Gold Coast town planning expert appointed to Lismore Panel

As part of the Lismore Flood Recovery Planning Package, the New South Wales government has announced the formation of a Lismore Local Planning Panel. The panel will be made up of independent experts and community representatives to determine development applications (DAs) on behalf of Lismore Council. The panel will also provide advice on other planning matters, including town planning proposals.

Director of Sargeant Planning, Boyd Sargeant, has been appointed by the Minister as an expert member of the panel. Mr Sargeant is acknowledged in his appointment as an expert in both planning and environment fields.

Mr Sargeant said “I’m honoured to be recognised this way and am looking forward to the role.”

“This role comes with huge responsibility,” Mr Sargeant said. “Independence in the planning process is critical. It enables you to objectively assess proposals with consideration of the relevant planning controls, legislation and comments made by both Council and submitters.”

Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, local planning panels are mandatory for all councils in Sydney, Wollongong City, Central Coast Council and Wingecarribee Shire. Panels are put in place so the assessment process for development applications (DAs) with high sensitivity or strategic importance is transparent and accountable.

Mr Sargeant has provided independent expert advice under planning panel arrangements to a number of local authorities in both New South Wales and Queensland.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg believes a new planning panel charged with overseeing future development in Lismore is a good idea. Cr Krieg has said the panel is not designed to take power away from councillors, nor to benefit big developers. He says it will help fast track projects that have been in the pipeline for many years, removing red tape to provide land for flood impacted people to relocate.

“As an expert in both town and environmental planning, I’m able to holistically consider proposals. This includes understanding and analysing the relationship between development and potential impacts on the environment,” Mr Sargeant said.

The Lismore Planning Panel commenced on 1 March 2023.