Insite SJC Bloghttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog.aspxBRC DA lodgement feeshttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/brc-da-lodgement-fees.aspx <p>Bundaberg Regional Council has released its fee schedule for 2020/21.&nbsp; While most DA lodgement fees will increase generally in accordance with the CPI there are exceptions. Find out more.</p> <p>Bundaberg Regional Council has released its fee schedule for 2020/21.&nbsp; It appears most DA lodgement fees will increase generally in accordance with the CPI.&nbsp; However, one exception is for Lot Reconfigurations.&nbsp; Currently, Council charges a base fee of $2605 plus $488 surcharge for each additional lot proposed.&nbsp; From 1 July 2020, the base fee will increase to $3500 which applies to all boundary realignments (where no additional lots are created) and subdivisions creating up to 10 lots.&nbsp; Depending on your application, this could mean an increased cost of $895 or "savings” up to $3497 (based on 9 additional lots).<br /> Council has also introduced a "bracket” system for Lot Reconfigurations.&nbsp; This means for subdivisions that propose more than 10 additional lots, the applicable "additional lot” surcharge reduces from $400 to $300 from 11 lots to 101+ lots.<br /> Council indicates that the changes are intended to more accurately reflect the amount of work required to assess these applications.<br /> All above fees quoted are for Code assessable applications.&nbsp; The surcharge of 35% for Impact assessable Lot Reconfigurations will be maintained in 2020/21.<br /> Please call our office if you are wondering about the best timing of your application considering the changes to lodgement fees.</p> Fri, 29 May 2020 17:10:42 GMTDeadline loominghttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/deadline-looming.aspx <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Remember "Bundaberg Open for Development 2016”, the Council’s thrice extended but now concluded incentives scheme?</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you were fortunate enough to secure discounts on your infrastructure charges under this scheme, but have not yet completed your development, it is most likely your discounts applicable to the uncompleted part will lapse on 26 June 2020.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 17px;">Find out what you can do!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Remember "Bundaberg Open for Development 2016”, the Council’s thrice extended, but now concluded, incentives scheme?</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you were fortunate enough to secure discounts on your infrastructure charges under this scheme, but have not yet completed your development, it is most likely your discounts applicable to the uncompleted part will lapse on <span style="font-weight: bold;">26 June 2020</span>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HOWEVER, your Infrastructure Agreement enables you to request an extension to this <span style="font-style: italic;">Completion Date</span>. There are provisos—make the request before 26 June 2020, the project demonstrates <span style="font-style: italic;">Substantial Commencement</span>, and you can give sufficient explanation of why the development cannot be completed by the <span style="font-style: italic;">Completion Date</span>.&nbsp; Council would then assess your request on its merits.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Please let InsiteSJC know if you would like us to make this request on your behalf – the sooner, the better though.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is worth noting though that infrastructure charges can be paid to Council at any time before completion.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The relevant definitions are—</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Completed</span>: Means for a material change of use:<br /> </span></p> <ul> <li>Where involving building works, a certificate of classification or the final inspection certificate (for a single detached class 1a building or structure) has been issued; or</li> <li>Where not involving building works, the approved use has been established.</li> </ul> <div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Means for reconfiguring a lot all plans of reconfiguration (or for an application which applies to a particular stage, all plans of reconfiguration for that stage) have been given to Council.</span></div> <div><br /> </div> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Completion Date</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">: Means:&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: bold;">26 June 2020</span>; or</li> </ul> <blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12pt;">such date as extended by the Council pursuant to section 3.7 of Attachment A.</span></p></blockquote> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Substantial Commencement</span>: Means for a <span style="font-style: italic;">material change of use</span> the commencement of the construction of either slab or footings (whichever is required for the development) proportionate to the size of the development proposed.<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Means for <span style="font-style: italic;">reconfiguring a lot</span> the commencement of civil works (such as roadwork, water or sewer connections, stormwater pipe work).<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Preliminary site works including tree clearing or bulk earth works are not considered to be substantial commencement for these purposes.</span></p> Fri, 15 May 2020 10:35:00 GMTCharacteristics of a successful consultancyhttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/mandatory-for-a-successful-consultant.aspx <p>What does InsiteSJC credit our longevity to?&nbsp; What makes a consultancy successful?</p> <p>We think it is the three T’s – Talent, Transparency and Trust.</p> <p>In a world where small businesses often fail, our consultancy is proud to have served the Bundaberg community for the past 35 years either as InsiteSJC or in the form of its previous incarnations Sommerfeld Jensen Campbell, Insite Strategies and Ross Sommerfeld Surveys.<br /> Of course, we are grateful for the opportunity our many clients have given us over that time. But apart from good clients, what do we credit our longevity to?&nbsp; </p> <p>We think it is the three T’s – Talent, Transparency and Trust.</p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Talent</span> – we have unsurprisingly amassed much knowledge and experience over this time but, in an ever-changing world, we also continually seek to learn, grow and improve to ensure our advice and service are current, best-practice, compliant and innovative.</li> <li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transparency</span> – our aim is to communicate, communicate, communicate so you are fully informed to make the best decisions for you and your development.</li> <li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trust</span> – we strive to act morally, responsibly and respectfully, be efficient and effective, and provide value.&nbsp; We do not simply seek to obtain a development approval for you.</li> </ul> Mon, 09 Mar 2020 21:38:00 GMTNorth Burnett Scheme Amendmentshttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/north-burnett-scheme-2.aspx <p>The InsiteSJC planning team is pleased to acknowledge the efforts of North Burnett Regional Council in progressing amendments to the planning scheme. Minor and administrative amendments commenced on Monday 3 February 2020. InsiteSJC had the pleasure of assisting the Council to make a series of amendments to ‘appropriately integrate’ SPP 2017, reflect the regulated requirements and make various other improvements and corrections.