What is an Operational Plan of Management and When is It Required?

Operational Plans of Management in NSW: Purpose, Content and When You Need One

An Operational Plan of Management (OPoM) is a planning document that describes how a proposed land use or activity will be managed on an ongoing basis to ensure it does not create unacceptable impacts. It is increasingly required as a condition of development consent or as a supporting document in a DA for uses that involve operational complexity or potential amenity impacts.

In short: An Operational Plan of Management sets out the operational parameters of a use: hours, staffing, noise management, waste, access, safety and compliance measures. It provides council with confidence that the use will be appropriately managed over time.

When is an OPoM Required?

An OPoM is commonly required for:

• Licensed premises (pubs, clubs, bars, entertainment venues)

• Function centres and event venues

• Industrial training facilities

• Childcare centres

• Places of public worship

• Outdoor recreation facilities

• Sex services premises

• Any use where council needs assurance about ongoing operational management

Some councils require an OPoM as a standard condition of consent for certain use types. In other cases, it is requested during the DA assessment process or included proactively by the applicant to address anticipated concerns.

What Does an OPoM Cover?

The content varies depending on the nature of the use, but a well-prepared OPoM typically addresses:

• Description of the proposed operation and activities

• Hours of operation (days, times and any seasonal variations)

• Maximum patron or occupant numbers

• Staffing arrangements and management responsibilities

• Noise management measures (operational procedures, music levels, crowd management)

• Waste and recycling management

• Car parking and traffic management

• Security arrangements

• Complaints management procedure

• Emergency and evacuation procedures

• Compliance monitoring and review mechanisms

Step-by-Step: Preparing an Operational Plan of Management

1. Identify the nature of the proposed use and the operational issues likely to be of concern to council.

2. Review any council policies or DA requirements specifying what the OPoM must address.

3. Document the proposed operational parameters in clear, specific terms (not vague commitments).

4. Address each potential impact category with concrete management measures.

5. Include a complaints management procedure with contact details and response timeframes.

6. Have the OPoM reviewed by a town planner NSW before lodgement.

7. Submit the OPoM as part of the DA package.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Industrial training facility 

A large industrial training facility in a western Sydney employment zone requires an OPoM addressing: shift start and finish times, heavy vehicle access routes and scheduling, noise from training activities, waste and chemical storage management, security and perimeter management, and procedures for managing participants on-site. The OPoM runs to several thousand words and is a central document in the DA assessment.

Example 2: Licensed bar in a mixed-use zone 

A new bar is proposed in a mixed-use building containing residential apartments above. An OPoM is required addressing: trading hours, maximum patron numbers, a no-smoking policy for the entry area, crowd management procedures after 10pm, noise attenuation measures, a waste management schedule (early morning collections prohibited), and a complaints contact process for residents.

Common Misconceptions

"An OPoM is just a formality that council ignores." 

A well-prepared OPoM can be the difference between consent and refusal for uses with potential amenity impacts. Council officers and planning panels refer to the OPoM when assessing applications and when investigating complaints after consent is granted.

"I can write vague commitments and update them later." 

Vague OPoMs are a common reason for DA requests for additional information. Council wants specific, measurable commitments, not aspirational language.

"An OPoM is only needed for nightclub-type uses." 

OPoMs are required across a wide range of uses, including industrial, educational, recreational and community facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an OPoM a condition of consent or a DA document? 

It can be both. Some councils require an OPoM to be submitted with the DA. Others impose a condition requiring an OPoM to be prepared and approved before the use commences.

Can an OPoM be updated after consent is granted? 

Yes, usually by way of a Section 4.55 modification application to amend the development consent conditions to reference the updated OPoM.

Who prepares an OPoM? 

Town planners typically prepare or coordinate OPoMs. For specialised uses (licensed premises, industrial facilities), input from acoustic consultants, traffic engineers or safety specialists may be required.

How long should an OPoM be? 

Length depends on complexity. A simple use may require a few pages. A large industrial or entertainment facility may require 30 pages or more.

Can an OPoM replace other specialist reports? 

No. An OPoM is a management document, not a technical assessment. Acoustic reports, traffic studies and other specialist reports are separate documents that inform the OPoM.

What happens if conditions of the OPoM are breached? 

Breach of an OPoM that has been incorporated into a development consent condition is a breach of the consent conditions. Council can take enforcement action under the EP&A Act.