2014-02-25 Planning & Organisation Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                25 FEBRUARY 2014


BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Queensland Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) provides for a development assessment
system where, in most cases, Local Governments are the assessment managers (or decision
maker). SPA requires that the development assessment process is transparent, unbiased,
unfettered and legally correct.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION

Not previously considered by Noosa Council.

REPORT

The proposed Council policy reflects current legislative provisions and expectations for officers
as well as Councillors. The policy provides Councillors and officers with guidelines for their
involvement in discussions with parties having an interest in any particular development proposal
or development application. It spells out both guiding principles as well as specific instructions
for every phase of the development assessment process. Particularly it seeks to ensure
Councillors do not “pre-determine” a proposed development before they have received the
appropriate reports and recommendations of officers.

FINANCE & RISK

There are no financial implications. Adoption of and adherence to this policy will mitigate the risk
of Council’s development process being subject to challenge due to bias or other procedural
irregularities.

CONSULTATION

External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Nil.


Internal Consultation
In preparation of this policy consultation has occurred with the Planning and Development
section and the Executive Office.

Departments/Sections Consulted:

    Community Infrastructure                   x   Community & Development
    Asset Planning & Delivery                      Community Services
    Civil Operations                               Planning & Development
    Environmental Services                         Health & Regulatory Services
    Waste Management                               Business Facilitation
                                                   Community Resilience & Disaster Management


x   Executive Office                               Organisational Services
    Communications & Governance                    Financial Services
    Human Resources                                ICT
    De-amalgamation Coordination                   Property & Contracts




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