Organisation: City Planning and Environment | Hawkesbury City Council
Job Title: Duty Officer
Word Limit: 350 – 500 words per criterion
Location: Sydney, NSW
Tertiary qualifications in urban planning, building studies, related field or equivalent
Currently employed as a Compliance Officer (Ordinance) with the Council, I recently accepted a
work experience opportunity in the building compliance department to further my professional
development and gain practical experience to support the completion of my Diploma of Building
Surveying at TAFE. Demonstrating my commitment to a career in building surveying and
compliance, I have also successfully completed the Certification Short Course and a Certificate IV
in Local Government (Regulatory Services) Take Action on Non-Compliance. I am now eligible for
acceptance into the NSW Building Professional Board Accreditation Scheme and with additional
experience I have the ability to achieve A3 accreditation in the immediate future.
My tertiary education has provided me with systematic training in professional and clear
communication and the ability produce concise correspondence, reports and summaries with a
strong attention to detail. With a Bachelor of Communications Arts (Journalism), a Master of
Organisation Administration (MOA) and a Master of Arts Administration (MAA), I have developed
an extensive set of professional abilities encompassing high-level organisation, communication
and interpersonal skills. This skillset is particularly valuable in a building compliance role, allowing
me to effectively communicate information to various key stakeholders in a way that is easy to
understand and apply to the construction, repair, maintenance or renovation of a structure.
Combining my qualifications, sound knowledge of construction regulations and practical work
experience, I am able to provide responsive services to meet the changing needs of customers, the
unit and Council. For example, I have gained a thorough understanding of the legislation and Acts
relating to works zone applications, hoisting activity, temporary works approval, managing waste
in a public place, operating a public carpark, carrying out stormwater drainage works, street
awnings and signs and installing or operating an amusement device. This allows me to effectively
prioritise my workload and respond in the first instance to more urgent matters such as a hoisting
activity over or above a public road which may cause public danger and/or customer complaints
before commencing more routine tasks. Throughout my life, I have always displayed a keen
interest in excelling and progressing and genuinely enjoy adding to my key competencies. I am
confident that this commitment to lifelong development and learning will see me succeed in a role
within the NSW Council.
Familiarity and awareness of the Development Assessment process
Through my practical experience and communication with Town Planning staff at the City of
Sydney Council, I have developed a thorough knowledge and understanding of the development
assessment process. I am aware of the responsibilities of a Compliance or Duty Officer to assess a
development application (DA) against the matters specified in s79C of the Environmental Planning
and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), consider all the objections and comments made within the
advertising and notification period and determine the likely impact of an activity on the
environment. This includes: local, regional or state planning instrument requirements, or other
planning regulations; the effect the proposed development may have on the natural environment,
the established environment and the community; whether the site is suitable for development;
neighbours, community and government agency submissions; and public interest.
A good example of this relates to a recent proposal for the change of use to a massage shop and
associated alterations including new partitioning. New trading hours were also proposed from
10.00am to 12.00pm (midnight) Monday to Sunday, inclusive. During my assessment, I took into
consideration several key factors in relation to heritage conservation, locality statements and
general provisions, including Heritage, Accessible Design, Waste and Late Night Trading
Management. As part of the consultation process, I discussed the application with the Heritage
and Urban Design Specialists, Building Services Unit and the Environmental Health team who
approved my initial assessment that the proposal was acceptable and in keeping with the unique
character of the area and design principles, subject to the recommended conditions.
The City of Sydney Council receives a large number of DAs each year submitted by property
owners and/or developers to seek permission to build a domestic scale building or make changes
to an existing property. The majority of these applications are for relatively minor works such as
alterations and additions to dwelling houses and are dealt with by officers under the delegated
authority of the Council. For example, during my recent work experience with the Council, I
assessed a development application (DA) for proposed alterations and additions to an existing
terrace house including an attic conversion with front dormer window and rear addition. In
accordance with the EP&A Act, in order to make a determination on this DA, I took into
consideration the economic, social and environmental impacts including building height, building
setback, resident amenities and suitability of site development. Following my determination, the
applicant was provided with a written notice of the outcome in accordance with the development
assessment process.
