Community representatives sought for Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel

Do you have an interest in local planning and development? We’re looking for open-minded community representatives to work with industry professionals to make decisions on development applications submitted to Council.

Local Planning Panels consist of independent experts and members from the community who determine development applications on behalf of Council and provide advice on other planning matters, including planning proposals.

Panels are put in place so the process of assessment and determination of development applications (DAs) ensures probity and accountability in the planning system, safeguards against corruption, are transparent and accountable and lead to better planning outcomes.

The Panel is made up of four members – a chair with expertise in law or government and public administration, two independent professionals with expertise in urban design, planning, heritage. the environment or another related field, and one community representative from the Local Government Area.

The good news is, community representatives do not need planning expertise as the role will bring local insight and knowledge which will contribute to the Panel’s decision-making. Councillors, property developers and real estate agents are ineligible to apply.

If this sound like the role for you, we are currently looking for representatives from each of our five wards - Curl Curl, Manly, Narrabeen, Pittwater and Frenchs Forest. Successful members will be placed in a pool to attend the meetings on a roster basis.

Applicants can apply by emailing an expression of interest (attention to Peter Robinson, Executive Manager, Development Assessment) addressing the following criteria to [email protected]:

Why you would like to be part of the PanelAre you a current resident within the Northern Beaches LGADo you have an understanding of local issues of concern to the communityDo you have the capacity to form independent views and to contribute constructively to the determination of applicationsAre you able to demonstrate a basic level of understanding of the planning system, i.e. knowledge of the council’s Local Environmental Plans and Development Control Plans.Are you committed to:following the Code of Conduct for Local Planning Panel Members and the Local Planning Panels Operational Proceduresundertaking review of documentation and site inspections prior to and attending local planning panel meetings during business hours typically on Wednesdays

Applications close 5pm, Friday 30 April 2021.

Details on Local Planning Panels can be found on both the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s webpage and on Council’s webpage.