</p> <p>The InsiteSJC planning team is pleased to acknowledge the efforts of North Burnett Regional Council in progressing amendments to the planning scheme. Minor and administrative amendments commenced on Monday 3 February 2020. InsiteSJC had the pleasure of assisting the Council to make a series of amendments to ‘appropriately integrate’ SPP 2017, reflect the regulated requirements and make various other improvements and corrections.</p> <p>We greatly appreciate the opportunity to assist Councils, such as North Burnett Regional Council, prepare planning schemes and then to keep them contemporary through various amendments. No planning scheme deserves to commence and never be reviewed or amended to keep up to date as situations change.&nbsp;</p> <p>The InsiteSJC planning team has been integrally involved from the beginning: preparing the 2014 scheme and subsequent amendments (2017 major amendments for historic lots, 2017 minor and administrative amendments, 2017 Alignment amendment, and now the 2020 minor and administrative amendments.)</p> <p><span style="font-size: 17px;">We have become passionate about the North Burnett region, the Council and its staff.</span></p> Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:42:00 GMTCongratulations to Nathan Freeman on his move to Greensillhttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/congratulations-to-nathan-freeman-on-his-move-to-greensill.aspx <p>InsiteSJC Principal Town Planner Nathan Freeman is taking up a new position with Greensill Farming Group as Planning, Assets and Projects Manager.</p> <p>InsiteSJC Principal Town Planner Nathan Freeman is taking up a new position with Greensill Farming Group as Planning, Assets and Projects Manager.</p> <p> <p>Nathan has been with InsiteSJC and its predecessor Insite Strategies for 16 years and has accumulated a wealth of experience in the planning and development sector. He has been instrumental in helping the business develop into a well-recognised town planning and development consulting practice in the Wide Bay Burnett Region.</p> <p>InsiteSJC planning partner, David Newby said that while Nathan’s experience and contribution will be greatly missed, we look forward to working with him providing planning services for new Greensill projects. We wish him all the best in his new role.</p> <p>Fortunately, InsiteSJC has a team of highly experienced and qualified planning and projects staff, including David Newby, Randall Barrington, Shane Booth, Geoff Campbell, Kerry Rolfe, Evonne Swain and Tim Howlett who are willing and able to assist our clients who have previously worked with Nathan.</p> <p>He is currently president of the Bundaberg branch of the Urban Development Institute of Australia, a position which he will continue in his new role.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 17px;">He concluded with InsiteSJC on Friday 21 February 2020.</span></p></p> Sat, 22 Feb 2020 13:08:00 GMT2020 Planning Scheme Amendments commencehttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/2020-planning-scheme-amendments.aspx <p>InsiteSJC's planning team recently received a briefing from Bundaberg Regional Council’s Manager of Strategic Planning, Evan Fritz, about recent amendments to the Bundaberg Regional Council Planning Scheme that commenced on 10 February.&nbsp;</p> <p>InsiteSJC's planning team recently received a briefing from Bundaberg Regional Council’s Manager of Strategic Planning, Evan Fritz, about recent amendments to the Bundaberg Regional Council Planning Scheme that commenced on 10 February.&nbsp;<br /> Some of the key changes include:</p> <ul> <li>Secondary dwellings: changes have been made to minimum lot size and maximum floor area requirements;</li> <li>Development footprint plans: development footprint plans can provide alternate setback requirements to the QDC and Planning Scheme, removing the need for building application referrals;</li> <li>High impact industry: High impact industry development in the High impact industry zone now requires a code assessable application to be lodged with Council. Under previous planning schemes, development was accepted subject to requirements did not require approval from the Council as long as it complied with the relevant assessment benchmarks;</li> <li>Soil conditioning/composting: soil conditioning/composting involving organic material and waste is now defined as Special industry, and changes have been made to its level of assessment; and</li> <li>Local area plans: changes have been made to the Bundaberg State Development area, Kalkie-Ashfield local development area, and the Hughes and Seaview Road Bargara local development area.</li> </ul> <p>Why not give us a call? The planning team at InsiteSJC is ready to help you find development opportunities.<br /> As locals familiar with the development context, we are well-positioned to help you interpret and respond to the scheme and recent amendments.</p> Sat, 22 Feb 2020 12:24:00 GMTUncover some historyhttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/uncover-some-history.aspx <p>We recently uncovered some history in the form of a 130-year-old survey blaze on a gum at Bucca.</p> <p>One of our Survey teams recently uncovered some history…a survey reference tree emblazoned in 1888.<br /> </p> <p>The original Surveyor marked out the property at Bucca Road, Bucca 130 years ago (see attached 1888 survey plan) used a tree as a reference mark to help identify the boundary corner, as was then a common practice. After the Surveyor emblazoned the tree with a ‘broad arrow’ and the portion number, the outer layers of bark progressively grew back to eventually cover the blaze on the solid wood of the trunk. A new survey of the property required our Surveyor to reveal the survey mark by cutting the bark and new growth away. He was able to do that with a chainsaw to produce one ‘slab’ of timber showing the mirror image imprint of the blazed survey marks from the trunk.<br /> The gum would have been mature in 1888, and even after 130 years is still going strong.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The following link shows the mirror image imprint and the original 1888 survey.</p> Wed, 24 Jan 2018 17:19:00 GMT'Registered Planners' for good planninghttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/registered-planners-for-good-planning.aspx <p>Choose a PIA 'Registered Planner' to be sure of quality planning advice. InsiteSJC has the only consulting Registered Planners in the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regions. Only a small proportion of planners in all of Queensland, whether employed in the public, community or private sectors, meet the criteria for being a Registered Planner.</p> <p>The <span style="font-style: italic;">Planning Institute of Australia</span>’s Registered Planner program is a mechanism to identify and promote high-calibre planners. It recognises that only good planners can achieve good planning—by professionals with skills and knowledge not found in other disciplines.<br /> </p> <p>To be a Registered Planner it is necessary to be a <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 17px;">Full Member of the&nbsp;</span>Planning Institute of Australia, have five years professional experience, meet competency for six key practice areas covering the skill and knowledge of good planning , and commit to continuing professional development. Less than 30% of all planners in Queensland meet the requirements. It is much more than having a degree in planning but requires demonstrated experience, knowledge, and proficiency.