Working knowledge and skills in areas of regulatory planning and building matters
My working knowledge and skills in relation to regulatory planning and building matters have been
developed throughout my career supporting local NSW Councils in areas of compliance. This
experience in addition to my qualifications has lent me a demonstrated understanding of NSW
planning, environmental and building legislation and the ability to apply this knowledge in a
practical setting. Building regulation and certification is an important part of the NSW planning
system as it ensures planning requirements, building and subdivision standards are met during
construction and the buildings continue to provide acceptable levels of safety throughout their
effective lives. Among many other things, regulatory planning also considers environmental and
sustainability issues, population growth, and built and natural structures.
Planning in NSW is primarily governed by the EP&A Act and the Environmental Planning and
Assessment Regulation 2000 (EP&A Regulation) as supported by State Environmental Planning
Policies (SEPPs) and Local Environmental Plans (LEPs). I have gained exposure to this legislation in
my current and previous roles, including specific Parts of the NSW planning system in relation to
environmental planning instruments (EPIs), development assessment, certificates of development
and implementation and enforcement. Demonstrating my knowledge of development control
plans (DCP) and the manner in which they provide detailed planning and design guidelines to
support the planning controls in the LEP, I have also investigated unlawful activities and taken
enforcement action in relation to construction site noise and illegal dumping of rubbish.
It is important to note that certain properties and areas may have different or additional rules that
apply to building and renovations, including those in conservation areas, listed as heritage
buildings or on the State Heritage Register, in or near a site containing contaminated land or bush
fire prone areas, where road widening is planned or in an area affected by flood. The overarching
frameworks that guide future development in these areas mean properties may have additional
planning rules to other areas of the State so it is critical for a Duty Officer to have a comprehensive
understanding of the guidelines that impact regulatory planning and building matters, including
knowledge of s149 Planning Certificates. This is a legal document, issued by local Councils, that
details the zoning and applicable rules for development of a property and also identifies whether
or not complying development can be carried out on the property.
Through my employment with the City of Sydney Council and the Ashfield City Council, I have
gained experience processing s149 Planning Certificates and liaising with owners, builders and
developers regarding the application of statutory codes and Council policies which regulate
building, plumbing and drainage processes. I have performed assessments, determinations and
inspections required to process applications associated with new and existing buildings and
structures in accordance with building approvals and legislation such as construction certificates
(CC), complying development certificates (CDC) and critical stage inspection.
Working knowledge of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979, Local Government
Act 1993 and related legislation
All development, building and subdivision approvals in NSW are issued under the Environmental
Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000
and the Local Government Act 1993. These are the bodies of law which regulate the
establishment, status, powers, operation and accountability of local councils and the
environmental and planning laws and provide the legal framework for an effective, efficient,
environmentally responsible and open system of local government in New South Wales.
During my employment as a Community Enforcement Officer (Regulations Inspector) with the
Ashfield City Council, I was involved primarily in the administration of the EP&A Act, Local
Government Act (LGA) and the Road Act amongst others. This included investigating and issuing
infringements in accordance with relevant statutory requirements as they relate to building
assessment, compliance and enforcement. For example, in accordance with the Protection of the
Environment Operations Act 1997, I have conducted investigations into enforcement matters such
as unauthorised building works, sediment control, illegal dumping, construction site noise and
pollution.
My working knowledge of relevant Acts, legislation and other statutory controls is also
demonstrated by my experience conducting effective site inspections and preparing and
presenting evidence in accordance with legal processes. A good example of my ability to apply this
knowledge occurred during a recent inspection where it was revealed that the guttering down
pipes attached to the residential dwelling were dilapidated and not connected to an approved
storm water management system, causing storm water to overflow onto the adjoining properties.
Subsequently, the Council intended to issue an Order No. 12, pursuant to section 124 of the LGA
to install guttering and downpipes to the roof attached to the residential dwelling, to direct water
into Council’s Stormwater Management System and prevent surface water overflowing onto the
adjoining properties. I explained to the owner the reasons of the order (section 136 of the Act),
period of compliance with the order (section 137 of the Act) and failure to comply with the order
(section 628 of the Act) in which the Council may commence civil enforcement proceeding in the
Land and Environment Court of NSW, commence summary criminal proceeding and/or issue a
penalty notice including right of appeal against the order (section 138 and 180 of the Act).
