We’re looking for people living in the City of Sydney's local area to become members of our Local Planning 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.

Community representatives don't need planning expertise. The role of the community representative is to ensure local insights and knowledge are considered as part of the panel’s decision-making.

The commitment

Community representatives are required to attend panel meetings. There are about 12 meetings a year.

We intend to have 4 community representatives who will alternate across meetings and each can expect to attend around 3 meetings a year.

Selection criteria

Community representatives are selected on the basis they:

• have an understanding of the local government 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
• are able to demonstrate a basic level of understanding of the planning system. For example, knowledge of the council’s local environmental plan, development control plan, local strategic planning statement or 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.

Payment

Payment rates are set by the Minister for Planning. Community representatives are currently paid $1,500 plus GST for each meeting.

How to apply

If you’d like to know more and apply, contact one of our team members listed below.

Please note, councillors, property developers and real estate agents are ineligible to apply.

Bill Mackay – Manager, Planning Assessments

T. 02 9265 9494

E. bmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Andrew Thomas – Executive Manager Planning and Development

T. 02 9265 9616

E. athomas@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Applications close 5pm, Monday 6 March.