<br /> A Registered Planner therefore represents—<br /> </p> <ul> <li>"High levels of integrity and professionalism</li> <li>An ability to use spatial thinking and interpret complex data</li> <li>A creative and integrative approach to problem-solving, drawing on a range of disciplines and methods</li> <li>An ability to develop and apply technical knowledge</li> <li>Advanced collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills</li> <li>An understanding of how to work within planning frameworks” (<span style="font-style: italic;">PIA, 2018</span>)</li> </ul> <p>Being ‘Registered’ is part of our quality assurance for our clients.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(21, 116, 212);">InsiteSJC has the only consulting Registered Planners in the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regions.</span></p> Wed, 17 Jan 2018 15:44:00 GMTDevelopment incentives changeshttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/bo4d-changes.aspx <p>The Bundaberg Regional Council today made further commitments to supporting the development industry to stimulate development and provide employment and economic growth for our region.</p> <p>The Bundaberg Regional Council has committed to supporting the development industry to stimulate development and provide employment and economic growth for our region. Following from the success of the incentives for development provided by the ‘Open for Development 2016’, Council has developed a new range of incentives to stimulate further development activity, provide opportunities for longer-term job creation and to assist housing affordability in our region. Council also resolved to adopt new timeframes for the incentives at the recent Ordinary Meeting of Council on the 12 December 2017. The closing date for applications for incentives has been extended until the 29 June 2018 with developments that Council incentivises between 22 December 2017 and 29 June 2018 having until 28 June 2019 to be completed.&nbsp; It should be noted that developments&nbsp; Council incentivised prior to the 22 December 2017 still must be completed by the 28 June 2018, although this date may be extended at Council’s discretion.</p> <p>The program incentivises development across four broad categories including—<span style="font-size: 17px;">&nbsp;</span></p> <ol> <li>Rural sector development – 100% discounts for certain direct rural or rural industry activities, 50% discount for certain allied uses (e.g. workers accommodation);</li> <li>Long-term<span style="font-size: 17px;"> employment generating development – 50% discounts for industrial, medical, tourism and business (</span> where in<span style="font-size: 17px;"> a Centres Zone) development;</span></li> <li>CBD/Town Centre development – 100% discount for certain targeted developments located in the Bundaberg CBD, town centres<span style="font-size: 17px;"> of Gin Gin and Childers, and the core tourism area of Bargara; and</span></li> <li>Housing Affordability – 50% discount for infill residential development and fully serviced residential subdivisions located in the Low density<span style="font-size: 17px;">&nbsp;residential zone or Emerging community zone, rural residential subdivision where located in the Rural residential zone and relocatable home parks.</span></li> </ol> <p>Bundaberg is continuing to grow as a regional hub with one of the key drivers to employment opportunities and economic growth in the region being the sustained and continued growth of the building and development sector. Council’s commitment to supporting this sector through the extension of the incentives package will assist projects to get off the ground that may have otherwise been unviable. The Incentives package renews confidence and investment interest in the region and provides local employment opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> There are significant discounts available for eligible development. For example, a 1 lot-into-5 lot rural residential subdivision would save up to $45,360 in infrastructure charges. A four-unit, three-bedroom multiple dwelling in a serviced area would save up to $50,400. The 2019 deadline to complete development may sound like a long time but the developer must factor in the timeframes associated with gaining the relevant town planning, engineering and building approvals in addition to completing the physical works.&nbsp;<br /> Contact one of our friendly staff who have a track record of delivering approved incentivised developments and who will be able to navigate your proposed development through the relevant regulations and legislation. If you were thinking of developing or just wanted to get some further information relating to planning, surveying or development in general, give us a call or visit us at our 67 Barolin St office.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Tue, 12 Dec 2017 16:30:00 GMTThank you for your support in 2017https://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/thank-you-2017.aspx <p>What a big year it has been for InsiteSJC!&nbsp; We have been involved in a diverse range of projects and are proud to be a part of the local community.&nbsp; You, as our clients, suppliers, and fellow consultants are what keep us going. We cannot wait to see what projects come our way next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> We thought it would be an excellent opportunity to reflect on our year and share with you some of the major projects that we have been involved with from concept and approval phase through to construction. Excuse us for a little self-indulgence, but we appreciate being part of our client’s successes! Of course, this would also not be possible without the collegiate help of our many fellow consultants!</p> <p>What a big year it has been for InsiteSJC!&nbsp; We have been involved in a diverse range of projects and are proud to be a part of the local community.&nbsp; You, as our clients, suppliers, and fellow consultants are what keep us going. We cannot wait to see what projects come our way next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>We thought it would be an excellent opportunity to reflect on our year and share with you some of the more significant projects that we have been involved with...from concept and approval phase through to construction. Excuse us for a little self-indulgence, but we appreciate being part of our client’s successes! Of course, success would not be possible without the collegiate help of our many fellow consultants!</p> <p>Even though we think we have some bragging rights about projects that help build our region, we also want to remember the 'Mum and Dad clients', sometimes with small projects that may not seem like they matter much in a crowded development market. We enjoy helping those clients to achieve something significant in their own lives.</p> <h4>Headland Bargara – Multi-low Pty Ltd</h4>Multi-low Pty Ltd (now Moorhead Family Communities) and InsiteSJC have been working closely with to get approval for the new coastal residential estate, Headlands Bargara.&nbsp; The combined development permit and preliminary approval is for 328 residential lots including 287 low-density residential lots, 31 small lot residential lots, four medium density residential lots, two mixed-use lots, and four parcels dedicated for park and infrastructure.&nbsp; An essential design element of this estate is the foreshore which MFC will dedicate for public enjoyment.