The South Australian Government is trialling new AI technology aimed at enhancing the efficiency of planning approvals, hoping to speed up the construction of more houses. This new AI technology has the potential to reduce the approval time from an average of two weeks to mere minutes.
Designed to evaluate simple development proposals within minutes, the Automated Decision-Making Pilot will operate over a six-month trial period. This initiative primarily targets greenfield areas and focuses on the approval of detached dwellings constructed by volume builders. Homes in these categories typically fall under the ‘Accepted’ or ‘Deemed to Satisfy’ assessment categories, which are simpler and suitable for automated processing.
The technology allows applicants to submit computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, which are then automatically assessed against established criteria. It generates comprehensive reports detailing compliance with each specific planning provision. This tool provides applicants with immediate feedback on their plans.
Under this new system, applications for detached dwellings in master-planned neighbourhoods or townships can be evaluated within minutes, as opposed to the usual 9.5 business days. A select group of volume builders were chosen to rigorously test the AI technology, playing a critical role in an iterative process to refine the system’s accuracy and user-friendliness.
Expected to commence implementation in late March 2025, the system will integrate seamlessly with the existing PlanSA assessment framework, facilitating a smooth informational flow. This technological advance is set to refine overall planning procedures, allowing planning professionals to dedicate more attention to complex cases that demand in-depth consideration.
Michael Brown MP, Assistant Minister for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy shared, “We are determined to harness the positives of AI to maximise the return for our economy and community.
“This project represents a huge leap forward in efforts to streamline and improve the planning process.
“By automating simpler tasks, technology can reduce the time and resources required for planning assessments, which means getting homes to market sooner without compromising on quality.
“This new AI technology is not about replacing human jobs – it’s about automating simpler tasks so that the planning professionals can focus their attention where it’s needed most.
“The input from the building industry in the testing has been important in ironing out any issues and ensuring this new technology meets the needs of all users
“The success of this pilot demonstrates the Government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve efficiency and transparency.”
As the trial progresses, it will be closely monitored to ensure its effectiveness and to make any necessary adjustments before broader implementation. If successful, this AI-enabled system could become a model for future technological applications in various aspects of governmental administration and beyond.
More News
