Before lodging a planning application
The Department of Transport and Planning may need to become involved in the permit planning phase for a number of reasons.
When the Department of Transport and Planning becomes involved
A planning permit application is referred to the Department of Transport and Planning for assessment in the following circumstances:
- a new access (or changes to an existing access) from a property onto the arterial road network is proposed
- a new electronic and animated signage within 60m of a freeway or arterial road is proposed
- a proposal on land that is affected by a public acquisition overlay (PAO) where the Department of Transport and Planning is the acquiring authority
- if council believes the Department of Transport and Planning might have an interest in the proposal
- where a planning permit referral trigger exists in the relevant planning scheme.
How the Department of Transport and Planning differ from my local council
While the Department of Transport and Planning is concerned with the impact of a proposal on the state transport network, council generally takes a wider range of factors into consideration, such as:
- impact on local streets
- neighbouring properties
- the delivery of council services and other projects.
Applying for a planning permit
You won’t need to apply for a planning permit with the Department of Transport and Planning separately.
Where necessary, your local council will refer the application to the Department of Transport and Planning and you will be notified that this has occurred.
Your application has been referred to The Department of Transport and Planning
What the Department of Transport and Planning takes into consideration
The Department of Transport and Planning only assesses and provides comments on how a proposal may impact the operation of the transport network, transport network assets, and public safety.
Based on the Department of Transport and Planning comments, the proposal may need to be changed (i.e. altering the access arrangements).
What The Department of Transport and Planning is looking for
The Department of Transport and Planning will assess applications in relation to what impact they may have on the operation of the transport network, transport assets, and safety for all road users.
Please refer to our Crossovers page for more information relating to crossovers and access.
How long the process takes
The Department of Transport and Planning must respond to a planning permit within 28 days or request further information within 21 days.
Once the Department of Transport and Planning has prepared a referral response to a planning permit application, we will send out a copy to the responsible authority (usually your Council) and to the permit applicant.
If the Department of Transport and Planning needs to talk to you or seek further information to help with our assessment, we will contact you.
The Department of Transport and Planning has made a planning permit decision
Conditions the Department of Transport and Planning may impose
The Department of Transport and Planning can set conditions related to any aspect of work that could affect the operation, assets, or safety of the transport network.
The Department of Transport and Planning can choose to:
- support the permit
- support the permit with conditions
- object to the permit.
Contesting a decision
The Planning and Environment Act 1987(opens in a new window) sets out how you can contest a planning permit decision.
The Department of Transport and Planning encourages you to first come and talk to us and attempt to resolve any outstanding matters.
The Department of Transport and Planning has applied permit conditions
Why the Department of Transport and Planning imposes conditions
The Department of Transport and Planning sets permit conditions to:
- address or minimise potential impacts of the proposal on the operation of the arterial road network
- ensure safety is maintained for all road users.
Permit conditions are designed to guide the applicant in how to best meet the Department of Transport and Planning requirements.
Questions about the conditions
If you have any questions regarding conditions the Department of Transport and Planning has imposed on your permit, please contact your local the Department of Transport and Planning statutory planning team using the contact details included in the letter or email you receive.
If you do not have these details, visit our Contacts page.
Can council change the Department of Transport and Planning conditions?
Generally, council does not have jurisdiction to change any of the Department of Transport and Planning conditions.
The Department of Transport and Planning-approved contractors
If you are required to undertake works within the state transport network you may need approval under the Road Management Act 2004(opens in a new window). The Department of Transport and Planning has pre-qualified traffic consultants and contractors to help you undertake works including traffic control and access construction.
View our pre-qualified contractor list(opens in a new window).
Applicants must ensure the Department of Transport and Planning is contacted before the start of any works within the road reserve.
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