One of Council’s most difficult, and at times controversial, responsibilities is the approval of development applications. Council, under the oversight of the State Government, is responsible for adopting a Planning Scheme that lays out what development (e.g. residential, commercial, industrial) can occur where. Council is then required to approve applications in accordance with the Planning Scheme. 

There are many legislated rules around how the approval process must occur. Often, an application involves a well-meaning proponent and an equally well-meaning objector, with council being the “meat in the sandwich” and having to make a decision that not only addresses the current application but also does not unreasonably impact residents or establish an undesirable precedent.
 
As part of the development of the Economic Development and Investment Strategy, council received feedback about the importance of improving the way it deals with planning matters. Council is committed to listening to all comments and is taking steps to ensure it provides the best possible service to the community; a service which acknowledges the rights and expectations of all stakeholders, including the applicant and neighbours as well as the interests of the broader community.
 
Recently, council staff attended a course offered by the Urban Development Institute of Australia about the commercial aspects of land development, what parts of the development process are of the most concern to the development industry and what local government can do to improve the system.
 
Council is committed to the economic and environmental future of the region and is striving to improve its planning system in a way which will achieve this.

Mayor Mick Curran