DMP launches new spatial lodgement system for PoW applications

Starting in February the department will roll out a series of sessions to train tenement holders on a new spatial lodgement system for PoW applications.
Date: Thursday, 09 February 2017

Industry training sessions for a new spatial lodgement system for Programme of Work (PoW) applications will be rolled out by the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) in February.

Following the training, the new system will become mandatory for exploration activities, however Programme of Work prospecting (POW-P) forms will continue to be accepted in hard copy or online through DMP Submissions.

Acting Executive Director Environment Karen Caple said the old and new systems will run in parallel from February for several months, until tenement holders have had the chance to complete the training.

“PoW applications will continue to be accessed through the current EARS Online facility however, during log-in, the applicant will have the option of applying for a PoW Spatial form or a PoW Exploration form,” she said.

The updated map-based application will allow users to enter their proposed activities, either by loading existing spatial files or creating spatial files on screen. The system will conduct automatic checks by intersecting the proposed activities with other data layers of environmental and cultural significance, and alert the user with the results.

“The new system has many benefits including real time feedback, and also allows users to upload shape files. It will give us all the relevant information on the tenement at lodgement stage rather than the old system which wouldn’t look at the intersections until the assessment stage,” Ms Caple continued.

“The system will prompt information from the tenement holder earlier and should mean a faster process for all involved. It marks the start of a larger application transformation for the Environment division and for our stakeholders which will focus on spatially enabling DMP’s applications.”

DMP will run multiple training sessions in Perth and in Kalgoorlie, with 15 spaces available per session. More information regarding dates and locations can be found on our website and please email PoWSpatial@dmp.wa.gov.au to register for the training.