Smart electronic Development Assessment (Smart eDA) is an online service that will help to streamline the development assessment process in Queensland. It transforms the current paper-based Integrated Development Assessment (IDAS) process into an intuitive and interactive, internet-based process. It has been designed to deliver time and cost savings in the development assessment process through transmission of information electronically.

Smart eDA will assist applicants to:

• prepare and lodge development applications online
• track the progress of an application
• support communication between stakeholders including applicants, assessment managers, the community and referral agencies.

Smart eDA is a joint initiative of the Queensland Department of Infrastructure and Planning and the Local Government Association of Queensland. The department will ultimately be responsible for Smart eDA.

Timeline

Access

To start using the Smart electronic Development Assessment system visit the Smart eDA website. You can register for an individual or organisational account. This delivers access to the full suite of Smart eDA services available. There is also an option to anonymously prepare applications, however application lodgement is not supported for this option.

Using Smart eDA

Using Smart eDA is not compulsory. However, it is designed to save time and money and make the application process more convenient, informative and supportive.

Building and plumbing applications

At present Smart eDA is focused on development applications. Currently, Smart eDA can be used to prepare building applications for manual lodgement. Building and plumbing applications are planned for integration in the future.

State assessments and checklist

State assessment information is integrated into Smart eDA allowing you to determine the state interests relevant to the location(s) you have entered for your application. Previously, this information had to be sourced from individual agencies. For example, your site location may fall within the koala conservation area and this would therefore be displayed within Smart eDA for you.

The IDAS assessment checklist can also be completed for most application types in order to provide recommendations on the forms you will be required to submit.

Integration

Smart eDA is as an open system allowing for easier integration with other agency systems including council development assessment systems.

Councils will progressively connect to Smart eDA from February 2008 following initial testing with Redland City Council. For other councils to participate, they may need to talk to their development assessment system suppliers to determine connection requirements.

Statistics

Currently, knowledge about development in Queensland is distributed across numerous agencies making access difficult. Eventually Smart eDA will provide a single view of development activity across the state. This will be used to continually improve the IDAS and keep Queenslanders informed.

Signing application forms

There is no requirement for applicants to physically sign the form. Land owner's consent is required for Material Change of Use, Reconfiguring a Lot, and certain operational works applications. For these types of development, land owner's consent can simply be noted in an attachment to the application in either hardcopy or electronic format, which can be uploaded to the Smart eDA website.

Further information

For further information or to contribute your ideas contact the Smart eDA team.