Local planning panel to have determination powers

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Following the announcement of a local planning panel at the Extraordinary Meeting of Council on March 17, Mr May moved an amendment to allow the planning panel determination powers for its first meeting on April 7.

Mr May said he had asked the acting general manager Les McMahon to commence the process of expanding the community representation base to create a bigger pool that could cover all areas of the shire.

"In my minute at the March 17 meeting in relation to the introduction of a panel, I noted that the actions would assist in validating or exposing the professionalism and competence of planning staff," he said.

"It has been brought to my attention that that there is local commentary on the fact that residents will no longer have 'advocacy' from councillors. In my view that is not correct.

"In my short time here, I have taken an early view that there appears to be some blurring by elected officials and council staff on their respective roles and responsibilities.

"The Local Government Act is very clear in section 232 of the roles of a councillor which states that among other things councilors are to represent the collective interests of residents, ratepayers and the local community."

Mr May said that residents would be able to make personal representation to the panel.

"Nothing stops a councillor also appearing, recognising their section 232 statutory obligations. Even a suspended councillor can appear if they are not exercising the functions of civic office."

Mr May also said that a decision has been made to appoint an independent consultant to review the effectiveness of the council's overall planning, development and compliance functions after some residents were not "very happy with the planning section and development application assessment."

"It appears to be a consistent theme," he said.

"A brief is being prepared that will include the opportunity for residents to speak directly on a confidential basis to the selected consultant.

"Residents who are writing to me with concerns will be directed to the consultant who will have the necessary expertise, experience and qualifications to give constructive comment."

Mr May said he wished to make it very clear that the decision to allow direct access was not an opportunity to re-open already determined matters and that the consultant would not get involved with matters presently before council.

The local planning panel also called the interim advisory planning assessment panel will consists of the following members be appointed to make determinations on development applications and make recommendations on all planning proposals and other planning matters."

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