The Western Australian Planning Minister John Day has announced the appointment of 531 local government members to Development Assessment Panels (DAP) across the state.

 

“Development Assessment Panels are set to become an integral part of the Western Australian planning system and local government DAP members will make the link between the vision for the State and local community views,” Mr Day said.

 

“As part of the State Government’s reform of the approvals process, these panels will in future determine development applications made under local and regional planning schemes.

 

“One of the major benefits of Development Assessment Panels is that they will enhance planning expertise in decision-making by improving the balance between technical advice and local knowledge.”

 

Each local government was invited to nominate two local government DAP members and up to two alternate (deputy) members. The alternate local government DAP members are available to the panel when a matter of quorum is reached or when a local government DAP member is unable fulfil their role because of illness, absence or unforeseen circumstances.

 

The Minister said local government DAP members ensured local panel representation when determining DAP applications within each relevant local government district.

 

“Many mayors and shire presidents will be joining the panels in these roles,” he said.

 

“Local government DAP members must be elected members and must cease their duties to the panels if not re-elected to the council.

 

“All panel members will be required to attend a mandatory training workshop on planning law and Codes of Conduct before they can sit on a development assessment panel.”

 

More information on DAPs can be found on the Department of Planning’s website: http://daps.planning.wa.gov.au