Students
GEOP816 – Local Government Approval Process
2018 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor and lecturer
Alison Ziller
Contact via email
W3A428
After class or by appointment by phone/email
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MEnvPlan or MPlan or GradCertEnvPlan or MEnvMgt or MEngMgt or MPPP or MEnv or GradDipEnv or GradCertSusDev or GradDipSusDev or GradCertEnvPlan or GradCertSIA or GradDipSIA or MDevStud or MSusDev
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the development approval process which is a major component of environmental planning in a statutory context. The examination will be undertaken from both theoretical and practical perspectives with a focus upon the foundation elements of environmental planning frameworks including stakeholders, assessment methods and professional planning ethics, while considering both administrative and jurisdictional contexts. This highly practical subject pays particular attention to methods of environmental assessment in development control and case studies are employed to relate theory to practice, generating professional planner practice skills for each participant.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- An understanding of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making.
- Knowledge of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in the development approval processes, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Critically analyse and evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment in order to recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process.
- Plan reading, design and practical planning skills.
- An ability to write logical and clearly structured reports, addressing defined issues, applying an understanding of planning terms in both strategic and development planning.
- Presentation skills appropriate for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors.
- Consideration of the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflection on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
General Assessment Information
There are four assessments for GEOP 816. The final grade is based on the total mark accumulated across all assessments. Failure to submit any single assessment task will result in failure of the unit.
Unless a special consideration request https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/forms/display/special_consideration has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline.
Class attendance is required – so is your active participation in class activities. Paid outside work commitments is not a legitimate reason for missing class. The roll will be called at each class.
Submitting your assignment:
All assignments should be submitted via Turn-it-in.
Please note
1. There are four assignments for this course. You must submit all four assignments in order to pass the course.
2. Three of these assignments have a strict word limit the aim of which is to encourage concise and clear expression which is needed in most professional situations.
State the number of words in your assignment not including a reference list.
3. You may include summary tables, dot points, maps and other devices to present your information succinctly, providing yourdot points can always be read as part of a full sentence.
4. Ensure that your name and student number are contained in the header or footer of each page.
5. Number your pages
6. Keep a copy of all your submitted assignments, unfortunately they do get lost sometimes.
7. Use a reference list to correctly list all sources cited in your text. Note that failure to cite sources - including unpublished lecture material etc. - will be considered as plagiarism and will result in severe penalties, up to and including failure of the whole unit. If you need to include references to material not cited in your text, use a bibliography and include a brief paragraph explaining why.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measuring Plans | 10% | No | 14/09/2018 |
| Overview of strategic plans | 40% | No | 17/09/2018 |
| Development Assessment Report | 40% | No | 29/10/2018 |
| Reflection | 10% | No | 02/11/18 |
Measuring Plans
Due: 14/09/2018
Weighting: 10%
A practical test on measuring plans to be completed in class
Assessment criterion:
Correctly measuring the plans as per the instructions
On successful completion you will be able to:
- An understanding of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making.
- Plan reading, design and practical planning skills.
Overview of strategic plans
Due: 17/09/2018
Weighting: 40%
Overview report of local government case study – strategic strategies, plans and policies. Maximum 2500 words
Assessment criteria
i Clear explanation of the different plans/strategies affecting the LGA
ii Quality of assessment of pros and cons of district plans
iii Clear diagrammatic identification of the relationship between plans
iv Clarity of presentation of issues of complexity, advantage and disadvantage in these arrangements
On successful completion you will be able to:
- An understanding of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making.
- Knowledge of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in the development approval processes, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Plan reading, design and practical planning skills.
- An ability to write logical and clearly structured reports, addressing defined issues, applying an understanding of planning terms in both strategic and development planning.
- Presentation skills appropriate for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors.
- Consideration of the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflection on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
Development Assessment Report
Due: 29/10/2018
Weighting: 40%
Development Assessment Report to Council - Maximum 3000 words
Assessment criteria
i Appropriate format and content
ii Summary of proposal, description of site and application
iii Identification and analysis of relevant development standards in LEP and DCP
iv Recommendation
v Writing and referencing
On successful completion you will be able to:
- An understanding of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making.
- Critically analyse and evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment in order to recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process.
- Plan reading, design and practical planning skills.
- An ability to write logical and clearly structured reports, addressing defined issues, applying an understanding of planning terms in both strategic and development planning.
Reflection
Due: 02/11/18
Weighting: 10%
A brief personal reflection on the issues raised in this course, Maximum 600 words
Assessment criterion
Evidence of thoughtful engagement by the student with the content of the course.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Consideration of the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflection on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
Delivery and Resources
GEOP 816 is presented in block mode to enhance planning profession skill learning and access to specialists in the planning field. The unit comprises lectures, workshops, and assessments designed to meet the learning objectives.
A reading list will be provided.
Students are requested to bring their laptops/tablets to all classes as internet access will be required for some activities.
GEOP 816 has a website which is accessible via ilearn.mq.edu.au. Here you can get access to unit materials, copies of PowerPoint slides, notices and a bulletin board to communicate with staff and fellow students. You should check the website regularly for messages.
Students are required to borrow or purchase a scale ruler in order to assess architectural plans - one of the skills that will be developed in the unit.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in the development approval processes, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Critically analyse and evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment in order to recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process.
- Plan reading, design and practical planning skills.
- An ability to write logical and clearly structured reports, addressing defined issues, applying an understanding of planning terms in both strategic and development planning.
- Consideration of the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflection on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
Assessment tasks
- Measuring Plans
- Overview of strategic plans
- Development Assessment Report
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- An understanding of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making.
- Knowledge of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in the development approval processes, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Critically analyse and evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment in order to recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process.
- Plan reading, design and practical planning skills.
- An ability to write logical and clearly structured reports, addressing defined issues, applying an understanding of planning terms in both strategic and development planning.
- Presentation skills appropriate for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors.
- Consideration of the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflection on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
Assessment tasks
- Measuring Plans
- Overview of strategic plans
- Development Assessment Report
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- An understanding of the theory and practice of the development approval process in NSW, including plan making.
- Critically analyse and evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment in order to recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process.
- Plan reading, design and practical planning skills.
- An ability to write logical and clearly structured reports, addressing defined issues, applying an understanding of planning terms in both strategic and development planning.
- Consideration of the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflection on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
Assessment tasks
- Overview of strategic plans
- Development Assessment Report
- Reflection
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Critically analyse and evaluate practical case studies in development approval and assessment in order to recognise the strengths and limitations of the development approval process.
- An ability to write logical and clearly structured reports, addressing defined issues, applying an understanding of planning terms in both strategic and development planning.
Assessment tasks
- Measuring Plans
- Overview of strategic plans
- Development Assessment Report
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- An ability to write logical and clearly structured reports, addressing defined issues, applying an understanding of planning terms in both strategic and development planning.
- Presentation skills appropriate for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors.
Assessment tasks
- Overview of strategic plans
- Development Assessment Report
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge of the range of methods, institutional and ethical contexts and values of stakeholders in the development approval processes, including understanding the role of councils and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
- Presentation skills appropriate for briefing clients, stakeholders and councillors.
- Consideration of the ways in which values and ethical issues affect the built environment and reflection on how personal values and assumptions influence ethical practice.
Assessment tasks
- Development Assessment Report
- Reflection