Aboriginal Town Based Communities Committee (ATBC)

Membership:

• Department of Housing and Works (Chair)
• Department for Planning and Infrastructure
• Department of Indigenous Affairs
• Department of Housing and Works
• Commonwealth Department of Families, Communities and Indigenous Affairs

In June 2000, State Cabinet endorsed Statement of Planning Policy No. 3.2 - Planning for Aboriginal Communities, which provides an overall framework for the Planning Program. The Policy sets out the various roles and responsibilities of DIA, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure and local governments.

The main thrust of the policy is for local governments to identify and zone large permanent Aboriginal communities and for layout plans to be approved prior to new infrastructure development. Approximately 75 plans are at various stages of development. These plans have greatly improved the efficiency of capital works programs and the quality of Aboriginal settlements.

Many of these were prepared prior to the finalisation of the Planning Policy and will need to be reviewed. Furthermore, in accordance with normal planning requirements, such plans need to be reviewed every five years. The preparation of new and the review of existing plans is therefore an ongoing program.

In mid-2007 the State Government became responsible for town reserves. A separate budget has been allocated for this purpose, with the Department of Housing and Works managing that budget. The ATBC committee advises DHW on the town reserves program.