Newly elected members of Georges River and Bayside councils have hit out at a state government move that will stop them from ever deciding a development application.
The ban, confirmed by the Department of Planning and Environment, goes beyond what was widely understood when the government announced legislation for mandatory IHAPs (Independent Hearing and Assessment Panels) last month.
Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said in August DAs below $5 million would be determined by councils, those between $5 million and $30 million by a local IHAP, and more costly projects by a regional panel.
A department spokesman told the Leader last week councillors would not be able to determine any DA, even those under $5 million.
“This function will be performed by either the IHAP or council staff,” he said.
The spokesman said the change took effect from September 1 for councils such as Georges River and Bayside, which have IHAPs in place.
He said the changes were designed to combat corruption, and IHAPs would “bring expertise, transparency and integrity” to the system.
Former Hurstville mayor Vince Badalati, who will represent Labor on Georges River Council said, the government had “stuffed up the IHAP changes like they did the amalgamations”.
“Firstly, and this is no reflection on staff at any council across NSW, but the government is saying, ‘Councillors can’t be trusted”, so what’s to say staff can be trusted?” he said.
“Secondly, people in each ward voted for councillors to represent them. As soon as a monstrosity goes up next door to them, to whom do they turn?
“They can’t complain to staff so they will go to their councillor and be told, ‘we can’t help you’.
“Councillors will be left to look after trees and footpaths.”
Sandy Grekas, who will be an independent on Georges River Council, said she was generally supportive of IHAPs.
“IHAPs have a mechanism to give the community a voice, so there will need to be a mechanism when council staff make decisions,” she said.
Former independent Michael Nagi who stood as a Liberal for Bayside Council said, “My concern is the community will not have proper representation”.
Long-time independent Liz Barlow, who will sit on Bayside Council, said she had attended every meeting of its new IHAP and it is “absolutely brilliant”.
“But, I think smaller developments should be grass roots decisions overseen by councillors,” she said.
Labor councillor Bill Saravinovski, who will sit on on Bayside Council, said, “My strong view is the elected body should have input into what happens in their area”