MEDIA RELEASE 3rd November, 2006
MAYORS MEET ON PLANNING REFORMS Mayors of the nine Cradle Coast Councils met with State planning officials in Wynyard today for initial discussions on a regional approach to coordination of local planning schemes. The meeting, facilitated by the Cradle Coast Authority, was briefed on concepts being developed by the Justice Department in response to the Better Planning Outcomes process, which commenced in November 2004. Discussion focussed on the priority areas of • consistency between planning schemes; • better alignment of State planning policies; • mechanisms to deal with projects of regional significance; and • development of regional strategies to provide better information and context for local planning decisions. State representatives confirmed that there was no intention to remove planning authority from local Councils but there was broad agreement to investigate improvements to planning on a regional basis. The Mayors will discuss issues raised in the meeting with their Councils over coming weeks and meet again later this month to confirm regional priorities for further discussion with the State.
Contact Roger Jaensch, Executive Chairman 0438 316 285