The LGAQ has reiterated local councils’ opposition to any move to introduce development assessment panels in Queensland following news that the NSW Government may seek to install mandatory panels in that state to determine high value development applications.
The LGAQ Policy Executive resolved to write to the Planning Institute of Australia outlining its opposition to the mandatory introduction of externally appointed development assessment panels to determine development approvals.
The Policy Executive also reinforced LGAQ policy that decision making for development applications must remain with local government.
Development assessment panels are an increasing feature of planning policy debates in other states despite fierce opposition to the introduction by local government bodies.