Anyone can formally submit comments to the Western Downs Regional Council to support or oppose a development application. These comments are called "submissions".

You can make a submission on any type of development application. However, the legal right to appeal Council's decision is only possible on impact assessable applications and change applications advertised for comment.

Find out how to have your say on developments in the Western Downs region:

• Grounds for a submission
• When to lodge a submission
• Confidentiality
• How to make a properly made submission
• Preparing your submission
• Lodging your submission
• After lodging your submission

Grounds for a Submission

Council needs to understand the reasons behind your submission. For example, if you think the type of development proposed for your area is unsuitable, you need to say why you believe it is unsuitable, not simply that you don't like it.

It is important to focus on planning issues, such as:

• whether the proposed use is consistent with the intent for the area as expressed in Western Downs Planning Scheme 2017 incorporating Amendment 1;
• whether the scale and design of the proposed development is compatible with surrounding development;
• how the development addresses the street and interfaces with adjoining properties;
• any potential traffic or car parking issues associated with the development;
• hours of operation (for commercial activities);
• how the development may impact drainage patterns in the area;
• how the development fits with any objective of the Planning Scheme to protect and enhance the natural environment.

When to lodge a Submission

Development applications advertised for comment have a notification period. You must lodge your submission before the closing date of that period. Submissions received after the closing date do not have appeal rights. The dates of the notification period are communicated:

• on advertising sign/s at the property subject to the application;
• in a notice in a local newspaper; and
• in letters to adjoining property owners.

Confidentiality

Council cannot consider anonymous submissions. To be a valid submitter to a development application, a submission must be properly made in accordance with the requirements of the Planning Act 2016. Council publishes all submissions on Development.i for viewing along with the planning application.

Submissions lodged are published online in their entirety, including name, address and signature. Once an application is decided, the name and address of all submitters is provided to the applicant in accordance with legislation. This information is also available to other submitters.

How to make a Properly Made Submission

Council considers all submissions when assessing an application. Only properly made submissions will have the legal right to appeal Council’s decision through the Planning and Environment Court.

A properly made submission must:

• be made electronically using Development.i or in writing (email Council – info@wdrc.qld.gov.au) and signedby each person who made the submission;
• include the name and residential address of each person who is making the submission;
• state what aspects of the proposed development you support or oppose, and why;
• provide an email address of each person who is making the submission; and
• be received by Council before the closing date for submissions.

In Development.i, you can view all the documents and plans for a development proposal.

Preparing your Submission

Before preparing your submission, you need to see the application and plans. The most convenient way to view a planning application is via Development.i. All planning applications can be accessed by any person.

Getting help with your Submission

Many submitters prepare their own submission. However, some engage the services of a Planning Consultant to help prepare their submission. A Planning Consultant can undertake a review of the Planning Scheme and the proposed development to help identify and explain the most relevant issues to include in a submission. You can find a Planning Consultant by visiting the Planning Institute of Australia website.

Lodging your Submission

Email your submission to Council info@wdrc.qld.gov.au or post to PO Box 551, Dalby QLD 4405 or deliver in person to any of Council’s customer service centres. The submission will need to be signed by each person making the submission.

After Lodging a Submission

Acknowledgement

Submissions lodged will be acknowledged.

Viewing or Changing Submissions

You can check the status of an application and view your submission and others at any time by searching for it via Development.i.

Assessment

Council considers all submissions when assessing a planning application.

For impact assessable applications and change applications, Council advises the decision made, to:

• everyone who lodged a submission; or
• the first person on the list of "submitters" for submissions lodged by several people, including any petitions lodged as a submission.

This advice will occur following the applicant's appeal period of 20 business days after the applicant receives Council's Decision Notice.

Appeal

Submitters who lodged a "properly made" submission, have the legal right to appeal Council’s decision on an impact assessable application through the Planning and Environment Court . Council will advise the time period for an appeal, to all valid submitters.