New planning panels will take decision-making powers away from local councils on regionally significant projects in NSW as the state government introduces changes to make the planning system more transparent and efficient.
“It will be the job of the panels to stand in the shoes that previously would have been occupied by a council or myself, and make decisions on projects significant to a region,” planning minster Kristina Keneally said.
The NSW government yesterday announced $2.4 million funding to establish, operate and administer six new panels that will operate across NSW from July to August 2009. The panels will consist of three state government appointed members and two nominees from the relevant local council.
Local councils have expressed concern that they will have to foot the bill for the panels, but the new funding will cover the costs associated with administration of the new planning panels, as well as employment costs for the three state members, Keneally said.
“Councils will continue to receive development application fees and will be responsible for the costs of their two members on the panel, as well as the usual council notification and assessment process,” she said.
Keneally said that the planning panels are an important step in creating a more efficient and transparent planning system.
“Council staff will assess projects to be determined by the panels, including some coastal projects which are currently assessed by the Department of Planning,” Keneally said.
“It’s clear that we will not always see eye to eye, however I look forward to continuing to work with councils and the development industry to improve the planning system,” she said.
