We realise that changes can take some time to get used to, so we’ve put together a quick guide to help you find your way around our new web site. Our quick guide highlights the key changes made to www.actpla.act.gov.au so you can navigate to more information faster. We’ll also help you fix broken links and you can let us know what you think of the new site.

Basic navigation and use

There is a breadcrumb trail on the far left of the screen under the logo so you can see where you are in the site at any time.

The main menu, on the left, is divided into five sections:

• Browse by topic covers design, building, licensing, consultation activities, key programs and projects and property purchases;
• Customer information provides tailored sets of links within the site for different web users, such as home owners, community groups and various industry groups;
• Tools and resources is the place to find maps, plans, registers, statutory documents, legislation, search data, survey and place name information;
• Publications and forms has information packs, forms, reports, studies and general publications; and
• Corporate activities contains job information, media releases and newsletters.

The menu headings can be expanded and collapsed on all but the home page.

There’s fewer levels to click through before you get to where you want to go. Simply click the topic – say Design and build – then choose the individual page you want, such as Lodging a development application. Individual pages are grouped under headings and are organised alphabetically, left to right, within the groups to make it quicker to find what you are after.

Once you have chosen the page you want to read, you'll see towards the top right of the page heading that you have the option of printing a printer-friendly version of the page.

The far right images can be clicked to take you to documents or pages.

Design and building processes

Design and build steps you through the stages of getting plans drawn and managing construction. It’s your one DA and BA stop. There’s lots of new pages in this area, such as individual pages on approvals for different types of developments, from driveways and fences to houses and commercial buildings. We have highlighted factors to consider in beginning plans, such as client briefs and early discussions. There is also a comprehensive section on design and siting elements and documents. Lease and land variations as well as lodgment requirements are in this area. Also explained is the building process, including inspections and certificates, and options if compliance action is needed.

Consultation

Matters you can comment on are housed in Have your say. When we consult on major projects and reform or advertise a development application for public notification, you’ll find it here. There are new sections for you to let us know if you have a concern about an architect or tradesperson or if you want to request us to check someone is complying with their lease responsibilities. Other new pages in this section cover the roles of various advisory groups we consult, and information on how you can keep informed and involved in planning.

Licensing and finding tradespeople

Want to find a builder? What to know what your responsibilities are as an owner-builder or electrician? If we licence, register or accredit your profession or trade, you’ll find all new information in Hiring and licensing. In this same section, we also provide a weekly list of qualified tradespeople and other professionals, and provide advice on what you should check before hiring them. It’s a handy section for home owners and trades, such as builders, who need to sub-contract.

Major projects and activities

Any project or activity related to the Authority's work can be found in one place. Programs and projects provides information on why and how projects are progressing. Reviews, legislative change, planning, studies and implementation are all covered.

Buying and selling property

Did you know we can help you with some of the documents you need when selling a property? Property purchases is the topic to go to for conveyancing inquiries, energy efficiency ratings for house sales, if you are changing the title of your property or buying undeveloped land.

Personalised features

Regular web site users can take advantage of a tailored set of links through Residents' information and Industry information. These are a set of links to pages that have a high-level of use for that particular user, such as homeowners, community groups and various trades and professionals. If you’re a regular user and want a change made to this section, then let us know via our online feedback form. We also have a section for customer notices to let you know the latest news, which we highlight on the home page.

Tools and resources

Tools and resources is where you’ll find legislation, plans and registers as well as maps, land and survey data. This is the section to go for statutory documents such as the Territory Plan and guidelines register and to find individual block information from plumbing tie searches, Lease and Conditions Register and ACTMAPi. We’ve also compiled some handy external links and put together a list of our electronic services for quick reference.

Publications and forms

Forms are grouped according to what you want to do. They are also listed alphabetically. In many cases, you can also now choose to use online forms hosted by Canberra Connect or the traditional forms that are completed after printing.

Information kits have been packaged to make it clearer how to use the documents in them.

Fact sheets, brochures and books can be found in publications (this currently does not include guidelines, which can be found in the tools and resources area). There's also a range of reports and studies from past and present programs and projects.

Fixing broken links

If you have a broken link and can’t find the new URL on our web site through browsing or searching, you can let us know via our online feedback. We’ll be in touch as soon as possible to put you on the right page.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

To view and print the forms and information available in PDF on the ACT Planning and Land Authority's site, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Adobe Acrobat Reader is free and can be run as an independent program or as a "plug-in" for most major web browsers to allow on-line viewing of PDF documents.

To download the Reader click on the "Get Adobe Reader" link below. This will take you to Adobe Systems' web site. Follow the detailed instructions on the Adobe web site to download and then install the software on your computer.

We recommend using the most recent version of the Acrobat Reader, but at least version 5.0 (or higher). Some forms and documents will not open with an older version of the Reader.

Comment on the web site

We encourage you to browse the new site to become more familiar with the new structure and particularly the new pages. We also welcome your comments. Do you like the new look and structure? Do you want to see something changed? What other information do you want to access? Let us know by completing our online feedback.