Transcript Document
‘FROM THE TOP’
VPELA Presentation Kathy Mitchell, Chief Panel Member 11 June 2014
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Introduction
Relevant Legislation Types of Referrals Key matters in the past 12 months PPV ‘in house’ Issues Updates to Planning and Environment Act 1987 – impacts on PPV
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Applicable Legislation
Planning Scheme Amendments: s153, s155 Planning and Environment Act 1987 Combined Planning Scheme Amendment and Permit Applications: Planning and Environment Act 1987 s96B, s153, s155 Advisory Committees: a new s152 Planning and Environment Act 1987 s151, and EES Inquiries: Environment Effects Act 1989 Major Transports Projects: 2009, s35 and s235 Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act
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Types of Matters generally Considered
Planning Scheme amendments – 80% of workload: 130 – 150 cases per year Combined Amendments and Permits – varies 10 to 20 per year Advisory Committees and Standing Advisory Committees – varies from five to eight per year Environment Effects Inquiries: up to five per year Major Transport Projects: one to date, potentially three in 2015
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Residential Zones SAC
Terms of Reference – issued 28 January 2014, updated 7 May 2014 Two PSA processes – Frankston (not supported) and Geelong (generally supported) 14 Councils for Stage 1 process – report due 19 June Stage 2 – commencing in July
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19 14 1,566 12 42 432
Residential Zones SAC
Members
(one Chair, 6 Deputy Chairs, 12 Members)
Planning Schemes
(metro and regional)
Submissions Hearings Days of Hearings Requests to be heard
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Moonee Valley Racecourse Redevelopment
Advisory Committee appointed to assist resolve issues between Moonee Valley Council and Moonee Valley Racecourse Terms of Reference with four clear stages of work Early involvement re how and in what form two Amendments should be placed on exhibition (redevelopment proposal and heritage) Interim report issued that highlighted range of issues to be addressed through the Amendment and by the Council and Club Public hearing process over 4 weeks in September, report issued in December
Surf Coast C66
8 Amongst other matters, where should the town boundary be in Torquay? Spring Creek identified as future growth area since 1980s Following on from the ‘Red Shirt’ community movement, Council changed its strategic planning direction Amendment sought to change the boundary from Spring Creek, west of Duffield Road - 537 submissions, 14 day hearing Panel supported non-contentious elements of Amendment, and while acknowledging significant community concern, it reaffirmed the long held strategic planning approach and vision for Torquay Council rejected Panel recommendation, area rezoned to Urban Growth via s20(4) Amendment
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Wyndham C171 and C172
Westbrook and Ballan Road PSPs
1137ha; approximately 11,000 dwellings 57 submissions, 8 day hearing Key issues: public open space; the Wyndham Transport and Land Release Strategy; housing; road cross sections; the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy; and land encumbered by flooding.
Wyndham C175, C176, Wyndham North DCP, 9 s96a permit applications
2193ha; approximately 21,000 dwellings over two precincts DCP includes $750 million worth of projects over four precincts Nine planning permits covering approximately 25% of the precincts 94 submissions; 24 day hearing 10 Sequencing of development and public open space; regional open space; biodiversity and conservation; timing of infrastructure; subdivision design; design and location of activity centres; design and location of public open space and community facilities; road and bridge design; and access issues.
Road and intersection design; project priorities; scope creep; treatment of rail crossings; treatment of small waterway crossings; allowance for open space; apportionment; land valuation methodology; and project costing methodology.
Macedon Ranges C66
11 First review of MSS since late 1990s and implementation of Settlement Strategy Panel support for proposed hierarchy of settlements, but questioned basis of population levels Level of growth in Woodened and response to proposals for extending the town particularly contentious Interim report issued to provide guidance on revisions and restructuring of MSS Council undertook extensive post hearing consultation, brought it back to Panel and after a one day hearing, report finalised
East West Link
12 Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009 Used for ‘declared’ projects, first used for East West Link Comprehensive Impact Statement Terms of Reference for appointed Assessment Committee (6 members) Act prescriptive re procedure, timing (of all aspects of the hearing process and report delivery), consideration of issues 30 hearing days (LMA, 5 Councils, 7 MPs, 70 organisations, 170 individuals, 37 experts) 528 tabled documents, 30 day write up External advisers, Legal counsel assisting – very strong and positive roles
PPV ‘In House’ Issues
13 Privacy re submissions – primary and secondary purpose Conflicts of interest – how does PPV manage this?
Selection and number of members for various matters – whose call? Guidelines – submission of expert evidence Directions Hearing – procedural, evidence, issues Transformation of amendments - how is the call made? Continuity of Members on like matters – potential conflict or might certain members be seen to have preconceived opinions?
Updates to PE Act – Specific Relevance to PPV
Introduced into Act on 28 0ctober 2013, included key reforms: Mandatory consideration of social and economic effects when preparing PSA : s12(2)(c) “ must take into account its social effects and economic effects ” (previously said may) – unknown impacts, but for example, may impact on consideration of heritage matters Abolished DACs, replaced with PACs: Part 4AA, s97MA – s97MI. Committee appointed – not sure if there have been any requests Proponent submissions: s24(d) – Panel appointed on basis of submissions received, technically, a loophole change 14 Referral authorities – determining or recommending: s55 (3), (4)
Updates to PE Act, cont
15 Powers of an Advisory Committee: s152 – same as Panel appt under Part 8 re directions, equity and good conscience, cross examination, right to be heard, representation ss159, 161(1), (3), (5), 162 – 165, and 169 Directions Panel: s158A and s158B – Minister may appoint Directions Panel, member(s) not required to be a member appointed to the Panel under Division 1 ss153 – s158 Immunity for Panel members: s170 - liability attaches to State – not to member of Panel if ‘done in good faith’ (change from ‘no legal proceedings’ clause)
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Upcoming Challenges
Potential for three major transport projects in 2015 – each will last for about 8 months and needs a full dedicated team, including Members and support staff Efficiency and transparency Ensuring all members provide excellent service and commitment Will trial Directions Panel in near future – if required
How is PPV Performing?
17 That is something you need to tell us, but ….
Use of Ministerial Direction No 15, set time frames, written directions, well written reports – all has led to better outcomes.
Always room for improvement – always looking to enhance overall performance PPV and industry roundtable – every 2-3 years – to be held mid 2014 (Councils, consultants, agencies, legals, independent Chair) We look forward to your comments and feedback ….