Resource management guides
We've developed some information sheets to explain the resource management process, how you make an application, how you have your say, and what happens at a hearing.
If you would like printed copies of any of these guides, please get in touch.
Proposals of national significance
What makes a proposal nationally significant?
Find out what factors the Minister considers when deciding whether a proposal is nationally significant. Learn about the purpose of the Minister's Direction.
What makes a proposal nationally significant? (pdf 223KB)
People involved in a proposal of national significance
There are many people involved in a proposal of national significance. Find out about the role of the applicant, submitter, board of inquiry, and more.
People involved in a proposal of national significance (pdf 274KB)
Boards of inquiry
Learn how a board is appointed, who might sit on one, and how a board makes a decision.
The roles of councils
Learn about the different roles councils can have in the process, including as submitters and as applicants.
The roles of councils in proposals of national significance (pdf 280KB)
Submissions and hearings
How to make a submission
Learn who can make a submission, how to write one, and where to lodge your submission.
How to make a submission on a proposal of national significance (pdf 310KB)
What happens at a hearing?
Learn how a board of inquiry hearing is run, who speaks and when, and the different purposes of representations and evidence.
What happens at a hearing? (pdf 270KB)
Speaking at a hearing
If you have made a submission on a proposal of national significance, you have the opportunity to speak at the board of inquiry hearing. Learn what that means, and how you can prepare.
Speaking at a hearing (pdf 260KB)
Media guidelines
Hearings are generally open to the public and the media. Learn what you can do to prepare to cover the process.
Board of inquiry hearings: Media guidelines (pdf 260KB)
Making an application
Applying to us for a proposal of national significance
Learn who can apply to have their proposal considered nationally significant. Find out when to apply, how to go about it, and what happens after you apply.
Applying for a proposal of national significance (pdf 250KB)
Applying for a plan change
Find out where to apply for a plan change, the process for councils and individuals, and the role of submissions and further submissions.
Applying for a plan change (pdf 260KB)
How much will it cost?
Learn about the costs that may be involved if a proposal is directed to a board of inquiry, and how these costs are recovered.
How much will the nationally significant proposal process cost? (pdf 261KB)