The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has released a suit of new application forms, initiating orders and fact sheets while the list of existing Planning and Environment Division (PED) specific practice notes has been reduced to six.
The Tribunal said new application forms had been designed to be user-friendly both in format and through plain language.
“The forms will also capture necessary information to ensure efficient processing and case management,” the Tribunal said.
“A separate application form for the Major Cases List is no longer available,” it said.
“Instead the new application forms allow the applicant to elect to enter the application in the Major Cases List.”
VCAT said the application forms would be available as smart forms once the PED Digital Project was complete.
It said the new initiating orders were simplified versions of existing orders, were more streamlined and easier to understand.
“In addition, information that was previously included in the appendices have been removed and will be provided on the website,” it said.
The Tribunal said the repeal of some practice notes was necessary as information contained in the notes would now be provided either on the website, in fact sheets or was no longer needed.
“A series of fact sheets has been prepared addressing matters including the amendment or cancellation of permits, enforcement orders, and environment and resources cases.” VCAT said.