&nbsp; MFC anticipate commencing construction of Headlands Bargara in the new year.&nbsp;<br /> <h4>Rubyanna Waste Water Treatment Plant</h4>The Rubyanna WWTP is a crucial infrastructure project for the Bundaberg Regional Council.&nbsp; The construction of Council’s new wastewater treatment plant will cost $71 million but is expected to deliver a $160 Million benefit to the local economy. We are excited about its real value to the community, the ability to facilitate private investment in new industrial, commercial and residential development. This investment could not proceed without the availability of a reticulated sewerage service.&nbsp; Our surveyors have been on-site during construction to assist with the set-out of new plant and to ensure the storage and treatment tanks are constructed to precision.<br /> <h4>Latitude 25 RV Lifestyle Park in Hervey Bay</h4>Approved in May 2012, Nikenbah Constructions Pty Ltd has commenced construction of their 281-site RV park in Nikenbah, Hervey Bay.&nbsp; The project is the first lifestyle park in Hervey Bay to offer large garages for residents to park their RV’s, caravans or boats.&nbsp; It is a master-planned estate that will also include a state of the art clubhouse and leisure centre complete with tennis courts, bowling greens, library, meeting rooms and entertainment areas, men’s shed, gym and other shared facilities.&nbsp; The first release of lots in this estate is currently underway.<br /> <h4>RV Lifestyle Village Oceanside in Burnett Heads</h4>The Fraser Coast is not the only place to take advantage of RV lifestyle village living.&nbsp; We will be lodging a development application in early 2018 for a new RV lifestyle village at Burnett Heads with approximately 500 sites.&nbsp; This master-planned estate will include modern village facilities and large areas of green space for its residents.&nbsp; InsiteSJC has been a key part of the team that has been developing the concept plans ready for submission to Council.<br /> <h4>Amendments to the North Burnett Regional Council Planning Scheme</h4>This year we saw the new <span style="font-style: italic;">Planning Act 2016</span> commence. The PA16 establishes the overarching framework for land-use planning and development assessment in Queensland.&nbsp; The new legislation replaced the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and, while the system has changed, the fundamental roles of the state, local government and community remain the same.&nbsp; The change required many local governments to amend their planning scheme to align with the new legislation.&nbsp; We were fortunate enough to be able to assist the North Burnett Regional Council to make these changes to their planning scheme and to facilitate the transition to the new system. The amended scheme became effective on 3 July 2017 concurrent with other amendments, including those relating to ‘historic lots’, and multiple minor and administrative improvements.<br /> <h4>Knauf Plasterboard Plant – Port of Bundaberg</h4>Knauf, a Global leader in lightweight wall and ceiling systems, has constructed a state-of-the-art plasterboard manufacturing facility at the Port of Bundaberg. The new plant provides hundreds of local jobs and actively supports the local community.&nbsp; During the peak of the construction phase, our surveyors were on-site on a daily basis to make sure everything lined up correctly from the building framework through to the machinery within the building.&nbsp;<br /> <h4>Jayco – Bundaberg</h4>Steve and Jacqualyn Canard constructed a new home for Jayco Bundaberg to relocate from their previous premises where they had operated for more than 35 years.&nbsp; The new site offers a 1,668m² building and includes a large showroom and multiple workshops.&nbsp; The 9,340m² site provides 3,475m² of open display area so that Jayco can show off their vast range of caravans and campers.&nbsp; Construction is complete, and Jayco loves their new home. Formerly a residential site, InsiteSJC obtained a material change of use approval for the commercial activity.<br /> <h4>Marina Quays</h4>A 4-storey multi-residential development located along the banks of the Burnett River in Bundaberg. The project will be a keystone one in the re-development of the riverfront area—the first within Council’s Riverside Master Plan area. It would integrate well with the expansive parkland along the southern bank of the Burnett River, providing opportunities for residents to drive economic activity within the CBD and the riverside precinct.&nbsp; Lodged at the end of Nov 2017, we anticipate Council’s approval for the application in early 2018.<br /> <h4>Mater Hospital Re-development – Genesis Oncology Centre</h4>The building was the fastest construction we have ever seen!&nbsp; It took less than 8 hours to erect on-site.&nbsp; Hutchinson Builders prefabricated the structure at their yard in Yatala (Brisbane) and transported it to Bundaberg via 20 semi-trucks.&nbsp; Starting at about 5 am, Stewart and Sons Steel lifted each part by crane and moved them into place.&nbsp; Timing was the key and, with the assistance of Bundaberg Regional Council, we were able to modify the hospital’s existing approval to accommodate the new oncology centre in record time.<br /> <h4>Upgrades to the Bruce Highway – Department of Transport and Main Roads</h4>Our surveyors have been working along various parts of the Bruce Highway between Childers and Miriam Vale to assist the State government with their upgrade projects.&nbsp; Much of this work involves site set-out and working with construction companies to bring the upgrades to fruition.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <h4>Friendlies Re-development</h4>The Bundaberg Friendlies Private Hospital continues to expand and upgrade their facilities.&nbsp; We have been a long-term partner with the Friendlies from getting their approvals to assisting with the site set-out as part of the construction phase.&nbsp; Their latest project involves the closure of Crofton Street, which will allow them to expand their footprint. <h4>We look forward to 2018</h4>As you can see, it has been a big year, but we are looking forward to an even bigger 2018!&nbsp;<br /> We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.&nbsp; We look forward to seeing you again in 2018. Fri, 08 Dec 2017 17:39:00 GMTSurveyors and the value of cadastral integrityhttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/surveyors-and-the-value-of-cadastral-integrity.aspx <p>"The cadastre is a valuable record of property boundaries , and records property ownership, entitlements and restrictions under the Torrens title system. The cadastre records extents of land rights and interests and connects them to the Certificate of Title each time dealings are registered or new titles are created. The Certificate of Title <g class="gr_ gr_7 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation replaceWithoutSep" id="7" data-gr-id="7">therefore</g> provides the foundation for land valuation and transfer of property ownership." (SSIQ)</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute Queensland</span> recently published the following in relation to a report prepared for Consulting Surveyors National...</p> <blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"> <p><span style="font-family: Alike; font-size: 12pt;">"</span><span style="font-size: 17px; font-family: Alike;">Confidence in the land tenure system flows through to an assurance that the registered proprietor on the Certificate of Title is the owner of land described. Confidence of the land tenure system therefore underpins the efficiency of the Australian economy, especially the financial sector. Critical to the accuracy of cadastral data that forms the basis of a confident financial sector is the licensed surveyor.