The list of Chairs of the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panels for metropolitan Sydney demonstrates that quality people have been chosen for these important roles, says the Urban Taskforce.
“The Chairs of the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panels for the 34 Sydney councils certainly demonstrates a strong skill base of people who understand the planning system,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “We congratulate the Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts, on selecting such knowledgeable people to chair the panels.”
“The Urban Taskforce also acknowledges the 68 alternate Chairs who has also been announced by the NSW Government.”
“The list includes private sector planners, former assessors from the Land and Environment Court, and former council administrators (see list here.)”
“The Urban Taskforce believes these Chairs of the panels must uphold an independent position on the assessment of projects valued between $5 million and $30 million. We assume they will not be swayed by noisy community activists and will make assessments in relation to the planning rules.”
“From March 1 the new panels must publish their reasons for a decision and their response to community concerns. As part of our ‘Council Watch’ process we will be very interested to see how the panels will operate.”
“The Urban Taskforce looks forward to seeing the full list of expert and community members for all of the independent hearing and assessment panels. These will operate from 1 March 2018 so we assume the full list will be issued soon.”
Download PDF Version: Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel members have a good understanding of planning issues
