the public on the DPA.  No appointments are necessary and the public are welcome to drop in any time during the allocated session.