Environmental Planning Tool

A geographic information system (GIS) especially tailored to WA Local Governments.

Photog raphs cou r tesy o f And rew Ande rs t

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION? More information can be found on the WALGA website pbp.walga.asn.au/Tools/EnvironmentalPlanningTool.aspx or contact WALGA Environment Policy Manager Julia Beijeman on (08) 9213 2039 or email jbeijeman@walga.asn.au.

The EPT is especially useful for Planning and Environmental staff and includes a purpose built environmental considerations reporting function.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING TOOLWHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING TOOL (EPT)?

The EPT is a web based geographic information system (GIS) especially tailored to WA Local Governments.

The EPT helps Local Government interpret and analyse data (300 different datasets) to make planning and operations decisions. This easy to use tool provides LGs with much of the functionality of commercial GIS software, without the large capital investment and onerous staff training.

As the peak body for Local Government, WALGA understands Local Government’s specific data needs. By ensuring the most current and relevant data is included, the EPT is constantly evolving to reveal new and powerful applications for Local Government.

WHAT IS THE EPT USED FOR?

Local Governments use the EPT for a range of purposes including:

• Assessing and reporting on environmental implications of development proposals;

• Mapping, planning and communicating Local Government works;

• Strategic planning for local biodiversity plans;

• Identifying regionally and locally significant bushland, vegetation type and status;

• Generating maps and sourcing information to support grant applications; and

• Supporting local community / friends groups in managing bushland areas.

The EPT is more than just a data viewer as users can also:

• create map layers;

• generate and print maps;

• share map files;

• upload information from devices such as GPS and smart-phones; and most importantly

• interpret data and legislation relevant to project areas through the environmental considerations report.

HOW MUCH DOES THE EPT COST?Local Governments can subscribe to the EPT for an annual fee of $2,000 (+GST). This subscription includes a user guide, short video demonstration, metadata summaries and explanatory notes as well as ongoing technical support and opportunities to attend group demonstration sessions.