About the Strathfield Local Planning Panel
Expression of Interests are open for Strathfield Council residents to join the Strathfield Local Planning Panel (SLPP) as a Community Representative.
The Panel is composed of a chairperson, two expert members and a community representative. The community representative has an important role in terms of contributing local knowledge and experience of the issues facing Strathfield in the determination of development applications presented to the Panel.
Local Planning Panels play an important role in the determination of development applications and modification applications involving a range of development types in Strathfield. Applications are referred to the SLPP based on a range of criteria set by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. The criteria include:
- Conflict of Interest
- Contentious Developments
- Departure from Development Standards
- Sensitive Developments
The Local Planning Panel also reviews Planning Proposals in accordance with the Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline.
Commitment
The role is scheduled to commence in July 2024, for a period up to three years, with the possibility of an extension.
Generally, meetings of the Strathfield Local Planning Panel (SLPP) take place on the second Thursday of each month, unless there are no agenda items for that month, or the availability of Council’s Chair or experts is constrained and requires an alternative day.
All panel members are selected on a rotational basis, so a community representative is likely to sit at 3 or 4 panel meetings a year.
Remuneration
Panel Members are paid for attendance in accordance with renumeration set by the NSW Government.
Presently this is a minimum of $500 (plus GST) per meeting. This is inclusive of time to prepare, travel and attend the meeting. $71 per hour (plus GST) for any extra ordinary matters.
Skills and Experience
Community Representatives are not required to have Planning expertise. Community Representatives are to provide the Panel with local insights and knowledge, with the ability to act independently.
You should be confident in managing electronic documents. Future agendas and meeting papers will likely be circulated in electronic format. This will mean downloading documents from an email or share file link and accessing some information online.
Community Representatives are required to be:
- Current residents in the Strathfield LGA
- Have knowledge and awareness of the LGA, planning issues and matters of concern to the community
- Be able to demonstrate an understanding of planning processes and assessment issues
- Communicate local community interests
- Commit to attending the Panel meetings and site inspections
- Completes Panel business in required timeframes
- Be willing to adhere to the Planning Panels Operational Guidelines and Planning Panels Code of Conduct
- Complete Pecuniary Interest Form to be placed on Council's website
Eligibility
Applicants are required to be aware that under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 those ineligible to become panel members (and will not be considered) include:
- An elected Councillor of any Council
- A property developer within the meaning of section 96GB of the Election Funding, Expenditure and Disclosures Act 1981
- A real estate agent within the meaning of the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002
- Any community member that has served on the LPP for the last 6 years (two terms)
How to Apply
Submit your application through our online application process:
1. Please fill out your details below, review and answer our designated questions.
2. On the next page attach the following information before concluding your application.
- A cover letter outlining your interest and contribution to the role;
- Current Resume
All applicants must be willing to participate in and complete any probity checks as required by Council and/or the NSW Department of Planning. Such checks may include:
Public register of real estate agents checks
- Bankruptcy record check
- National Police check (ACIC)
- Conflict of Interest declaration
In line with Council's Vaccination Policy, all applicants must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Joseph Gillies, Senior Planner on 02 9748 9999 or via email at joseph.gillies@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Applications Close at 5pm, Tuesday 21 May 2024
Strathfield Council is an EEO employer. We are an inclusive employer and encourage applications from people from diverse groups, including, but not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, young people, older workers, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and other minority groups.