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Alike; font-size: 17px;">In addition, although positions of boundaries are not covered by the State’s guarantee of title, confidence in boundaries is a critical element in public perception of guaranteed title. The community relies on the land administration system to provide a tangible and physical expression of title accurately marked on the ground without dispute. The cadastral boundary system therefore supports title by facilitating the efficient physical definition of title boundaries (and other rights and interests) by surveyors. It also operates in reverse, whereby allowing physical rights to be legally registered on title.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Alike; font-size: 17px;">These linkages within the land tenure system highlight the importance of maintaining what is known as the ‘integrity’ of the cadastre – that is, the reputation of the cadastre and the level of confidence that society has in its accuracy, quality and completeness."</span></p></blockquote> Sat, 18 Feb 2017 14:28:00 GMTHow far can you gohttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/how-far-can-you-go.aspx <p>This blog discusses what it means for a proposal to 'conflict with' a planning scheme and the 'sufficient grounds test' that an assessment manager would need to apply in the event of such a conflict.</p> <p>It is interesting sometimes to observe the community perception that all development proposals must comply with every aspect of the planning scheme. In reality, most development projects have some minor issue that requires dispensation or relaxation by the Council as the assessment manager.</p> <p>It is interesting sometimes to observe the community perception that all development proposals must comply with every aspect of the planning scheme. In reality, most development proposals have some minor aspect that requires dispensation or relaxation by the Council as the assessment manager.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4>Getting the most out of a development site</h4> <p>It is the nature of the market for investors and developer to achieve as much as possible on a development site if it maximises profit. Inherently, a developer seeks the best return on a site. That means 'pushing the boundaries'. It requires extracting as much as reasonably possible from a property while respecting neighbourhood amenity and avoiding other adverse impacts. It often means not complying with every acceptable outcome, but instead looking to comply with intentions as expressed in performance outcomes, overall outcomes, or even strategic-level outcomes.</p> <p>Sometimes a proposal conflicts with some aspect of a planning scheme yet still represent a reasonable project with acceptable impacts.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4>Sufficient grounds test</h4> <p>Sometimes pushing the boundaries requires that <g class="gr_ gr_49 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim Style multiReplace" id="49" data-gr-id="49">Council determine</g> that there are 'sufficient planning grounds to approve a proposal despite a conflict' between the proposal and the planning scheme.<br /> Conflict with a planning scheme is <g class="gr_ gr_51 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_disable_anim_appear Style multiReplace" id="51" data-gr-id="51">different </g> <g class="gr_ gr_64 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim Style multiReplace" id="64" data-gr-id="64"> <g class="gr_ gr_51 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_disable_anim_appear Style multiReplace" id="51" data-gr-id="51">to</g>&nbsp; <g class="gr_ gr_53 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_disable_anim_appear Style multiReplace" id="53" data-gr-id="53">merely</g></g> <g class="gr_ gr_53 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_disable_anim_appear Style multiReplace" id="53" data-gr-id="53"> not</g> complying with some acceptable outcome or performance outcomes in a code that might occur when a proposed building is setback less than a minimum or when there are fewer cars than specified. It is more to do with a proposal being markedly different to that expected by the planning scheme, <g class="gr_ gr_55 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim Style multiReplace" id="55" data-gr-id="55">for <g class="gr_ gr_54 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="54" data-gr-id="54">example</g></g> industrial development in the middle of a residential street. While this might be an extreme case it illustrates that conflict is more to do with breaching intent than mere non-compliance.<br /> The <span style="font-style: italic;">Sustainable Planning Act 2009</span>, enables a Council decision to conflict with the planning scheme in certain circumstances. The 'sufficient grounds test' is generally treated in this way—</p> <ol> <li>is there a conflict with the scheme or policies;</li> <li>if so, how serious is the conflict; and,</li> <li>finally, are there sufficient grounds despite the conflict?</li> </ol> <p>This effectively means that Council could approve an industrial project in a residential zone provided there were 'sufficient grounds'. There would ordinarily not be sufficient grounds if the planning scheme was a contemporary representation of land uses and future intent. That,&nbsp;however, does not mean that a proposal that conflicts with the scheme requires a refusal.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Sat, 18 Feb 2017 12:49:00 GMTPlanning reform syndromehttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/planning-reform-syndrome.aspx <p>Not so long ago we had a small footprint planning system! Before being afflicted with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Planning Reform Syndrome</span> symptoms, Queensland had a very lightweight planning regime. Only as far back as the early 1980s, to arguably the most bureaucratically-complex part of Queensland as far as the planning and development system was concerned, Brisbane...the <span style="font-style: italic;">City of Brisbane Town Planning Act 1964</span> comprised just 19 pages and the town plan contained a little more than 100 pages of text. There were no state planning policies, guidelines or rules. Our entire planning system, as it applied to metropolitan Brisbane, fitted into less than 120 pages! Compare that to what we are launching into in 2017!<br /> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Planning reform syndrome</span> (<span style="font-weight: bold;">sin</span>-drome) <span style="font-style: italic;">noun</span>&nbsp;</p> <blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"> <p><span style="font-family: Alike;">a characteristic combination of opinions, emotions, or behaviour resulting in the desire to reform planning legislation, whether at a national, state or local level; commonly transmitted between states and often results in the flow-on effect to other levels of government; pervasive and lingering symptoms that may temporarily be suppressed or reduced for short periods; reform rarely results in a radical transformation such as a promised streamlined system and more likely leads to increased system complexity [Greek <span style="font-style: italic;">syndrome</span>&nbsp;a running together]</span></p></blockquote> <h4>A better planning system&nbsp;</h4> <p>The search for a better planning system continues... one that is more ‘transparent and efficient’ and ‘contributes to investment and jobs’. It is interesting to briefly reflect on the quest.