Local Planning Panel Community Representatives
About the Panel
The panel aims to increase integrity and accountability in the planning system, safeguard against corruption, and lead to better planning outcomes.
The panel makes decisions on sensitive, complex and contentious development applications that come before council, as well as more straight forward development applications.
Our Local Planning Panel has 4 members. The panel includes a chair, nominated by the Minister for Planning, 2 expert members selected by Council and approved by the Minister for Planning, and a community representative selected by Council.
The role of the community representative is to ensure local insights and knowledge are considered as part of the panel’s decision-making.
Who Can Apply?
Council welcomes expressions of interest from:
• Residents of the Hornsby Shire local area.
• A community member that understands the Hornsby Shire Local Area and issues of concern to the local community.
• No planning expertise is required.
Please note, councillors, property developers and real estate agents are ineligible to apply.
About the Role
• Membership of the panel is for up to three years.
• Community representatives are required to attend panel meetings. There are approximately 11 meetings a year.
• We intend to have 4 community representatives who will alternate across meetings, and each can expect to attend approximately 3 meetings a year.
• Payment rates are set by the Minister for Planning. Community representatives are currently paid $600 plus GST for each meeting.
Selection Criteria
• Are a current resident in the local government area.
• Understand the Hornsby Shire local area and issues of concern to the local community.
Have the capacity to form independent views and to contribute constructively to the determination of applications.
• Can demonstrate a basic level of understanding of the planning system. For example, knowledge of the Council’s Local Environment Plan, Development Control Plan, Local Strategic Planning Statement, and Community Strategic Plan.
• Are committed to following the Code of Conduct for Local Planning Panel Members and the Local Planning Panels Operational Procedures and attending local planning panel meetings and completing panel business in required timeframes.