The DA Finder+ App provides Canberran’s with access to information about Development Applications through an interactive mobile application. The App is funded, developed, and maintained by the ACT Government’s Environment, Planning & Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD). DA Finder+ is the third version of the DA Finder Mobile App that was originally released in 2014.

DA Finder+ includes a raft of useful new features. Most notably, these include:

• Access to more applications and information
• Significant data sourcing upgrades to enhance stability, accuracy, and functionality
• A new ‘lasso’ tool to enable users to draw an area of interest on the map and save it as a ‘watched’ area. Users will then receive notifications about new development activity within this area of interest.
• Ability to ‘follow’ individual development applications and be notified as they progress
• Access to an ‘archive’ where users will be able to view decided applications including the notified documentation and notice of decision
• Improvements to the map interface allowing users to be directed to Google street view for development application locations

Since 2014 we have been listening closely to users’ feedback about the App. In 2017 the App was upgraded to Version 2. In 2022, DA Finder+ will implement further upgrades and improvements. DA Finder+ (which is the third official version of the App) aims to address the main concerns from Version 2, as outlined below.

• Data Sourcing & Accuracy – we have significantly improved data sourcing through the creation of an entirely new dataset that links up-to-date data directly to the App. This improved data sourcing should see the App become the go-to tool for monitoring development activity and will act as a valuable back-up in case the ACT Planning website experiences any issues.
• Open & Transparent Access to Information – updating the App will assist in the delivery of a key administrative reform in the 10^th legislative assembly. This will increase our ability to provide users with open and transparent access to government information.
• Access to Additional Information – the new App will centralise additional information about development activity, including pre-DA consultations and previously decided applications
• A New Notification System – we have enhanced the push notification experience to enable users to easily stay up to date with development activity in areas of interest

We ask that stakeholders please keep feedback and comments within the scope of the upgrades to the App. For example, any comments or concerns relating to current development applications should still be directed through existing channels as outlined on the Planning Website.

Broad feedback in relation to the overall function and useability of the App is welcomed (via the Comments Box). Specific input relating to new App features will be collected through the stakeholder survey. The aim of the survey is to make sure new App features are working as designed and providing the desired outcomes for users.

We also ask that stakeholders engage in good spirit and present all feedback in a professional and friendly manner.

While testing and trialling the new App, we ask that stakeholders check in on the App on a regular basis to get a robust sense of the new features. For existing App users, we ask that you please use the DA Finder+ beta as frequently as you use the current version of the App.

We would like to receive feedback from as many interested stakeholders as possible. To share the App, please share the link to this YourSay webpage with anyone in your organisation or network that might be interested in providing feedback on the new App.

As the App is still in the ‘beta’ testing phase it may experience some technical difficulties. Any glitches that might happen during testing will not occur when the App is released to the general public. The App may crash when is it being actively tested by numerous users and constantly updated. Please be patient and try refreshing the App if it crashes.