</p> <p>Even though the new&nbsp;Planning Act 2016&nbsp;is likely to commence on 3 July 2017, in reality, the process of change will continue for some time after that as the practitioners and the community learn and understand the intricate details, discovering pitfalls and tricks of the new legislation. Undoubtedly there will be a need to fine-tune aspects of the reformed system, and we should not think that we will wake up in early July believing reform is behind us. The symptoms of the syndrome will not completely disappear.Even though the new <span style="font-style: italic;">Planning Act 2016</span> is likely to commence on 3 July 2017, in reality, the process of change will continue for some time after that as the practitioners and the community learn and understand the intricate details, discovering pitfalls and tricks of the new legislation. Undoubtedly there will be a need to fine-tune aspects of the reformed system, and we should not think that we will wake up in early July believing reform is behind us. The symptoms of the syndrome will not completely disappear.</p> <p>It is interesting how, in making the system more efficient, the result is more legislation. While the <span style="font-style: italic;">Planning Act 2016</span>, at 313 pages, is half the size of the 663-page <span style="font-style: italic;">Sustainable Planning Act 2009</span> (excluding endnotes), subordinate instruments now contain much more than previously. The regulation, for example, is 400 pages compared to the 231 pages in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009</span>. Further, do not forget about the new Development Assessment Rules (82 pages) and the Minister’s Guidelines and Rules (91 pages).<span style="font-size: 17px;">&nbsp;</span></p> <h4>We once had a small footprint planning system</h4> <p>Look back in history for a minute. Before being afflicted with Syndrome symptoms, Queensland had a very lightweight planning regime. Going back to the early 1980s to arguably the most bureaucratically-complex part of Queensland as far as the planning and development system was concerned, Brisbane...the <span style="font-style: italic;">City of Brisbane Town Planning Act 1964</span> comprised just 19 pages and the town plan contained a little more than 100 pages of text. There were no state planning policies, guidelines or rules. Our entire planning system as it applied to metropolitan Brisbane fitted into less than 120 pages!</p> <h4>Will the disruption be worthwhile</h4> <p>Some stakeholders ask whether the significant investment and disruption will be worthwhile. The development assessment system, after all, is not fundamentally different to the current IDAS.</p> <p>The recent flurry of reform activity deserves commendation. The Department of Infrastructure Local Government and Planning ( <g class="gr_ gr_40 gr-alert gr_spell gr_run_anim gr_inline_cards ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="40" data-gr-id="40">DILGP</g>) continues to meaningfully engage with all stakeholders to increase readiness for day one of the new act. Departmental staff have been excellent and supportive in every possible way.</p> <p>So planning reform syndrome creates a legislative web—the <span style="font-style: italic;">Planning Act 2016</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Planning and Environmental Court Act 2016</span>, the <span style="font-style: italic;">Planning Regulation 2017</span>, State Planning Policy, Regional Plans, Minister’s Guidelines and Rules, Development Assessment Rules, State Development Assessment Provisions, planning schemes, local government infrastructure plans, temporary local planning instruments, and planning scheme policies<span style="font-size: 17px;">.</span></p> <p>Only time will tell whether there is any real benefit for the industry and the broader community.<span style="font-size: 17px;">&nbsp;</span></p> Thu, 16 Feb 2017 09:00:00 GMTIncentives deadline loomshttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/incentives-deadline-looms.aspx <p>The 19 July 2017 deadline may seem like it is still a long way off, but considering the prospect of State referrals, information requests, public notification and submitter appeals, the timeframe is getting impractical for some projects. Act now to ensure that you make the most of the Bundaberg Regional Council development incentives.</p> <div> <p><span style="background-color: initial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 17px;">Make sure that your project doesn’t miss out on big savings in Bundaberg Regional Council Infrastructure Charges. &nbsp; The critical deadlines for Bundaberg Regional Council’s 2016 Open for Development Infrastructure Incentives Scheme are:</span></p> <ul> <li>Development must have a valid approval and an application for the incentives discount before 19 July 2017;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Development must be complete by 19 July 2018.</li> </ul> <p><span style="background-color: initial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 17px;">With less than 6 months remaining, it is critical that you allow sufficient time to obtain approvals. It may be necessary to allow for State referrals, information requests, public notification, or submitter appeal periods to ensure that your project fully benefits from these discounts.<br /> </span><span style="background-color: initial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 17px;">Contact InsiteSJC ‘s planning team today to get advice about the full benefit for your development project.<br /> </span><span style="background-color: initial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 17px;">A range of generous incentives are available, for example—a 50% discount for residential, industrial, and medical related development and some rural development and 100% for Rural Industry, Intensive Horticulture, Aquaculture and Wineries and certain CBD development in the town centres of Bundaberg, Childers, Bargara and Gin Gin.</span></p></div> Wed, 15 Feb 2017 14:48:00 GMTTen commandments for development assessmenthttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/ten-commandments-for-development-assessment.aspx <p>We have a new planning regime commencing in Queensland in July 2017. With the objective of streamlining planning and development assessment processes, many are expecting the Planning Act 2016 and associated legislation to revolutionise the development landscape. We think otherwise!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Unless there is a change to planning culture and behaviour in planning departments, then no amount of legislative reform will improve the system or the outcomes.<br /> We put forward our principles for good behaviour and practices among development assessment teams:</p> <h2>Ten Commandments for Development Assessment</h2> <ol> <li>Thou shalt have no other decision rules, assessment process or assessment criteria.</li> <li>Thou shalt learn and play by the rules.</li> <li>Thou shalt remember statutory timeframes, to keep them holy, treating them not as a target but as a maximum. Extended timeframes should be rare exceptions and not the norm.</li> <li>Honour your applicants and their consultants. Listen to them and respond positively.</li> <li>Honour commitments made during prelodgement meetings and other communications.</li> <li>Thou shalt not kill pragmatism by over-analysing applications.</li> <li>Thou shalt have the best practice systems and procedures.