"MUMS and dads" needed more than a month to read the latest version of Sutherland Shire's draft local environmental plan, some councillors said.
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The latest version of the plan, referred to as LEP3, will go on public exhibition for 28 days after an independent review made 92 statements or recommendations on its content.
In a mayoral minute at the July 15 council meeting, mayor Steve Simpson outlined the time frame for completion.
This includes 28 days' public exhibition, planned for September 2-30, with final gazettal of the plan earmarked for December 2014.
But Shire Watch Independents councillor Peter Towell pushed for a six-week public exhibition period, arguing 28 days was not long enough for "mums and dads to make a submission".
"They need time for people to digest it, for community groups to meet, for people to get their heads around what it means," he said
But councillor Steve Simpson spoke against an extension.
"I made this as clear and transparent and collaborative as any document that has come before this council," he said.
"I've been open, frank and fair and I can do no more. We are dealing with minute changes that are open and out there."
Cr Phil Blight said 28 days was the minimum period to exhibit and the council had always given residents more time. "Not to do this creates a bias in results as the development industry understands the complex documentation and have paid people ready to comment," Cr Blight said.
"Mums and dads need time to go through hundreds of pages to find out how it impacts on their property.
"The LEP should be exhibited for at least six weeks. While we want it finalised soon, we must ensure residents have their say and are listened to. However, the timetable is unrealistic.
"The council has only allowed the state government two months to check the document when the government has said they need at least three months . . .
"Then the state election will be approaching and the minister won't want it finalised just before that."
Cr Kent Johns said 95 per cent of the LEP was agreed to by councillors, including Shire Watch Independents and Labor, in confidential sessions.
Cr Simpson accused councillors of playing politics.
"When this mayoral minute went out, not one councillor said they had any problem with it," he said.
The amendment to extend the LEP exhibition period was lost. Councillors voted for a 28-day exhibition time.
Do you think the latest version of the LEP should be exhibited for six weeks or 28 days?
