Regulation change to fast-track temporary accommodation for displaced residents in flood zones
Published Thursday, 15 December 2022
The state government has amended development regulations to help fast-track the construction of temporary, emergency accommodation for displaced and flood affected communities in the Riverland.
The amendments to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017, mean that the construction of temporary accommodation, and certain types of storage facilities, can commence without needing prior development approval – a process which can sometimes take weeks.
In place of prior development approval, the amendments require the local council is notified of construction immediately, and that an application for development approval is lodged within 28 days, although this timeframe can be extended by the council as needed.
Development for temporary accommodation in these areas will be classified as ‘accepted development’, meaning it will only require building consent to confirm that the accommodation is safe, and meets basic standards in relation to power, water and sewage connections.
People displaced from their homes who are looking to establish temporary accommodation should contact their local council for further details.
The amended development regulations will apply in the following local council areas:
- Alexandrina Council
- The Berri Barmera Council
- The Coorong District Council
- The District Council of Karoonda East Murray
- District Council of Loxton Waikerie
- Mid Murray Council
- Rural City of Murray Bridge
- Renmark Paringa Council