</li> <li>Thou shalt have a plan for continual improvement. Hope is not a business strategy.</li> <li>Thou shalt not bear false witness against applicants, instead report on applications genuinely and professionally.</li> <li>Thou shalt treat applications consistently. Application standards and information requirements are set out in the relevant planning scheme policy and apply to all applications.</li> </ol><br /> <p>&nbsp;</p> Fri, 25 Nov 2016 16:35:00 GMTAvoid the public notification blackout period over Christmashttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/avoid-the-public-notification-blackout-period-over-christmas.aspx <p>Property developers should keep in mind the timing of publicly notifying relevant applications. Notification between 20 December in any year to 5 January in the following year does not count towards the 15 or 30 business day notification period.</p> <p>A 15-day notification needs to commence by 28 November to avoid the blackout period. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Act now!</span></p> <p>As everyone is gearing up for the annual visit from Kris Kringle, property developers should also keep in mind the timing of publicly notifying relevant applications. Under the <span style="font-style: italic;">Sustainable Planning Act 2009</span>, the days between 20 December in any year and 5 January in the following year (inclusive) cannot count towards the 15 or 30 business day notification period.</p> <p>This means that in order to avoid the "blackout period”, public notification needs to commence by 28 November 2016 at the latest. &nbsp;If the notification period is for 30 business days, you have already 'missed the boat' with public notification needing to have commenced by 7 November 2016. (Those applications are not very common.)</p> <p>So what does this mean for lodging development applications? &nbsp;For code assessable applications, absolutely nothing as public notification is not required. &nbsp;For development applications that are impact assessable, the lodgement window is rapidly closing in on when an applicant is reasonably likely to be able to commence public notification. Lodging as soon as possible greatly improves the likelihood that Council would receive the application and decide that no further information is required prior to notification.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Our message therefore is that you need to act urgently!</span></p> Tue, 08 Nov 2016 15:28:00 GMTCopyright public apology receivedhttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/public-apology-received.aspxWe publish a public apology from Bernard Kemps and Mark Mergard. <p>Following protracted legal action, InsiteSJC received a public apology from Bernard Kemps and Mark Mergard. A Court-mediated agreement allows us to publish the letter of apology in the Newsmail on two occasions and on our website.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic;">20 September 2016</span></p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span>To Whom It May Concern,</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;">We, Mark Mergard and Bernard Kemps of Bundaberg apologise to InsiteSJC for any use of InsiteSJC's intellectual property contained within a development application report, without InsiteSJC's consent or licence, when lodging five development applications with the Bundaberg Regional Council.</span></p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> We acknowledge that we did not have consent or licence to use the intellectual property of InsiteSJC and acknowledge the copyright of InsiteSJC in the development application reports authored by it and that InsiteSJC has a strong reputation for providing expertise in town planning, surveying and development projects. We further acknowledge that the unauthorised use of InsiteSJC's intellectual property devalues InsiteSJC's reputation and business.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;">Signed&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> Bernard Kemps &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mark Mergard</span></p> <p><br /> </p> Sat, 05 Nov 2016 06:00:00 GMTBundaberg Open For Development rebootedhttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/open-for-development-2016-and-units/bundaberg-open-for-development-rebooted.aspx <p>Following on from successful incentives packages in 2013, Bundaberg Regional Council has rebooted the initiative and released a new range of generous incentives across four broad categories. The ‘’Bundaberg Open for Development’’ is a welcome initiative that will assist in stimulating the local economy.</p> <p>Following on from successful incentives packages in 2013, Bundaberg Regional Council has rebooted the initiative and released a new range of generous incentives across four broad categories. The ‘’Bundaberg Open for Development’’ is a welcome initiative that will assist in stimulating the local economy. The incentives are across four broad categories—<br /> </p> <ol> <li>Long term employment generating development;</li> <li><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">CBD/Town centre development;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">Rural Sector; and</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">Housing affordability.</span></li> </ol> <h2><span style="color: rgb(82, 132, 0);">The opportunities for huge savings</span></h2> <p>There are great opportunities, for example—</p> <ul> <li>Infill development and for residential subdivisions creating more than 10 lots in fully serviced areas (i.e. with sewer and water) on land in the Low density residential, Medium density residential and Emerging community zones. There is 50% discount off charges for these types of development, so this means that for a 10-lot subdivision would receive a $126,000 infrastructure charges discount;</li> <li><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">Certain types of development in the Bundaberg CBD and the town centres of Childers, Gin Gin and Bargara will enjoy a 100% discount on infrastructure charges such as short term accommodation and residential units. For example, a Hotel with 20 x 3 bedroom units would save $252,000;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">The Rural sector will also get a big boost with horticulture, aquaculture, rural workers accommodation, and other certain </span>uses<span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">, getting between 50% and 100% discounts. For example, a 500m2 packing shed would save $20,500 in charges in the un-serviced areas.</span></li> </ul> <p>The incentives are also available where development has been started prior to 19 July 2016 but not completed. This means even if you have substantially started your development there may still be incentives available.</p> <h2><span style="color: rgb(237, 119, 0);">Beware the deadlines</span></h2> <p>Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and this will be the case for the incentives. An application in the approved form must be made prior to 19 July 2017 and development must be completed by 19 July 2018. There may be some instances where Council may extend this date for development that has been substantially commenced, though this will be at Council’s discretion. The take-home message is that there is essentially a year from now to obtain an approval and apply for the discounts. This means factoring in finding a site and development opportunity, lodging and obtaining approvals within the year then and completing the project within the following twelve months.