8 August 2017 – Media Release
Cumberland Council Administrator Viv May has welcomed today’s announcement by the State Government to establish independent panels in metropolitan Local Government Areas to review important development applications (DA’s) and planning proposals.
The reform will provide greater transparency and probity in local planning and development, while giving residents an independent forum to voice their concerns. The successful Cumberland Council Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel (CIHAP) has already served as a model for other Councils to follow.
Mr May, who was appointed by the State Government in February of last year when the former Auburn Council was dismissed, said that in his view the Auburn Public Inquiry would never have been necessary if panels had been in place.
“My observations from the former Auburn City Council and more recently at Cumberland Council lead me to the view that panels reduce the opportunities for mischief that can arise under the present legislative arrangements,” said Mr May.
“Too often residents have been at the wrong end of poor planning decisions, either by Councillors out of their depth or with an interest in the decisions being made.
“The establishment of independent panels made up of suitably qualified planning and urban design experts will help ensure planning decisions are made at the service of the entire community.
“By putting Councillors at arm’s length from determining individual DAs, it also frees them up to focus on the broader strategic planning issues, such as the planning controls that underpin DA decisions.
Mr May added that panels also validate or expose the professionalism of reporting staff.
“Independent panels provide rigor in the assessment process, without delaying the processing of applications and planning proposals which comply with adopted policies.
“I would like to commend the Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts MP for biting the bullet on this issue- better planning outcomes are guaranteed.”