Working knowledge of and implementation of the Building Code of Australia
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is a performance-based document that is adopted by all
States and Territories of Australia as a mandatory code governing the design and construction of
new buildings and additions and alterations to existing buildings. It is critical to regulate building
work to protect people, adjacent properties and the environment. With experience as a
Compliance Officer, I have demonstrated ability applying the guidelines of the BCA during site
inspections to facilitate an acceptable level of risk, establish minimum standards and assess
whether regulation is necessary and/or desirable. At all times, I understand my purpose is to
minimise the main sources of risk to life, in consideration of the structural sufficiency, safety,
sustainability and health and amenity within the buildings for the benefit of the community.
When preparing or assessing a design, I always ensure that I effectively document my decisions
and the outcome of applying each BCA clause in order to maintain accurate and effective records
that can be retrieved in the future if required. For example, I state the building’s classification (e.g.
class 5 office building used for professional and/or commercial purposes) with regards to the use
for which it was designed, built or adapted; list any restrictions on the use or occupation of the
building; and if the development uses an alternative building solution, I list all alternative solution
requirements with respect to materials, building systems, methods of building, procedures and
specifications.
The BCA is only one legislative standard applicable to a particular use of a building and I recognise
the need to be aware of all other legislation relevant to particular projects, including planning,
environmental, workplace health and safety and licensing and registration of intended use, for
example hotel, plumbing, gas and electrical work and telecommunications. In addition, I have
experience providing authoritative information and advice on non-regulatory guidelines that are
currently considered to be unsuitable for regulation, for example, durability in buildings, sound
insulation and international fire safety engineering.
The City of Sydney Council jurisdiction contains a vast array of development types, all requiring
different regulations, levels of fire safety measures and monitoring procedures. The development
types include terrace houses, retail tenancies, commercial premises, industries, boarding houses,
mixed uses, hospitals, schools, restaurants, high-rise apartments, hotels and office buildings. My
experience in senior building compliance has provided me with exposure to an extensive range of
building classes and their regulations under the BCA. For example, I have applied respective fire
safety and monitoring measures to an office building in accordance with the BCA Class 2, Fire
Safety Schedule which requires the owner to provide the City of Sydney Council and Fire and
Rescue NSW with a statement certifying all fire safety measures work correctly. This statement
must be assessed by qualified personnel and be displayed prominently within the building.
Experience in development assessment and/or working in a local government
planning/development department
With over eight years of practical experience in building regulation and compliance, supporting
Ashfield City Council and the City of Sydney Council, I have a well-developed understanding and
working knowledge of local government functions in relation to regulatory planning, building
matters, development assessment and relevant legislation and Acts. Dedicated to a career in
building surveying and compliance, my desire for continued professional and personal
development and the ability to accept new challenges has worked to achieve positive outcomes
for myself and those around me. I ensure I stay regularly up to date with trade related issues,
current trends and industry best practice and development through my own research and
participation in training modules and programs aimed at improving my performance.
Possessing valuable customer service, communication and interpersonal skills, I have proven
success investigating compliance issues in need of organisation and attention and making
considered sanctions to protect the integrity of the Council and community interests through
confidential advocacy and complaint mechanisms. Adhering to the Council’s Code of Conduct at all
times, I actively promote a culture of sustainability through participation in the Council’s business
excellence framework and continuous improvement strategies. I have extensive knowledge of
relevant Council policies, procedures and practices, including Occupational Health and Safety and
Equal Employment Opportunity principles and strive to create a safe and healthy working
environment free from harassment and discrimination.
Understanding that experience and knowledge of development assessment is critical to the role of
Duty Officer, I am confident that my abilities in this area will allow me to make a valuable
contribution to the Hawkesbury City Council. Aware that a development application is required for
most kinds of development other than minor development and complying development, I have
made a considered effort to understand the regulatory compliance matters in relation to the
relevant Acts, planning policies, building codes, regulations, Council policies and relevant
Australian Standards that govern the process. For example, I have developed a thorough working
knowledge of the types of development and the criteria by which they are classified as found in
Schedule 4A of the EP&A Act, and the associated development assessment requirements in
relation to the use of land, the subdivision of land, the erection of buildings, the carrying out of
works, and the demolition of buildings or works.