&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="color: rgb(21, 116, 212);">InsiteSJC can help</span></h2> <p>This is where we add value to the process.<br /> As with all planning-related jargon, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate through the plethora of requirements. At InsiteSJC we are best placed to advise on how you can take maximum advantage of the available incentives and assist in getting your development ready prior to the 19 July 2017 deadline. Our team of experts in town planning, surveying and projects will guide you to the finish line from application through to approval. Our extensive network of industry contacts and our good relationships with Council and State representatives will ensure you get the most out of your development dollars.&nbsp;<br /> Call us today and one of our friendly staff will advise you on how you can take advantage of the broad array of incentives available.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Fri, 22 Jul 2016 11:49:00 GMTBundaberg Open for Development 2016 and unit projectshttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/open-for-development-2016-and-units.aspx<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.5px;">For anyone contemplating a unit development, the Bundaberg Regional Council "Open for Development” infrastructure charges incentive is welcome news.</span> <p>For anyone contemplating a unit development, the Bundaberg Regional Council "Open for Development 2016” infrastructure charges incentive scheme is welcome news.<br /> The potential savings on a 4 x two bedroom unit development (now with a 50% discount on the charges) would be $23,400. This should now make more projects feasible.<br /> InsiteSJC can provide site specific advice to help evaluate the feasibility of your project. However, if you are looking for a suitable site here are a few tips to improve viability:<br /> </p> <ul> <li>Look for a site that falls from the rear to the street to minimise stormwater drainage and retaining wall costs.</li> <li><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">Avoid sites traversed by a sewer line – it is possible to build </span> <g class="gr_ gr_19 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim Grammar only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="19" data-gr-id="19">over </g><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">the line but there will be additional costs.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">If possible select a site that has a sealed verge to the kerb avoiding significant roadworks costs.</span></li> <li>Carefully consider the possible site layout and additional construction implications of corner sites.</li> </ul> <p>These simple criteria could slash as much as $50,000 from development cost for your project. Combine that with Council's incentives and you could be 'on a winner'!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Wed, 20 Jul 2016 17:36:00 GMTGet coordinatedhttps://www.insitesjc.com.au/blog/get-coordinated.aspx <p>We're not talking about fashion-coordinated! (Sorry!)</p> <p>Having a good understanding of geodetic coordinates is important for construction, engineering and surveying.&nbsp;</p> <p>This blog discusses:</p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">next year's change from GDA94 to GDA2020 (</span><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">Australia is not where it was in 1994!); and,</span></li> <li>how 999.6 metres can equal a kilometre.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.5;">No…sorry to disappoint you, but we are not talking fashion here, but the reference system we use to locate places on the Earth! We refer to these as geodetic coordinates—and a big change to the system will be coming soon. Councils, Constructing Authorities and Engineers regularly request us to supply As-Constructed survey data (and some design survey data) in GDA (Geocentric Datum of Australia) coordinates. Because the survey data is uniformly orientated and coordinated to fit with all of the other data sets, it can merge seamlessly into existing GIS (Geographic Information Systems) databases.</span></p> <h3><span style="font-family: Montserrat, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5;">To be more accurate</span></h3> <p>GDA94 has been the operating datum across Australia since 2000. It is based on Australia’s position on the earth as at 1 January 1994. Coordinates have been fixed (relevant to Australia) during this time, but have also been adjusted as more accurate measurements are taken. The Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines supplies the coordinates for Permanent Survey Marks we use as the basis for some of our surveys. &nbsp;However, with the proliferation of orbiting satellites and better technology, it is time to progress to a more accurate datum.</p> <h3>Australia is on the move</h3> <p>Yes, it might surprise some that the whole of the country is moving! Australia’s tectonic plate is drifting in a north-easterly direction at a rate of 7 centimetres a year. That means that the "fixed coordinates” from 1994 are now approximately 1.8 metres out of position when compared to world coordinates. &nbsp;It is now possible to get real-time, sub-30mm accurate coordinates from orbiting satellites. Interestingly, this technology will even soon be readily available on smartphones and other devices. To keep up with this technology and the availability of accurate coordinate data, Australia will adopt GDA2020 as the datum for its coordinate system on the 1 January 2017. This datum will also be fixed, and will be based on calculated coordinates for Australia’s position in 2020.</p> <h3>Implications</h3> <p>So, how will this affect us? Users of survey data will need to be careful when working between the different coordinate systems. From 2017, new data will be in GDA2020 coordinates, and these will not mesh with any existing data on GDA94. </p> <h3>How many metres in a kilometre?</h3> <p>That is a trick question—the answer it seems is not so simple as saying 1000 metres! In Bundaberg, one kilometre measured on the earth’s surface is 999.6 metres using GDA coordinates.Many would not be aware that scale factors come into play when a curved surface (the earth) is projected onto a flat surface (i.e. a map). This scale factor changes depending on location but a general scale factor for Bundaberg is 0.9996. So one kilometre measured along the ground becomes is really 999.6 metres using GDA coordinates. This is important for Engineers and designers to keep in mind when they request data in "GDA” coordinates. Yes, constructing a kilometre-long bridge with a 40-centimetre gap in it would not be a ‘good look’!</p> <p>Just something to think about!!!</p> <p>Connecting our surveys to GDA datum is demanding and time-consuming, an expense that is part of our survey costs. Ultimately, however, it is beneficial overall as the data is stored and used within GIS databases to improve the long-term efficiency for surveying, engineering and construction industries.</p> <h3>In practice</h3> <p>We are presently using GDA coordinates to map the gas pipeline being constructed from Price Street to the Bundaberg Port. Prior to the pipeline being buried, we are locating the welds joining the 13-metre lengths of pipe. This data will then be provided to the owner of the pipeline, who will be able to be merged it into their GIS and enable them to overlay property boundaries, roads and other attributes. Having reliable positional information will streamline future maintenance or repairs to the pipeline.</p> Fri, 03 Jun 2016 08:08:00 GMT