Councils launch campaign to keep planning powers
Local councils have launched their campaign to retain powers set to be stripped by the State Government’s planning reforms.
A series of radio and online advertisements unveiled by the Local Government Association (LGA) this week urge community members to express concerns about the State Government’s planning system reform Bill, currently before parliament.
LGA CEO Matt Pinnegar told InDaily this morning that the planning system was “broken” and needed change, but that cutting councils out of development assessment and other aspects of the planning system would harm the ability of local communities to have influence over planning decisions.
“We want a better, more streamlined … planning system,” said Pinnegar.
“We’ve been advocating for change for many years.
“We want a better planning system – we are not spoilers.
You might like
“(However) we’ve been disappointed with the Bill which has been produced.
“By working with us we think the government can come up with a much better planning system than we have now.
“It’s not a power play – it is reflecting what our communities are asking us to do.”
The reforms, introduced into Parliament by Planning Minister John Rau, would create regional boards with representatives from several councils, independent planners and the State Government in each region, to assess development applications. An independent planning commission would be created to oversee the regional boards.
Pinnegar said he hoped Rau could be convinced that councils should retain representation on development assessment panels and be allowed representation on the proposed planning commission.
Rau told InDaily this morning that he was open to suggested improvements to the Bill.
Stay informed, daily
However, he indicated he was not impressed by the LGA’s approach.
“Suggested improvements to the efficiency of the new system are most welcome,” Rau told InDaily this morning.
“I would encourage all interested groups to look beyond narrow self-interest and embrace good policy, which will support economic growth, investment and jobs.
“Why the LGA thinks negotiation with me is best achieved through the media when I have made it clear that I am available is a mystery.
“Perhaps negotiating an outcome is not a priority for them.”
Rau said he would be prepared to move government amendments to the Bill, however: “I am not however interested in having a major policy Groundhog Day”.
Pinnegar said he was disappointed the LGA had not been given more time to consult before the government brought the bill before parliament.
However, said Rau, “this change has been consulted upon for two years”.
“The expert panel’s report has been public knowledge for a year.”
Last week, the LGA released the results of a survey it commissioned – conducted by McGregor Tan Research – which indicated majority community support for councils to lead development assessment.
Want to see more stories from InDailySA in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDailySA as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDailySA". That's it.
