{This section is to describe the service needs or requirement relevant to the project that DHS must address.}
The reader should gain an understanding of the key policy and planning issues that have influenced the project’s development.
The focus should be on government’s service delivery requirements, priorities, commitments and outcomes rather than focusing on the outputs, activities or solutions.
This section should clearly answer the question "Why is this project needed".
For example: The service requirement is to provide 24 hour access to secondary level emergency department services for patients within the primary catchment area of the ABC Hospital.
Rather than: The service requirement is for a new 20 cubicle purpose built state-of-the-art emergency department.
This section is available inform a reader unfamiliar with the project, of important background or historical information that is outside of the policy context, and won't be picked up in other sections. For projects that have been developed in response to the policy context of Section 2.2, it is probably unnecessary.
For projects that have a long or complex development history, or have unique features, this section can be used to ensure that the reader is provided with relevant background information.
Delete section if not required.
[The policy context should briefly summarise the key policy directions and documents relevant to the project.
Consider:
Identify any related projects that might need consideration within the project (Eg. Decision of State/ Federal governments to fund and build a new University Department on site.)
All DHS Metropolitan documents should refer to:
Refer to DHS Business Case Documentation – Library of Resources for other prompts.
[This section should summarise the process and findings of the service planning undertaken up to this point.
Description of process should be sufficient to convey a sense of how detailed or complete the planning has been.
Append service plans in appendix and summarise the issues that relate directly to the investment decision. Focus on the needs to be met.
Generally, this will include key points on:
Summarise the section with a tabular presentation of the services to be provided within the development. Try to convey a sense of volume, scope and complexity.
Check that services needs are consistent with policy objectives and scope of project.
Some projects will benefit from a brief description of the conditions and limitations under which services are currently provided from. The section will be particularly useful where the project involves relocation, rebuilding or refurbishing existing facilities. Where existing conditions are well described in supporting documentation (eg condition surveys) it may be sufficient to quote the major finding and reference the report in the Appendices.
Where not relevant, this section can be omitted.