Project Approvals Framework
The framework is built around comprehensive and consultative project scoping to ensure early identification of important issues that may affect the proposed project and approvals that can be required. Project scoping allows government agencies and proponents to agree on what information is required to consider approvals, and timelines for the process. For many large development projects, DSD appoints a Project Manager from its Resources and Industrial Development Division to help proponents define and develop their proposals. This is particularly the case where a project is deemed to be significant for the State's economy.
Depending on the complexity of a project, there is a standard pathway or a coordinated pathway through three approvals phases, which are:
1. Proponent Consultation
Consultation by the proponent with stakeholders, including local community and government agencies, to identify and discuss issues of public and government concern, potential impacts, the means to address these, and the number and type of approvals needed.
2. Agency Scoping
Negotiation and agreement between project proponents and government agencies on the information required to consider approval, and timelines for doing so.
The project proponent then prepares, as agreed, documentation for assessment by agencies.
3. Development Assessment
Government agencies and decision makers assess the detailed proposals and grant relevant approvals where appropriate, and within agreed timelines.
Outline of Project Approvals framework (PDF, 50kb, opens in a new window)
For complex and/or very large projects, the Major Projects Branch within the Resources and Industrial Development Division can provide across-government coordination of approvals supplementing the support provided by the assigned Project Manager from Investment Facilitation.
Page Index
Project Definition
Detailed definition of all aspects of a project is a critical part of the Project Approvals framework - particularly for complex projects. This minimises delays caused by issues arising part way through the approval process.
To start the coordinated approvals process the project proponent compiles a Project Definition Document (PDD). A PDD guideline and example PDD are available to help proponents understand what information is expected in this document.
For projects of any size the information in the PDD Guideline (link) provides a useful checklist of issues that might need to be considered in developing a proposal.
When a PDD is submitted it is initially screened by agencies to confirm that the use of the coordinated approvals pathway is appropriate. If so, the Agency Scoping phase is used to identify:
- Approvals and permits needed
- Issues that must be addressed for assessment
- Required level of detail of submissions
- An agreed timetable for proponent's submissions and agency assessments
Sometimes the PDD will reveal that a project proposal is less complex than first thought, and can be dealt with as a straightforward proposal.
Project Definition Document Guideline (PDF, 226kb, opens in a new window)
Project Definition Document Template (Word, 94kb, opens in a new window)
Example Project Definition Document (PDF, 1,537kb, opens in a new window)
