Development Approval Assessment Pathways
Pathways for obtaining development approval for renewable energy projects in South Australia are established under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 and Planning, Development and Infrastructure Regulations 2017.
The three main assessment pathways are:
| PATHWAY | PROJECT TYPE |
|---|---|
| Crown sponsored essential infrastructure (Section 131) | Sponsored by a State Government agency |
| State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) | Generating capacity of more than 5MW |
| Local Council | Generating capacity of less than 5MW |
Crown Sponsored Essential Infrastructure (Section 131)
Renewable energy developments must be for the purpose of essential infrastructure and supported by a State Government agency to be assessed under this pathway. South Australian Government can provide case management services to help investors negotiate this process.
If sponsorship is obtained, a Development Application can be lodged with the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) which will assess the application on behalf of the Minister for Planning and provide him with a recommendation. Crown sponsorship does not imply approval of a Development Application.
The assessment process generally takes a minimum of three (3) months and involves:
- Referral to the relevant Local Council and Government agencies for comment
- Public notification (if the development cost exceeds $4 million)
- Assessment by the SCAP which may include a panel meeting
- Decision by the Minister
Following the Minister’s decision there are no appeal rights.
State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP)
Renewable energy developments with a generating capacity of more than 5MW, to be connected to the State’s power system, are assessed by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP).
The assessment process generally takes a minimum of three (3) months and may involve:
- Referral to the relevant Local Council and Government agencies for comment
- Public notification
- Assessment and decision by the SCAP, which may include a panel meeting
Depending on the nature of the proposal, there may be appeal rights.
Local Council
Renewable energy developments with a generating capacity of less than 5MW are assessed by the Local Council. For further information contact the Local Council.
For further information on the assessment of renewable energy developments contact the Crown and Major Development Team, Planning and Land Use Services, Attorney General’s Department, 08 7109 7060 or scapadmin@sa.gov.au
The infographic below provides an example of the type of stakeholders, achievements and actions likely to be involved in obtaining approval for an energy project. Note, you are encouraged to seek advice from AGD’s Planning and Land Use Services Crown and Major Development Team and/or planning and legal professionals in the project concept stage.
