In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association president. The following is from Councillor Keith Rhoades AFSM, President, Local Government Association of NSW
In early 2011, the incoming NSW Government made a commitment to conduct a full review of the NSW Planning System, following the March State Government Election.
In the lead up to the NSW Government Election, the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) called on the incoming State Government to restore the balance to land use planning. In particular, we wanted a major review and rewrite of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (NSW) 1979. This was to recognise that NSW Local and State Government each have a role to play in planning for and managing the development of local communities in NSW.
At the time of its enactment, the EP&A Act was a world first and sought to balance the environmental, social, and economic welfare of communities. However, many amendments over the past 30 years have compromised a number of the key objectives of the EP&A Act. It now no longer properly recognises the right of the public to be involved in the environmental planning and assessment that affects them or shares the responsibility for environmental planning between NSW State and Local Government.
On 6 December 2011, the LGSA was pleased to see the release of the NSW Government’s Issues Paper on the NSW Planning Review. The Paper presented an opportunity to improve land-use planning in NSW.
We appreciate that the broad consultation conducted by the Planning Review Panel for the Review process allowed councils, communities and other stakeholders to have input into the new planning system. Given the LGSA has long been calling for a more open and transparent planning system in NSW, it’s pleasing to see that the Planning Review Panel has made all relevant information publicly available throughout the review process.
The NSW Government’s Issues Paper presents a number of complex and challenging ideas which require further analysis, consideration and debate. The LGSA looks forward to working with the Planning Review Panel to explore fresh approaches to benefit our local communities and achieve a better planning system in NSW.
Our vision is that the NSW Government Planning Review ensures that Local Government has a lead role in the planning outcomes for councils. Communities want local planning decisions in local hands, and the new planning system should provide increased independence and responsibility for Local Government to determine planning and developments at a local level.
To view the Planning Review Panel’s Issues Paper, visit www.planningreview.nsw.gov.au/IssuesPaper/tabid/117/Default.aspx.
