2015-16 Annual Report 2015-16 Annual Report | Page 59

QUICK STATS applications 1,940 plumbing assessed and approved The Branch also delivered a number of key outcomes for the 2015-16 financial year including: Key outcomes delivered by the Building and Compliance Branch for the 2015-16 financial year include: • Delivery of Stage two of the ePlanning Project which has resulted in mobile inspection capabilities and ability to lodge development applications electronically • Continuing application of the Building Certification Service Improvement Implementation Plan – secondyear program – developed through participation in the Service Delivery Integration Project initiative • The conduct of 127 pre-lodgement meetings • Determination of 97 per cent of Building Siting Discretion applications within 20 days • Facilitation of the delivery of 1862 approved lots and 1189 new lots throughout the Toowoomba Region • 87 per cent of Material Change of Use (MCU) applications were determined within statutory timeframes (154 MCU applications determined) • 1,940 plumbing applications assessed and approved • 98 per cent of Operational Works (OW) applications were determined within statutory timeframes (197 OW applications determined) • 86 per cent of Reconfiguring of Lot (ROL) applications were determined within statutory timeframes (131 ROL applications were determined). Our Technical Advice officers responded to: • 4,178 enquiries • 572 Customer Requests. Building and Compliance The Building and Compliance branch provide information, advice and approvals to the development industry and general public. Made up of three functional areas including Building Certification, Plumbing and Drainage and Development Compliance, the branch is responsible for the protection of the region’s amenity and safety in respect to building and development compliance. Inspection Activity 2014-15 2015-16 Building (certification) inspections 1,120 837 Plumbing inspections 5,188 6,241 Customer requests (compliance inspections) 4,572 4,821 10,880 11,899 TOTAL 59 • An average of 8.9 days taken to determine siting discretions • 1,440 compliance responses investigated • Determination of 99.5 per cent of Plumbing Applications within 20 days • An average of 3.8 days taken to determine plumbing applications. Strategic Planning and Economic Development branch Council is actively working towards economic prosperity by promoting the region to new residents, potential business enterprises and potential investors. The aim of economic growth is to bring about a more diverse economy, improved services, greater employment prospects and a more liveable community. The Strategic Planning and Economic Development (SPED) branch produces strategies and policies that inform Council’s forward-planning initiatives, which facilitate an improved quality of life for the Toowoomba Region. The branch also prepare the statutory guidelines for planning and development to accommodate growth in the Toowoomba Region. The SPED branch regularly consults with government agencies, local business, community group representatives and residents to gain insight on how to ensure the Toowoomba Region grows in a sustainable way. With the protection and enhancement of the built, rural and natural environments, Council can continue to create sustainable opportunities for work and leisure. TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016 Our organisation CHAPTER 3 59