A more streamlined and simplified permit approval process is now in place at Central Goldfields Shire thanks to the State Government’s Better Approvals Project.
A partnership project with Small Business Victoria and the Department of Jobs Precincts and Region, the Better Approvals Project will reduce the time it takes small businesses to obtain the regulatory approvals they need for their business.
The project, which is now in place at over 50 councils across Victoria, will see a suite of reforms to be introduced to improve the customer experience for small business. They include:
- Permit Support Function: this function will act as a single point of contact for people looking to start or expand their small business. This will include a concurrent process involving all aspects of starting and growing a business.
- Improved online information: Information on Council’s website has been simplified and an online application process introduced
Council’s regulatory services staff have been involved in training sessions with Small Business Victoria since the start of May.
Central Goldfields Shire Council Chief Administrator Noel Harvey said the Better Approvals Project would reduce the regulatory burden and save local small business time and money.
“We’ve heard the need to cut the red tape from our community loud and clear. We’re very aware of just how difficult it is for our community to open or expand their small business and of course we want to do whatever we can to change that.
“In response to that need, we made sure the Better Approvals Project was one of the key actions of our recently adopted Economic Development Strategy 2020-2025 and it’s great to see this project is already being implemented.
“As part the project we have consulted with a number of local businesses to fully understand their frustrations.
“Previously prospective business operators had to work separately with multiple departments of Council such as planning, building, environmental health and local laws – which often meant they passed one step only to find out they then needed to commence another permit process in a different department.
“The Better Approvals Projects means there is only one point of contact – at the very first step in the process the customer will know what permits are needed and those can be applied for at the same time making it a much less frustrating and time consuming process for everyone.”
